Maisie Cousins

Smashing the Confectionary

Maisie Cousins is a London-based photographic artist who explores themes of power, femininity and indulgence through her work. Her approach to making art is often hedonistic and self-satisfying — constantly examining and redefining what’s beautiful.

For this collaboration, we wanted to do something extra special to celebrate our 40th, so we had Maisie create something entirely new from scratch — an exciting first for our Artistic License Series.

The final result? A decadent world of cakes and confections, photographed to evoke the messy-sweet experience of turning 40.

Read on for an exclusive interview with the artist who put a dreamy twist on our birthday wish.

A: Why is photography your chosen medium?

MC: I love how photography allows me to create work that blurs the line between real life and imaginary dreamscapes. No other medium is as accessible in documenting these miniature worlds I love to create.

A: How do you know which objects to photograph? How do they distinguish themselves to you?

MC: Certain objects, people and foods almost instinctively draw me in — an unusual shape, interesting texture or even just a visually intriguing item.

A: Your images feature a push and pull between desire and revulsion, beauty and grotesqueness. What compels you to explore these opposites?

MC: I think it’s something innate within us all, trying to find contrasts between everyday things and ways of thinking. Placing one object in the context of another immediately changes how it is perceived, and that is something from which I draw a great sense of enjoyment as a photographer.

A: In what ways do you challenge convention through your art?

MC: By redefining what can be considered beautiful. Placing everyday objects into alien landscapes to create an uneasy contrast between our perceived notions of “high and low”.

A: Your photos are being featured on special 40th anniversary bags. Is there any reaction or feeling you’re hoping to incite?

MC: A sense of joy!

A: What’s some good advice you’ve received as an artist?

MC: Art doesn’t have to be serious to be sincere.

A: In a sentence — what’s your goal as an artist?

MC: To stay true to my vision.

The Artistic License Series

A love of great art has been central to our brand since its inception in 1984. But in 2005, we formalized that love by launching our Artistic License Series, a program through which we collaborate with artists to showcase their work in our boutiques, online and on our bags.

We love finding artists who push norms and inspire us with cutting-edge work. Each year, we aim to feature art completely different from what we’ve ever shown. Photography, oil painting, claymation, illustration, flower-splicing — we’re into it all, and we hope you are too.

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This Art Could Be Yours

We’ve printed a very limited number of bags featuring Maisie’s special birthday-edition photography. Get them in select boutiques before they run out.