Modern Traditions

Melin Tregwynt Blankets and Cushions

As the weather gets colder and we think of snuggling up in a warm blanket and not leaving the house….

Melin Tregwynt heralds a new spirit in Welsh design with exclusive wool blankets, throws and cushions, furniture, accessories and clothing that combine authentic Welsh tradition with innovative and modern design.

A family run business since 1912, they still employ 20 local people to work in the mill. The 1980s recession saw many of the Welsh Mills close. Melin Tregwynt was lucky however. Howard’s son Eifion had come home to join the family business and began to develop markets further afield. New yarns and new designs kept the mill and its staff busy supplying customers all over the world. Their products are seen in many design-led shops and hotels worldwide. They collaborate with many well know designers such as Matthew Hilton who has produced a retro reading chair. I love the mix of tradition and craftsmanship whilst still been very current and desirable. The range is constantly been added to and new items introduced, so this niche label will carry on I feel sure for another 100 years.

We like to make things that are useful and beautiful to look at. We stock simple stylish clothing, accessories and bags, blankets, throws and cushions – all made in our own unique fabrics, together with other carefully chosen Welsh gifts, clothes and accessories innovative and modern.

http://www.melintregwynt.co.uk/ for information.

Wrap up warm….

Sara x

Carine Gilson Lingerie Couture

Wonderful Shops To See....

Carine Gilson Lingerie Couture

I love beautiful shops and interiors. Many of my favourite shops are in Paris, which is a really good excuse to take a trip to Paris….

Carine Gilson sells stunning couture lingerie; the art of perfection is second nature, using the best materials of Lyon silk and Chantilly lace. Every item is unique and hand-crafted in silk, both fluid and elegant in design.

To exhibit her couture lingerie, Carine Gilson imagined a contemporary boudoir, where the minimalist space meets the decorative spirit. The space is vibrated by continuous mirrors, offering a sensual atmosphere. Carine is a graduate in fine art from the Antwerp academy in Brussels, setting up her workshop when only 23 years old, she produced her first collection in 1994. Her collections are now available worldwide from London, Brussels, Paris, LA, New York and Tokyo and there are branches of Carine Gilson in Paris, Brussels and London.

www.carinegilson.com for more information

Sara x

Lily and Lionel Luxury Scarves

I just love scarves and I am always on the look-out for something a bit different. Lily and Lionel have made making stunning scarves for 5 years and were awarded the Walpole’s British Luxury Brand of Tomorrow in 2012.

The brand is named after Creative Director Alice Stone’s grandparents, both of whom worked in the textile industry. Lily was a dressmaker with a strong talent for designing and making clothes; Lionel supplied apparel to some of London’s most glamorous boutiques and stores. After graduating from the London College of Fashion, Alice set about making her own mark on the textiles industry with a line of iconic printed scarves.

Every hand-picked print tells a personal story: inspired by a favourite painting, holiday photograph or a vintage print. Both light weight and softly textural from the moment you wrap yourself up in a Lily and Lionel scarf you are enveloped in comfort and luxury, giving a feel-good factor to life.

A piece of art, that will keep for ever, rather than a simple accessory, as each scarf is unwrapped the colours will expand to reveal a complete story.

I have included visual examples of the current range. Go to www.lilyandlionel.com to view the collection and more information.

All the best

Sara x

Bespoke Scents And Perfumes

Ormonde Jayne- Wonderful Perfumes…

I love scents and perfumes; I think that these evoke such strong memories and passions. Although I have always worn Chanel, I do love the beautiful fragrances of Ormonde Jayne, who are based in England. Each product is passionately created by owner, Linda Pilkington and bottled and packaged by hand in her London workshop.

Ormonde Jayne, started almost by chance and at the time was little more than the passionate hobby of an uncompromising perfectionist. Linda’s interest in perfumery started as a teenager, intrigued by the passion and romance of perfume and perfume bottles. This passion led Linda to her first career, growing and selling flowers by the roadside outside her Cheshire family home. She also learnt to make scented candles and bathing oils from craft sets and courses, and created scented cushions. Linda then spent fourteen years travelling and working around the world; gaining experience working in South America, Africa and the Far East.

On returning home, Linda continued with her love of scent and began creating a collection of perfumes which were shown at a London trade show. For two consecutive years, she was awarded the first prize for style and innovation and worked with Chanel to create ‘the perfect scented candle’

 

The Ormonde Jayne perfumery opened on 30th November 2002 in London’s Old Bond Street. The philosophy is one of quality and true luxury, the pursuit of beauty and elegance.  Their perfume library reposes on one simple principle, beautiful scents using speciality oils not widely used in today’s perfume industry. Rare oils are hunted down for the men’s and women’s perfumes and these are blended with specially selected botanical extracts including orchid oil, water lily, green ginger and sea fennel to create the bath and body collection.  One of the unique services they offer is a Perfume Portrait by allowing the client to smell single notes and documenting the individual's likes and dislikes, their consultants are able to direct the customer to a perfume that exceeds their expectations.

In Linda’s own words;



“In creating Ormonde Jayne, my goal was to combine elements which I consider define true elegance: The quality of English craftsmanship, the art of French perfumery and the sensuality and natural harmony of the Orient.”

http://www.ormondejayne.com for details online and to view their London Perfumery

Ormonde Jayne, 192 Pavilion Road,  Sloane Square. London, SW3 2BF

Bye for now

Sara x

Made To Last....



Rust-Jewellery

 I love jewellery not bling or certain high street shops who charge a fortune for pieces of string with a few beads on, (I am sure you know who!) but beautiful crafted pieces that can be passed onto your children and give pleasure for years.

One of my favourite jewellery companies is RUST, who is based in London.  All their jewellery is handmade in London using traditional methods and tools by a small team of highly skilled jewellers. Not only is their work unique and beautifully crafted, I love the inventive way their pieces are displayed and the wonderful personality and sheer British-ness and sense of humour.

Nao Utsumi came to London (from his native Japan) at 18 years old with the dream of studying shoe-making at Cordwainers. However he realised he had a talent and passion for jewellery making.  He joined forces with Artemis Russell, an English fine artist and together they formed Rust.





By purchasing from RUST Jewellery, you are showing your support for British Manufacturing and are helping to keep alive the traditional techniques such has hand engraving and stone setting. Every ring is unique, as each and every one has been hand made and/or worked on using tiny chisels. You also a purchasing a beautiful, unique piece of jewellery and I am sure an antique of the future, I am not too sure that a piece of string with a few beads on will turn up on the Antiques Road show!

Also check out Artemis’s blog which is really stylish, a little bit eccentric and great fun.

http://www.junkaholique.com/

 Go to   www.rustjewellery.com for further information and to view the full collection of rings, lockets, bracelets and vintage pieces

All the Best

Sara x

Interesting Extra Bits

Jenny McCabe

The mission behind Coo & Co designs is to use natural and where possible recycled and up cycled materials. All pieces are made one at a time and by hand using water based inks which are environmentally friendly. Jenny is inspired by nature and all her work is based on her original sketches. I love her beautiful drawings and the practically as well as the design qualities of her work and its uniqueness.

Self-taught screen printer Lancaster-based fine artist, designer and maker Jenny McCabe of "Coo & Co Designs" in her own words…..

I have always been an artist; deal ways crafted and had a multitude of creative projects on the go. My formal training started with a foundation art course straight from school, then I went on to do a BTEC in Art as I didn’t want to leave the fantastically creative environment of Art school. After having my daughter and working as a community artist I finally managed to get to University to do a BA in Fine Art, but I hated it, it was far too conceptual and very anti-craft and making. I finished the degree and got good marks, but I wrestled for year with this idea that craft was bad. I tried out video-making and installations amongst loads of other things to finally come back to what I love, making something beautiful from nothing with you own hands.

Her book came out in 2013 called Hand Print and Make Your Own Bags which has 35 projects for you to have try at home or visit www.cooandco.co.uk to view Jenny’s lovely work.

Sara x