The Star’s Go-To Accessory Designer On How To Throw A Killer Party | InStyle.co.uk

Published on InStyle.co.uk, 16th November 2017

Zoom in on any red carpet pap shot and chances are the A-listers in question will be carrying an Edie Parker clutch bag. Founded in 2010 by Brett Heyman (who previously held stints in PR at Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci), her range of glitter-finish and customisable acrylic clutches have quickly gained a cult following with a client list that is as diverse as her designs, think Taylor Swift, Nicole Kidman, Lupita Nyong'O, Kate Bosworth, Rita Ora, Jourdan Dunn, Lea Michelle and Karlie Kloss to name a few.

Growing up with a love of mid century design, Brett spent her weekends scouring flea markets in LA for evening bags from the 1950s and 60s. Later, when she struggled to find styles from her favourite eras, she decided to launch her own collection in homage with a modern twist. Each clutch is sketched in New York, then the acrylic is hand-poured in Chicago using New Jersey-sourced materials, making for an all American product which is rare to say the least in the trend for fast fashion. Most recently, Brett has expanded the brand to include homeware featuring jewellery boxes, coasters and trays alongside phone cases and charms all with her quirky and humorous style detailing.

With her bags practically made for fun soirées who better to grill on how to get the party started. Here Brett talks fashion, food and breaking beds...

'I live in New York and usually walk everywhere and flats are my usual go-to. So if I put on a pair of high heels that immediately puts me in the party mood. I'm really good at purging my clothes but I always keep my shoes. I've got a lot of old Prada and Dries Van Noten that are great for partying in.'

'I like to mix up which one of my clutch bags I carry but I do have one that is my go-to. It's one of the earliest personalised ones I made. It's black and sparkly and has my initials on it in gold font. I love it because it looks just as good worn with jeans as it those for red carpet events.'

'In my clutch I'll always have a single credit card, a black liner if I’m going 'out out' and gum. They really the only essentials you need.'

'When I'm entertaining at home I always make a speciality cocktail. At our summer house in Connecticut we have lots of lime trees and mint growing in the garden. So when I'm there I'll use lots of home grown ingredients. I always do a vodka base as it has less flavour than other spirits. I'll blend it with watermelon or even just blend it with mint and lime and fresh ice. That tastes so great.'

'I don't like things to look too put together so I'll place lots of cut flowers in random jugs. I have lots from flea markets and then loads of coloured glassware too. I think once you have fresh flowers, vodka and you light a candle in the bathroom then you're good to go.'

'I have a vegetable garden so I'll get carrots or cucumbers from there to make a crudités plate and whip up a hummus to go with them. I'm also deep into cheese so will make an enormous cheese plate. Basically, if you come to a party at my house you have got to accept you can't be lactose intolerant!'

'For a daytime party I love reggae, lots of Bob Marley and then I’ll add a little Neil Diamond too. I’ve recently discovered this radio station that just plays all the late 80s and early 90s hits you miss. They really keep the mood up.'

'The best party I ever held was one we had to celebrate Edie Parker in Paris. We had it in this amazing suite in The Ritz where the balcony doors opened and overlooked the Place Vendôme. The theme was Vices & Virtues, so one half of the suite was green juices and healthy canapes and then in the bedroom we had a vodka bar and caviar. It wasn't raucous but everyone was so louche and fun. I ended up having to buy a new bed for The Ritz!'