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    1. Style

    You can legit make a difference by buying this bag

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone
    Published 6 September 2019 In Features

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    You might have missed the news, but iconic British handbag designer Sophie Hulme has sadly decided to close her brand due to two very rare medical conditions.

    She said in a statement, 'I have been battling with two very rare medical conditions. Over the years they have become increasingly problematic so, after some difficult deliberation, I have decided to close the company after eleven years in business.

    'It was an extremely tough decisions and it is with a heavy heart that I have had to make it. However, it is undoubtedly the right one. Ultimately my health, and its impact on my family, has to be my priority, especially now I have a little boy to think about.'

    The designer suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of connective tissue disorders that can cause symptoms including joint hyper-mobility and pain, migraines, fragile skin and more. She is also battling the so-called Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, or KLS, which causes times of excessive sleep where the person can be unconscious for days or weeks on end.

    This hasn't stopped Sophie from launching her last autumn/winter collection, as well as a limited edition collection later this year, and this is where you can make a difference.

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    For each handbag sold, the brand will donate 10% of the price to the charities that help other people with these conditions.

    We've also been given a special code, MARIECLAIRE10, and when you enter it at checkout, Sophie Hulme will donate an extra 10% to the charities.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Here are my favourites from the last collection.

    Shop now: Mocha Knot Shoulder for £650 from Sophie Hulme

    Shop now: Ice Blue Ice Cream Square Albion for £550 from Sophie Hulme

    Shop now: Blush Small Bolt for £495 from Sophie Hulme

    Sophie added, 'I have absolutely loved having this brand. It has allowed me to do amazing things and meet and work with incredible people over the years. It has been a privilege to have so many interesting and ticketed people show so much loyalty to me and the brand. I would particularly like to thank my team who have all worked so hard ad been so supportive over the years.'

    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
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    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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