Melbourne accessories label Erstwilder has appointed former Kmart accessories buyer Catherine Bowers as its new head of design.
Bowers joined the label in February and brings over two decades of accessories experience to her role, having also served at Myer and The Accessory Company throughout her career.
According to Erstwilder, one of the key reasons for Bowers' move to the label was to join an eCommerce-led business, which she believes is the future of retail.
While influenced by the future, Bowers said that she is also inspired by the past - an inspiration which is set to be reflected in the brand's approach moving forward.
"I have early childhood memories of loving accessories, playing dress-ups with my nana's jewellery.
"My grandma travelled a lot in the 70s and 80s, picking up an incredible and eclectic collection of beads and charms, pins, clips and brooches from around the world.
"She also had an amazing handbag, hat, glove, scarf and shoe collection, which I have been lucky enough to inherit," she said.
The first instalment of Bowers' influence on Erstwilder will come in the form of the brand's future vision for its new line of designer bags.
The first range of Erstwilder bags is set to launch on March 23.