We invited a special group of Style Influencers to come and take a little tour around our Damson Madder x tkdcincinnati project space and put together a shopping list of their favourite pieces from the collaboration. Here they show us how they'll be styling them for Autumn.
We invited a special group of Style Influencers to come and take a little tour around our Damson Madder x tkdcincinnati project space and put together a shopping list of their favourite pieces from the collaboration. Here they show us how they'll be styling them for Autumn.
Hope wears the denim Tilly Gilet (size S) with the Gretchen Blouse (size 8), the Pinstripe Denim Cargo Pants (size 10 for an oversized fit) and the Frill Edge Ruched Tote Bag.
Hope wears the Bluebelle Midi Dress (size 8) styled with the Becksondergaard Suede Danita Bag and the Shoe The Bear Maxine Slingbacks.
Hope wears the denim Tilly Gilet (size S) with the Gretchen Blouse (size 8), the Pinstripe Denim Cargo Pants (size 10 for an oversized fit) and the Frill Edge Ruched Tote Bag.
Hope wears the Bluebelle Midi Dress (size 8) styled with the Becksondergaard Suede Danita Bag and the Shoe The Bear Maxine Slingbacks.
Monica wears the Ariana Blouse (size 12) with the Dion Jeans in Dirty Vintage Wash (size 12) and the Shoe The Bear Maxine Slingbacks.
Look 1: Monica wears the Tilly Leopard Gilet (size 14 for an oversized fit) and Valentine Reversible Liner jacket (size 10) styled with the Agolde Harper jeans (size 28) and Shoe The Bear Erika Saddle Loafers. Look 2: Monica wears the Louis Double Collar Blouse (size 12) styled with the Agolde Harper Jeans and the Ruched Kidney Bag in silver satin.
Monica wears the Ariana Blouse (size 12) with the Dion Jeans in Dirty Vintage Wash (size 12) and the Shoe The Bear Maxine Slingbacks.
Look 1: Monica wears the Tilly Leopard Gilet (size 14 for an oversized fit) and Valentine Reversible Liner jacket (size 10) styled with the Agolde Harper jeans (size 28) and Shoe The Bear Erika Saddle Loafers. Look 2: Monica wears the Louis Double Collar Blouse (size 12) styled with the Agolde Harper Jeans and the Ruched Kidney Bag in silver satin.
Polly wears the Diana quilted jacket (size 12) and the leopard Rafe Pant (size 8) with the Frill Edge Ruched Tote Bag.
Polly wears the Rhea dress (size 10) with the denim Tilly gilet (size 10) and the gingham Kidney bag.
Polly wears the Diana quilted jacket (size 12) and the leopard Rafe Pant (size 8) with the Frill Edge Ruched Tote Bag.
Polly wears the Rhea dress (size 10) with the denim Tilly gilet (size 10) and the gingham Kidney bag.
Look 1: Kirsty wears the Aubrey Quilted Coat (size 10) with the Romeo Blouse (size 10).
Look 2: Kirsty wears the Gretchen Blouse (size 8) with the Frill Shoulder Bag.
Kirsty wears the Dakota Midi Dress (size 10) styled with the Frill Shoulder Bag.
Kirsty wears the Dakota Midi Dress (size 10) styled with the Frill Shoulder Bag.
Look 1: Kirsty wears the Aubrey Quilted Coat (size 10) with the Romeo Blouse (size 10).
Look 2: Kirsty wears the Gretchen Blouse (size 8) with the Frill Shoulder Bag.
DAMSON MADDER
Aubrey Coat - SOLD OUT
Another season. Another fashion shoot. Such is the life of tkdcincinnati. Welcome to AW24 Womenswear and stories of warmth, colour, exuberance and not a little elegant sophistication.
There's a traditional British feel to AW24 with a charming mix of tweed, fairisle, satin, corduroy and velvet.
Finest fabrics, subtle detailing and delicate embroidery whisper elegant simplicity for Autumn 24.
Denim. Everyone’s wardrobe essential. These are the key jeans styles for the season and the keys to styling them.
Our favourite looks for cosy Autumn daywear featuring beautiful knits: by turns simple, pretty, bold and joyous.
As ever, thanks to these hugely talented, unflappable and lovely individuals:
Amy Brooker - Photographer
Carolyn Jones - Producer
Simeon Leeder - Videographer
Annie Newton - Stylist
Roisin Bani-Sadr - Make up
And everyone back at the shop without whom this would have been quite simply impossible.
We layer our jewellery. We layer our knitwear. And now we’re learning how to layer our fragrance. And why.
Yep. For serious money, you could make a trip to Grasse in your private jet and commission a bespoke perfume from a named nose for your very own self. Or, and here we can help, you could learn the subtle art of layering multiple fragrances to create an exclusive, personalised scent. Our sniff workshop (a morning staff meeting refashioned as a fragrance testing laboratory) led us to think about what layering might elicit. And Bon Parfumeur, with their very favourable pricing and wonderfully clear olfactory notes, is the perfect place to start.
Fragrance layering, with historic origins in the Middle East, is a way of combining more than one scent on your skin to create unique aromas and more complex and intriguing fragrances. Given that individuality is key, the art of layering is very much not an exact science. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and don’t necessarily think there will be any single finished and final aroma. You can adjust the intensity of the fragrance by adding or subtracting layers depending on the occasion. It’s a little bit like dressing down for work and getting dolled up for the evening.
It’s not just your perfume that carries a smell. Think about your moisturiser as the base layer and make sure this works with, rather than against, your layering plans. Or go fragrance free for a neutral base. As a general rule of thumb, heavier scents should be sprayed first so they don’t overpower their lighter counterparts.
One important factor is moisture. Dry skin won't hold on to an aroma as well as hydrated skin because the scent has nothing to adhere to. By introducing moisture back into the skin, first by ensuring the skin is prepped to combat natural dryness and then by adding a hydrating lotion while the skin is still damp, you can create the perfect canvas for scents to cling to. To properly layer, be sure to start with creamy consistencies as a base, followed by oils, and topped with alcohol-based fragrances last.
Our pick of the very best moisture-boosting bases:
Find a fairly unfussy fragrance that is built around a typical base note like vanilla or musk, then layer something with more complexity on top.
Try to combine two fragrances that have a common note — jasmine, for instance — and go from there. Or combine different types of floral scents to gain confidence before you start experimenting with citrus and other notes.
You don’t have to spray one on top of the other. If you prefer, use different pulse points for each.
Given the complexity of each fragrance, limit the layering of Bon Parfumeur to two different perfumes.
Have fun and experiment! But give the experiment 30 minutes to mature on your skin so that you have a true gauge of whether you like the result.
Find a fairly unfussy fragrance that is built around a typical base note like vanilla or musk, then layer something with more complexity on top.
Try to combine two fragrances that have a common note — jasmine, for instance — and go from there. Or combine different types of floral scents to gain confidence before you start experimenting with citrus and other notes.
You don’t have to spray one on top of the other. If you prefer, use different pulse points for each.
Given the complexity of each fragrance, limit the layering of Bon Parfumeur to two different perfumes.
Have fun and experiment! But give the experiment 30 minutes to mature on your skin so that you have a true gauge of whether you like the result.
THE TIMELESS AND FRESH DUO
THE EASY BREEZY DUO
THE
TIMELESS & FRESH
DUO
THE
EASY BREEZY
DUO
Sun's out. It's time to plan your sunglasses game with A. Kjaerbede (AK for ease, as our Danish pronunciation isn't all that). SS24 sees tkdcincinnati go all out with more brand new styles and colours from the relatively approachable to the marvellously fashion forward. UV 400 protection (filters out 99% of UVA and UVB rays) and polycarbonate lenses as standard for the very lucky price of £29.95.
Check out our handy guide to the styles below.
e.g. (L) 47 - (T) 138 - (B) 25mm
Lens:
Temple:
Bridge:
Lens:
Temple:
Bridge:
Style: Smooth and curved
Size: 47 - 138 - 25
Available Colours:
Style: Rounded frame with extra body to the sides
Size: 55 - 145 - 22
Available Colours:
Style: Big frames with double bridge
Size: 57 - 145 - 19
Available Colours:
Style: Large and wide frame
Size: 51 - 152 - 23
Available Colours:
Style: Round cat eye with angular edges
Size: 53 - 145 - 25
Available Colours:
Style: Bigger yet narrow, round yet linear
Size: 54 - 132 - 20
Available Colours:
Style: Large lenses, curved upper frame
Size: 54 - 145 - 23
Available Colours:
Style: Rounded corners, square lenses
Size: 51 - 145 - 24
Available Colours:
Iconic British brand Rixo is making a very welcome and long overdue return to tkdcincinnati. Founded by best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, Rixo is known for its beautiful handpainted floral prints, the founders’ obsessive love of vintage fashion and their joyful celebration of the dress.
The Spring Summer 24 collection is titled In the Spirit of Palm Beach. Synonymous with old world glamour and new world sophistication, this is the seaside playground of the rich and famous. Rixo’s board focusses on the heyday of the town, celebrated by photographer Slim Aarons in the late 60s: a world of Vanderbilts, Pulitzers and Kennedys in perfect dresses by Emilio Pucci and Halston.
Don’t expect a slavish Sixties Florida experience at tkdcincinnati. There is also a particularly English flowery feeling to our selection. We’re introducing lots of Orlagh’s handpainted watercolour prints inspired by 1930s florals (seen to absolutely glorious effect with the Florida and Emory dresses) as well as the Amelie print, adapted from a mid century clutch purse. The Ayla, a long sleeved pieced dress, references Ozzie Clarke’s 1970s designs and gives the floral motif a more modern aesthetic. Rixo’s founders are the ultimate fashion magpies.
Iconic British brand Rixo is making a very welcome and long overdue return to tkdcincinnati. Founded by best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, Rixo is known for its beautiful handpainted floral prints, the founders’ obsessive love of vintage fashion and their joyful celebration of the dress.
The Spring Summer 24 collection is titled In the Spirit of Palm Beach. Synonymous with old world glamour and new world sophistication, this is the seaside playground of the rich and famous. Rixo’s board focusses on the heyday of the town, celebrated by photographer Slim Aarons in the late 60s: a world of Vanderbilts, Pulitzers and Kennedys in perfect dresses by Emilio Pucci and Halston.
Don’t expect a slavish Sixties Florida experience at tkdcincinnati. There is also a particularly English flowery feeling to our selection. We’re introducing lots of Orlagh’s handpainted watercolour prints inspired by 1930s florals (seen to absolutely glorious effect with the Florida and Emory dresses) as well as the Amelie print, adapted from a mid century clutch purse. The Ayla, a long sleeved pieced dress, references Ozzie Clarke’s 1970s designs and gives the floral motif a more modern aesthetic. Rixo’s founders are the ultimate fashion magpies.
Second seasons with new brands can sometimes be like difficult second albums. No such worries with Skall Studio. Following the success of AW23, SS24 promises the same meticulous attention to detail; the same understated elegance; the same aspirational wearability. But segued into new styles befitting Spring and Summer.
Skall Studio is a Danish sustainable fashion brand, established in 2014 by two sisters, Julie and Marie Skall. Rooted in the coastal area of North Jutland the family name Skall (coincidentally and fortuitously translating as ‘seashell’) has become synonymous with the core values that personify the label. With a vegetarian lifestyle, no use of leather or fur in the collections (which is surprisingly rare in Denmark) and a general sustainable and conscious approach to design and development, this is a collection of apparently effortless elegance in which quality is never compromised.
In keeping with its ethical credentials, each Skall collection runs seamlessly into the next and each piece is designed to form part of an everlasting, evolving wardrobe. There are no jarring changes in design approach and no radical shifts between SS and AW. Signature detailing and fabrication will become familiar, and beloved. Spring 24 has a strong utility feel and moves into a more pretty aesthetic for Summer proper.
The Claudia pant and O’Keefe shirt (more of a deconstructed jacket) form the basis of a simple workwear introduction to the season. Pair with the classic Andy tee and signature Margrethe or Campa knits. Ditsy florals (on grown up deepest navy ground) in Caroline top, Dagny skirt and Carole dress are introduced for February (perfect for the transition to warmer weather). Perennial Edgar shirt makes an appearance in Blossom Pink. All just lovely.
Skall uses Danish wool, RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified wool, organic cotton, linen from regenerative agriculture in Europe and recycled cotton, wool and cashmere. The company, and their main suppliers are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, making the production process completely traceable.
A chance meeting in a beautiful showroom in Place des Vosges (I know. Our cross to bear) and we find ourselves compelled to welcome a new, and very lovely, brand to tkdcincinnati.
Working on the winning premise that clothes should inspire delight, this is a collection which is playful, without being silly; functional without being too sensible; colourful without being hectic. The brand’s broad handwriting is great shapes, wearable pieces and interesting fabrics with a real feeling for print. But touches of eccentric detailing mark it out as something very special. Hunter describes the collection as “sophisticated, feminine clothing for the individualist”. Expect a full service wardrobe (day to night, mix and match) at once streetwise and whimsical. Hunter Bell is an American brand, founded in 2006.
Hunter Bell (yep, she’s a real person), having started her studies in Interior Design, switched to fashion at the University of Alabama and Parsons in New York. She cut her womenswear teeth interning and working as an assistant designer with US brands Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Taylor before founding her eponymous label from her Manhattan apartment in 2006 (she has since relocated to Texas). The collections are designed and made in the US.
Hunter Bell (yep, she’s a real person), having started her studies in Interior Design, switched to fashion at the University of Alabama and Parsons in New York. She cut her womenswear teeth interning and working as an assistant designer with US brands Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Taylor before founding her eponymous label from her Manhattan apartment in 2006 (she has since relocated to Texas). The collections are designed and made in the US.
This season’s collection is inspired by London, and particularly the capital’s iconic women. Hunter Bell cites Princess Diana, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Birkin, Twiggy and the late Queen Elizabeth as inspiration: women who embody confidence, energy and a singular approach to fashion. We loved the cheering range of fabrications which conjured different aspects of British culture. AW23 has a sublime dressing up box aesthetic; heavy upholstery weight fabric skirts in bold checkerboard, teamed with crisp cotton tops in a 1930s inspired print (are we wrong to be feeling a little bit Mitford girls?); outsize check wool jacket or horizontal striped coat paired with the prettiest chintzy Colefax-like floral dress; a quilted patchwork pattern skirt with the cutest monochrome gingham top. There’s a lovely interplay of rural and urban; dress up and dress down; modern and vintage. The collection moves beautifully and seamlessly from vicarage to stately home to 1960s Kings Road without missing a beat.
You shall have it all. Each piece works perfectly on its own. The Alexis skirt can be teamed with a plain black knit and boots; the Cambridge coat is your favourite piece of outerwear over jeans and trainers; the Lydia top is the perfect party/daytime/work blouse for all occasions. But it is in the mixing and matching of prints and styles that this collection really comes alive. Open up the dressing up box and climb in.
We sat down with our lovely friends Denise and Jane, founders of Jumper 1234, and asked them all those burning cashmere questions that we need answered.
It is one of the finest fabrics in the world, produced by cashmere goats. It is 8 times warmer than lambswool. Our Mongolian production uses 100% A grade cashmere. The hairs are 20% longer than that from goats from other regions. Cashmere is only collected once a year in Spring by the nomadic herdsmen who look after their small flocks. When the goats moult they are combed by hand. No electricity is used, they are never stripped and it is a natural process. They are traditionally skinny animals and would freeze in the Winter without their coats, hence concerns over cheap mass produced cashmere where goats are stripped earlier in the year, leaving them vulnerable to cold. Temperatures can reach -50 so they definitely need their coats for as long as possible.
Labour intensity; animal welfare and quality of the yarn (see above!). ‘No animal was harmed in the process of making’ is actually true of a Jumper sweater. The price you pay will tell you how well the animal was looked after and also what type of hair was used. Our cashmere hair is separated into coarse and fine. The coarse hair is used domestically (in Mongolia) for duvets and other products. The remaining 10% of white hair is what we use to dye and make up into our jumpers.
Labour intensity; animal welfare and quality of the yarn (see above!). ‘No animal was harmed in the process of making’ is actually true of a Jumper sweater. The price you pay will tell you how well the animal was looked after and also what type of hair was used. Our cashmere hair is separated into coarse and fine. The coarse hair is used domestically (in Mongolia) for duvets and other products. The remaining 10% of white hair is what we use to dye and make up into our jumpers.
Labour intensity; animal welfare and quality of the yarn (see above!). ‘No animal was harmed in the process of making’ is actually true of a Jumper sweater. The price you pay will tell you how well the animal was looked after and also what type of hair was used. Our cashmere hair is separated into coarse and fine. The coarse hair is used domestically (in Mongolia) for duvets and other products. The remaining 10% of white hair is what we use to dye and make up into our jumpers.
Cashmere should be washed inside out using shampoo or wool washing liquid. Yes. Shampoo. It’s hair. Preferably something without parabens. Washing removes the long fibres that rub together and pill. You can wash the majority of our cashmere on a wool wash in a machine with a low spin or by hand. Shape and dry flat.
Moths are the curse of cashmere. Never store when not clean, moths are attracted to food spills and smells. Try to store in sealed bags or with cedar balls and moth repellents. And we do offer a visible darning service if you’re plagued by the pests. Or you could sign up to tkdcincinnati’s darning workshop and learn the skill yourself!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Mizuno. If you’re looking for a new trainer from a brand with historic credentials, performance chops and a certain under the radar credibility, look no further.
Founded by brothers Rihachi and Rizo, Mizuno started life in Osaka in 1906, selling Western baseball wear in an effort to promote Japanese interest in the brothers' favourite American sport. By 1913 they were producing their own branded equipment and sports apparel. By 1933 they were making golf clubs (which remain a core part of the business today). Their commitment to innovation is key to Mizuno’s enduring success. The establishment in 1938 of the Select Scientific Laboratory (now known as the Technology Development Division) made clear their intention to marry science, function and design. Subsequent iterations of the company saw them producing gliders (I know, talk about brand extension) to celebrate their 30th anniversary and military artillery to support Japan’s war effort during WWII.
Founded by brothers Rihachi and Rizo, Mizuno started life in Osaka in 1906, selling Western baseball wear in an effort to promote Japanese interest in the brothers' favourite American sport. By 1913 they were producing their own branded equipment and sports apparel. By 1933 they were making golf clubs (which remain a core part of the business today). Their commitment to innovation is key to Mizuno’s enduring success. The establishment in 1938 of the Select Scientific Laboratory (now known as the Technology Development Division) made clear their intention to marry science, function and design. Subsequent iterations of the company saw them producing gliders (I know, talk about brand extension) to celebrate their 30th anniversary and military artillery to support Japan’s war effort during WWII.
1906
Rihachi Mizuno and his younger brother Rizo found MIZUNO Brothers Ltd. in Osaka.
1907
Rihachi Mizuno, impressed by the baseball culture of the United States, began producing baseball wear in an effort to spread this sport in Japan.
1910
This is the first pair of baseball shoes Mizuno worked on. Initially, they did not have spikes as the current models do.
1928
Start manufacturing of track and field cleats. The materials used were leather and long, heavy pins used as spikes.
1906
Rihachi Mizuno and his younger brother Rizo found MIZUNO Brothers Ltd. in Osaka.
1907
Rihachi Mizuno, impressed by the baseball culture of the United States, began producing baseball wear in an effort to spread this sport in Japan.
1910
This is the first pair of baseball shoes Mizuno worked on. Initially, they did not have spikes as the current models do.
1928
Start manufacturing of track and field cleats. The materials used were leather and long, heavy pins used as spikes.
1940
Mizuno's type 301 Soarer glider sets new records for altitude and flight duration.
1947
Start manufacturing of tennis rackets. Immediately after World War II, Mizuno started producing tennis rackets on a trial basis at its own plant.
1972
Launch of M-Line shoes, which made a big splash around the world.
1981
First appearance of the Runbird. Called "Runbird" for its shape, it is currently used as Mizuno's corporate logo.
1940
Mizuno's type 301 Soarer glider sets new records for altitude and flight duration.
1947
Start manufacturing of tennis rackets. Immediately after World War II, Mizuno started producing tennis rackets on a trial basis at its own plant.
1972
Launch of M-Line shoes, which made a big splash around the world.
1981
First appearance of the Runbird. Called "Runbird" for its shape, it is currently used as Mizuno's corporate logo.
1991
These cleats helped establishing the then new world record of 9.86 seconds for 100m in Tokyo.
1994
Three-time Formula One World Champion was introduced to Mizuno.
1999
FIFA World Player of the year and Ballon d'Or with Mizuno. Engineered boot specifically created for the 2002 World Cup.
2011
Mizuno partners with the Osaka Marathon.
1991
These cleats helped establishing the then new world record of 9.86 seconds for 100m in Tokyo.
1994
Three-time Formula One World Champion was introduced to Mizuno.
1999
FIFA World Player of the year and Ballon d'Or with Mizuno. Engineered boot specifically created for the 2002 World Cup.
2011
Mizuno partners with the Osaka Marathon.
Without wishing to sound too shallow, trainer brands often rely quite heavily on their logos (it’s pretty hard for anyone to use stripes without the Germans getting quite litigious and the Americans are generally strong in their deployment of the tick police). Prior to RunBird, Mizuno had used a large ‘M’ but (perhaps there was a touch of lawyerly advice) felt that it was a little similar to a competitor’s parallel lines. A statement from CEO Kenjiro Mizuno clarified the brief:
"The universe expands boundlessly and stores and radiates energy. I hope that sports would expand wider and wider and that Mizuno also would store energy and bring its capabilities into full play, the final design is inspired by planetary orbits and representative of the Japanese concept of a universal approach to sports with unlimited space and energy (Hmmm. Unlimited. They haven’t seen me run!)."
THE WAVE RIDER BETA
The Wave Rider Beta is a tribute to one of Mizuno’s true icons: the Wave Rider (a proper running shoe for everyone from recent adopters and enthusiastic marathon eventers).
THE CONTENDER
(An archive silhouette that comes straight from the 1995 running catalogue). This is a lightweight style characterized by stability and support, originally created for entry level runners who were looking for a well cushioned shoe suitable to run on or off road.
THE WAVE RIDER BETA
The Wave Rider Beta is a tribute to one of Mizuno’s true icons: the Wave Rider (a proper running shoe for everyone from recent adopters and enthusiastic marathon eventers).
THE CONTENDER
(An archive silhouette that comes straight from the 1995 running catalogue). This is a lightweight style characterized by stability and support, originally created for entry level runners who were looking for a well cushioned shoe suitable to run on or off road.
THE WAVE RIDER BETA
The Wave Rider Beta is a tribute to one of Mizuno’s true icons: the Wave Rider (a proper running shoe for everyone from recent adopters and enthusiastic marathon eventers).
ML87
From Mizuno’s 1980’s archive and is a reproduction of the “AIR MEDAL SX” running shoe which first hit the market in 1987. All the colour ways perfectly represent the Mizuno mood of that time.
THE WAVE RIDER BETA
The Wave Rider Beta is a tribute to one of Mizuno’s true icons: the Wave Rider (a proper running shoe for everyone from recent adopters and enthusiastic marathon eventers).
ML87
From Mizuno’s 1980’s archive and is a reproduction of the “AIR MEDAL SX” running shoe which first hit the market in 1987. All the colour ways perfectly represent the Mizuno mood of that time.
We sit down with founder Alice Blofeld and find out a bit more about the life of a London jewellery designer.
I like to think of our pieces as timeless classics blended with a modern and contemporary twist. I want them to be as relevant today as in five or ten years’ time. We design both delicate everyday jewellery items as well as large, bold statement pieces, but our speciality is our handcrafted glass jewellery. I really feel this is a unique aesthetic which I haven’t seen any other designer do so far. We have a few signature colours which we carry from season to season, including apple greens, soft champagnes, lemon yellows and soft and dark blues. I would say we appeal to women of 30 + age, who like to dress in a sophisticated and understated way but add a fun and colour to their outfits through playful jewellery like ours. We also were intent in creating something that is really high quality but doesn’t cost the earth.
My background is actually in philosophy but after university I trained and worked for a French womenswear and accessory brand. This is where I decided I would like to make my own take on accessories and create something a little bit different from the rest.
I was motivated mainly by the need for being creatively free and not constrained to trends. Our focus in not what’s ‘in’ this season or the next, rather what works well for women for of all ages over years to come.
Ha, well now it’s summer my mood boards consist mainly of dream holiday destinations. But I draw a lot of colour inspiration from these. As our collection is so colourful I love seeing how countries use colour in clothing and accessories all around the world. Then add a contemporary touch to these.
Our studio is in Dalston, London. Where I have lived for the last 8 years. I have a wonderful team of close women I work with. I love the feeling of working with women. We come in have a coffe and chat and then get to work. It’s a lovely friendly environment where we can have a lot of fun as well as work really hard.
Our designs are motivated by longevity and timelessness instead of the trend-led designs which you would easily dispose of. We are ethically motivated in the sense of women empowering women. We work with several small charities educating some of the poorest women in India. Teaching them a craft they can learn to support and sustain their families. We also use recycled gold and silver and all our packaging is recycled. We are a women-led team and I personally believe so strongly in sisterhood and supporting and uplifting other women.
We work with three charities. The first is Comit2change. A charity which helps to educate some of India’s poorest females. We are also committed to Choose love, a charity aimed at helping refugees all across the world. Lastly we work with One tree planted, a charity which plants millions of trees across the world. Three causes that are close to my heart.
The whole evolution is a thrill. Every online order we get gives me a happy feeling that someone is loving what we do. It reinforces my creative confidence, which is often needed in such a cut throat industry. A second biggest thrill was being stocked by Liberty, a store I have admired ever since being a teenager.
Emma Corrin recently wore our Nairobi hoops. That made me jump with joy as I’m a huge fan of The Crown.
It makes me so happy that customer’s of the Hambledon like what we are doing. It is such a beautiful store which stocks other amazing brands.
In which we introduce our latest, and unisex, brand into the Beauty and Grooming department.
Salt & Stone is a collection of high-performance botanical skincare, combining natural ingredients with modern-day skin science. Founded in 2017 by former Los Angeles pro snowboarder and keen surfer Nima Jalali, the brand explores our connection with the ocean by focusing on ingredients derived from the sea. In his 20s Jalali suffered a serious knee injury which led him to explore a more natural approach to healing, which in turn led him to explore a more natural approach to skincare. Missing from the market at the time, and essential to the life of an athlete performing in snow and sea, were effective, botanical deodorants and sunscreens. With the help of world renowned chemist, he set about developing his own range.
Salt & Stone is a collection of high-performance botanical skincare, combining natural ingredients with modern-day skin science. Founded in 2017 by former Los Angeles pro snowboarder and keen surfer Nima Jalali, the brand explores our connection with the ocean by focusing on ingredients derived from the sea. In his 20s Jalali suffered a serious knee injury which led him to explore a more natural approach to healing, which in turn led him to explore a more natural approach to skincare. Missing from the market at the time, and essential to the life of an athlete performing in snow and sea, were effective, botanical deodorants and sunscreens. With the help of world renowned chemist, he set about developing his own range.
Many seaweed extracts have been shown to have significant antioxidant properties due to their high levels of bioactive compounds, and are an essential ingredient in our products. Our wild harvested seaweed extracts provide a natural antioxidant skin supplement to help reduce signs of ageing associated with oxidative stress: from residue-free eucalyptus deodorant and reef-safe spf to antioxidant body wash. Ingredients are grown and produced in ethical and sustainable ways, without the use of pesticides. Salt & Stone never use artificial fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates or GMO’s and never test on animals.
Many seaweed extracts have been shown to have significant antioxidant properties due to their high levels of bioactive compounds, and are an essential ingredient in our products. Our wild harvested seaweed extracts provide a natural antioxidant skin supplement to help reduce signs of ageing associated with oxidative stress: from residue-free eucalyptus deodorant and reef-safe spf to antioxidant body wash. Ingredients are grown and produced in ethical and sustainable ways, without the use of pesticides. Salt & Stone never use artificial fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates or GMO’s and never test on animals.
Salt & Stone are dedicated to maintaining health and wellness by staying active (Jalali may no longer be a professional athlete but he’s still surfing and runs 4 miles a day). The High Performance Botanical Skincare collection is formulated for a broad range of environments and conditions so you can stay active outdoors, boost mental and physical health, and sweat with confidence (God knows, we should all sweat with confidence, it’s the only way).
Salt & Stone pledge to do their best to leave no trace of products or brand in the environment. All of packaging is recyclable. Deodorant and sunscreen containers are made from from ocean plastic and other recycled, biodegradable materials, using Eco Smart technology, which is biodegradable in days, not decades. This proprietary technology enables plastic components to break down in biologically active environments while providing the same form, fit, and function as standard containers. All products are manufactured by renewable solar and hydroelectric energy.
Salt & Stone are dedicated to maintaining health and wellness by staying active (Jalali may no longer be a professional athlete but he’s still surfing and runs 4 miles a day). The High Performance Botanical Skincare collection is formulated for a broad range of environments and conditions so you can stay active outdoors, boost mental and physical health, and sweat with confidence (God knows, we should all sweat with confidence, it’s the only way).
Salt & Stone pledge to do their best to leave no trace of products or brand in the environment. All of packaging is recyclable. Deodorant and sunscreen containers are made from from ocean plastic and other recycled, biodegradable materials, using Eco Smart technology, which is biodegradable in days, not decades. This proprietary technology enables plastic components to break down in biologically active environments while providing the same form, fit, and function as standard containers. All products are manufactured by renewable solar and hydroelectric energy.
If you are looking to sweat with confidence, we have deodorants in three fragrances, all formulated for 48 hour protection, using hyaluronic acid to moisturise, soothe and protect the skin from external factors (such as UV rays ), probiotics to help neutralise odour and shea butter. Try Eucalyptus & Cedarwood, Santal (a Sandalwood extract) and Lavender and Sage. There’s a lightweight daily sunscreen with SPF40, using Zinc Oxide ad Coco-Caprylate. There's also a lightweight and hydrating Facial Lotion, perfect for day time use. Two lip balms (one SPF30), using shea butter, Vitamin E, jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil. Finally a body wash (after you’ve sweated with confidence) infused with antioxidant-rich botanical extracts and niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3 which builds proteins in the skin).
If you are looking to sweat with confidence, we have deodorants in three fragrances, all formulated for 48 hour protection, using hyaluronic acid to moisturise, soothe and protect the skin from external factors (such as UV rays ), probiotics to help neutralise odour and shea butter. Try Eucalyptus & Cedarwood, Santal (a Sandalwood extract) and Lavender and Sage. There’s a lightweight daily sunscreen with SPF40, using Zinc Oxide ad Coco-Caprylate. Two lip balms (one SPF30), using shea butter, Vitamin E, jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil. Finally a body wash (after you’ve sweated with confidence) infused with antioxidant-rich botanical extracts and niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3 which builds proteins in the skin).
Named for Jalali’s twin loves: Salt for the Ocean and Stone for the Mountains.
To shop the brand and get yourself activity ready, hit the link below:
Named for Jalali’s twin loves: Salt for the Ocean and Stone for the Mountains.
To shop the brand and get yourself activity ready, hit the link below:
We’ve opened some sweet smelling boxes in our time but Maison Louis Marie deliveries literally waft into store, displacing every lesser particle on the ground floor with some beautifully complex and delicate floral notes. And then there’s the packaging; so simple, so very elegant. It comes as no surprise then that the fancy French name is no marketing gimmick, and there’s a story here much further flung than the fragrance labs of downtown LA.
It starts in 1792 with Louis Marie Aubert du Petit Thouars, a pioneer in French botanical history. During the French revolution, he was exiled to Madagascar, La Reunion and Mauritius where he discovered a huge variety of plant specimens. After ten years he returned to France bearing a collection of over 2000 plants and was promptly elected a member of the prestigious Académie des Sciences.
Fast forward 200 years and Marie du Petit Thouars grew up in Belgium and France making candles and experimenting with scents in her mother’s greenhouse. She then embarked on a career in fashion, initially working for Isabella Blow and later becoming a fashion editor in London for The Sunday Times. Her next move was to LA to study fine art photography, eventually opening a studio, 1294 Sunset, where she went on to launch Maison Louis Marie in 2013.
No. 4 (also known as Bois de Balincourt): Balincourt is the family home outside Paris which is surrounded by an ancient mysterious forest where long walks on the magical trail called Lover’s Lane was a favourite activity of multiple generations of the Thouars family. Taking inspiration from the family estate, and particularly the smell of the forests after heavy rain, Marie, according to the New York Times, 'wanted to create a scent that would remind her of home, no matter how far she travelled.' It's a bit woody with some sweet warmth. With an amber wood base, mid notes of vetiver, nutmeg and cinnamon and top notes of sandalwood.
No. 9 (also known as Vallee de Farney): Vallee de Farney is a nature reserve in the native forests of Mauritius. The forest is home to more than 100 plant species and numerous animals where Louis Marie discovered many new plant specimens. This has a woody, mineral fragrance. Imagine citrus fruit and a log fire. In a good way. With amber, musk, vetiver and benzoin (a balsamic resin, since you ask) base notes, mid notes of patchouli, geranium and top notes of grapefruit, orange and black pepper.
No. 13 (also known as Nouvelle Vague): This refreshing, rich scent takes you to the Italian island of Capri where Marie frequently traveled with her sister while visiting the Amalfi coast. Nouvelle Vague transports you to spring on the Italian coast, where you’re walking on a tiny oceanside street lined with blooming wildflowers and native lemons. Its signature aroma captures an uplifting citrus accord, a sheer floral bouquet, and coconut wrapped with Tuscan fig and agave throughout. Tonka and undertones of golden woods ground this blend in comfort and warmth.
We have been selling the perfume oil, candles and lotions for some time, thanks to a tip off from our lovely friend, the eminently talented calligrapher and nose, Imogen Owen. Next came a very happy foray into the world of EDP (Eau de Parfum) and we've not looked back since. These fragrances last longer on the skin than the perfume oil. Maison Louis Marie estimate 12 hours of deliciousness. Paraben, Sulfate and Phthalate free. And look out for the Perfume Oil Discovery Set; the perfect introductory present to Maison Louis Marie, including Nos 2, 4, 5, 9 and Cassis in cute little 3ml bottles.
In which we introduce you to all the shapes and colours of Sunray’s famous tees.
Designed in Newquay by the inimitable Colin (read Rob’s interview with him from last season) and made in Japan, these are simply the very, very finest tee shirts. Made on a vintage circular knitting machine (meaning no side seams) by a third generation family firm who have been knitting jersey for 100 years (they once made uniforms for the Japanese Imperial Palace), this is a slow and meticulous process. This machine can produce only 1 metre of jersey an hour and a tee shirt takes over an hour and a half to make. The machine lays the cotton down in a tube in very slow revolutions with minimal tension. No tension and no side seam results in a garment which can almost never go out of shape. These are tee shirts built to last.
Pronounced hal - i - eva
Island of O’ahu
This is a classic tee shirt with short or long inset sleeves. Cut a little longer in the body. Made from 260 gram recycled heavyweight jersey.
Pronounced la - nee - uh - kee - ah
Island of O’ahu
With a classic crew neck featuring a sweat-catcher V insert for additional structural support, this sweatshirt boasts a boxy fit and ribbed trims, crafted from 450 gram recycled brushed fleece.
Pronounced poo - ayna
Island of O’ahu
A raglan tee with long sleeves and thick ribbed trims. A little higher in the neck than the Haleiwa. Made from 260 gram recycled heavyweight jersey.
Pronounced maa - kuh- huh
Island of O’ahu
The fit is traditional: squarer, boxier and slightly shorter reminiscent of a classic vintage tee. Made from a 300 gram heavyweight jersey.
Pronounced nam - akka - oh
Goddess of the Ocean
A classic every day tee with a short sleeves and a round, thick neckline. Made from 260 gram recycled, soft, luxurious and durable cotton.
Pronounced hi - akka
Goddess of Dance
This is the cropped shape. Inset slightly capped sleeve. Length sits just below belt loops of your jeans. 260 gram recycled cotton.
Pronounced hi - nah
Goddess of the Moon
Combining the shape of the Hi'aka tee and the reverse nature of the men's Laniakea sweat, the Hina features a round, crew neckline, long sleeves and a slightly cropped silhouette. Made from 450 gram reversed out brushed fleece.
All the tee shirt styles are made using a special Japanese recycled cotton called Ochiwata. Ochiwata cotton is woven from the discarded short fibres of fluff from traditional cotton thread production. This by-product is then spun into the soft, downy yarn that produces a Sunray jersey.
Fun fact: Jersey fabric was first produced on the Channel Island of Jersey during the medieval era, hence the name.
Step this way to explore the full collections.
Welcome to our favourite outdoor brand. Yeti make indestructible coolers for the outdoor enthusiast. And this season we are all, most definitely, outdoor enthusiasts. Read on to find out a bit more about our very best camping friend.
Founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders, the Yeti brand is the result of a lifetime of practical and extensive, if inadvertent, R & D by the Texan siblings. They learnt entrepreneurship from their father. In 1977 Roger Seiders, a former High School teacher, keen fisherman and entrepreneur, invented FlexCoat, an epoxy coating for fishing rods, because he couldn’t find a coating on the market which met his exacting requirements. The boys accompanied him on trips to trade shows, witnessing the full process of bringing a product to market. They learnt their love of the outdoors from a childhood in idyllic sounding Driftwood (a small town outside Austin), hunting, fishing and roaming. They learnt their problem solving from their dad, whose mantra has served them well:
“Make it. If you can’t find what you want, make it”.
The brothers graduated from college (Ryan from Texas A&M University in 1996 and Roy from Texas Tech University in 2000). Ryan went into business selling high end fishing rods. Roy went into business selling high end boats. They were building up experience of the requirements and demands of the serious adventurer. And they were beginning to identify gaps in the market. In 2002 Roy began importing roto-moulded (more of which later) cool boxes for his boat clients. When Ryan sold his rod business in 2005, the brothers banded together to develop Yeti.
As Roy explains:
“We founded Yeti Coolers with a simple mission: build the cooler we’d use every day if it existed. One that was built for the serious outdoor enthusiast. One that could take the abuse we knew we’d put it through out in the field and on the water. One that simply wouldn’t break.”
Their previous experience of coolers had been of broken handles, snapped latches and dented lids. And a disappointing ability to keep the catch (or the beer) cool. The prototypes were extensively tested by humans and bears. Yeti coolers have been certified bear proof or bear resistant by the IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, and seriously who knew there was such a thing). This means the product has withstood grizzly bear attacks for 1 hour or longer without the bear successfully getting into the cooler. This may not seem an essential requirement in SO23 and its environs but is a pretty clear demonstration of durability.
This is the sciency bit. The rotational moulding process is a high-temperature, low-pressure plastic forming process that uses heat and biaxial rotation (rotation on two axes, keep up) to produce hollow, one-piece parts. This is the same process used to create whitewater kayaks. The Yeti cooler mould is loaded with polyethylene in powder form. The mould is then placed in a large oven while it rotates on two axes at different speeds, which helps prevent powder from accumulating in one spot. The polyethylene melts and adheres evenly to the wall of the mould. Once the polyethylene is melted, the moulds are pulled out of the oven to cool. And once cool, the ice chest is then removed from the mould. The process has inherent design strengths, such as consistent wall thickness and strong outside corners that are virtually stress-free.
The Hopper Flip soft coolers are our newest additions and perfect for day trips when you want to travel light. Sling the Hopper Flip 8 over your shoulder and head out for a solo trek (with up to 8 cans of beer in tow, we’re not judging). The Hopper Flip 12 is a great option for you and a buddy and if it’s a liquid lunch on the menu, 13 cans will fit into this one.
The Tundra and Roadie roto-moulded coolers are the core of our range. Entry level Roadie 24 is the ultimate picnic essential, slim enough to fit behind the front seat, tall enough to accommodate your bottle of chilled white and an easy carry handle. If you want to visualise capacity it can take 18 cans of beer.
The Tundra 35 is the right pick for transporting provisions for a small crew for the day, with 21 cans of beer keeping everyone feeling chipper.
The Tundra 45 is next level. Large enough for food and drink for all the family. Keeps things ice cold, even on a triple digit day in central Texas. Grizzly safe. And since you ask, 28 cans of beer in this one.
The Tundra 52L Haul has all the classic Yeti qualities with the added bonus of wheels for trundling your 45 cans of beer to the wild camping site.
If you’re looking for drinkware and top of the range accessories, we have those too.
Time to make some plans for your intrepid Summer trips.
How very extremely exciting is this? Sea New York made its much heralded Hambledon debut back in Fall 21 and we were lucky enough to sit down (sadly virtually, no trip to NYC for us) with the founders Sean Monahan and Monica Paolini and chat about their approach to beautiful fashion.
We started Sea with the intention of creating a company and that we could build and work on together - it’s a natural extension of our friendship.
Monica: Sean and I grew up in Newburgh, NY, about 100 kilometers north of New York City. Our families are very close, and we have been the best of friends from childhood.
Monica: Transparently, it’s the first 3 letters of Sean’s name but we love the more apparent meaning of Sea and where it transports the mind.
The customer continues to be our compass and helps to guide our direction and stay focused. We want to be a resource our customers can depend on. And make clothes that are easy to wear but at the same time make you feel special.
NY inspires the brand. It is our home and a major point of reference for us. The women in NY express a freedom and strength in the way they dress and carry themselves. We see that every day and it influences the way we work. We try to develop pieces that women can use as tools to express themselves rather than overwhelm who they are.
Sean: Monica is the brand. She’s the visionary as well as the nuts and bolts of the company. She does 95% of the work.
Monica: Sean is my sounding board, and if I have a problem he helps me figure out the solution. He’s also a wonderful babysitter to my son Luca.
Monica: Once you’ve established your customer base you push yourself to evolve the newness. This becomes the biggest challenge each season… to keep the collection moving forward while preserving the bread & butter of the brand.
Monica: It still makes my day when I walk down a random street (especially when I’m traveling) on any given day and see someone wearing Sea.
Monica: Each season I start out with a shopping trip to the flea markets and vintage shops (or Etsy during Covid) to find random treasures to be inspired by. From there we work with our wonderful factories to help develop these inspirations into something distinctly Sea.
Jane Birken.
Dropping my son Luca off at school. Riding a Citi bike down to the studio. Design meetings and fittings all day. And then the best hours of the day back home with my son Luca and a glass of wine.
Sean: We’ve worked in the same building (originally the 5th floor which is now my home) for the past 15 years but a few years ago we were able to take over the ground floor that is now Sea’s home base. Our first shop is positioned in the front side of our studio space - it’s a personal, direct window into our world.
Monica: The team is everything! We have so many people who are instrumental to where we are today and have been loyal to the brand. My son Luca turns 6 this month and his beloved nanny is an integral part of the collection coming to life each season. She’s an expert knitter and her crafty hands are behind the making of many of our hand-knit and crochet pieces.
Wine!
Please come by the Sea shop! It’s our home and would welcome anyone. And then you can walk over to Frenchette to have the best fries in the city.
It’s our first home in Winchester. And I think our approaches are similar… designing things we love, in a space we love, to curious stores we can grow to love!
The discovery of Grainne (pronounced gro nyuh) Morton jewellery is a perfect example of why retail is absolutely the best job in the world. We love a magpie. Grainne Morton uses salvaged antique items and new semi precious stones to make the most sublime jewellery.
A jewellery collection of exquisite and mesmerising beauty. Using a combination of unique, salvaged antique items and new semi-precious stones, each piece is hand made by one of four highly skilled makers, creating designs which are at once modern, timeless and just the right side of whimsical. Expect to see fragments of coral, old buttons, polished glass and shells, set into fairly traded gold plated silver, characterised by a beautiful juxtaposition of colour and form. Designs include asymmetric ear studs; carefully constructed creole earrings which hang like delicate mobiles; and necklaces both pretty and dramatic. Grainne Morton has been designing jewellery for 25 years. Much as we abhor name dropping, we are delighted that she has exceptionally cool celebrity clients including Dawn French, Kerry Fox, Judy Dench and Susan Sarandon.
“If Grainne Morton were to have a spirit animal, no doubt it would be the magpie. Instinctively and obsessively drawn to collecting and hoarding anything miniature or precious that catches her eye, many things you or I would overlook, Grainne has amassed an incredible collection of objects – all destined to find their place among the tales she weaves within her jewelled compositions.”
Born and raised in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, by creative, antique shop owning parents, Grainne was immersed in and surrounded both by the traditional crafts, folklore, music and fairytales of the country as well as her parents’ enthusiasm and love of collecting.
She moved to Scotland in the late eighties to study at Edinburgh College of Art and become an avid collector of antiques and ephemera. These collections became, and remain, the inspiration for her work. She later studied in Kilkenny with the Arts Council of Ireland and returned to Edinburgh for her post graduate diploma. She now lives and works in the city with her husband and family.
Grainne’s work has been exhibited internationally. In 2007, she was shortlisted for the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize and her work is in the permanent collections at National Museums Scotland; Crafts Council Collection, London; Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Canada and the Ulster Museum, Belfast.
“If Grainne Morton were to have a spirit animal, no doubt it would be the magpie. Instinctively and obsessively drawn to collecting and hoarding anything miniature or precious that catches her eye, many things you or I would overlook, Grainne has amassed an incredible collection of objects – all destined to find their place among the tales she weaves within her jewelled compositions.”
Born and raised in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, by creative, antique shop owning parents, Grainne was immersed in and surrounded both by the traditional crafts, folklore, music and fairytales of the country as well as her parents’ enthusiasm and love of collecting.
She moved to Scotland in the late eighties to study at Edinburgh College of Art and become an avid collector of antiques and ephemera. These collections became, and remain, the inspiration for her work. She later studied in Kilkenny with the Arts Council of Ireland and returned to Edinburgh for her post graduate diploma. She now lives and works in the city with her husband and family.
Grainne’s work has been exhibited internationally. In 2007, she was shortlisted for the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize and her work is in the permanent collections at National Museums Scotland; Crafts Council Collection, London; Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Canada and the Ulster Museum, Belfast.
She has been described as the ultimate recycler, taking tiny, modest ephemera and reinventing it as beautiful statement jewellery. Each piece is handmade. Each piece combines these unique elements in a careful and thoughtful way. This is luxury jewellery by way of thrift and passion and with a very clear aesthetic.
“Her individuality is engrained in each piece of jewellery she makes. Carefully choreographed, the arranging and re-arranging of little objects, and precious things, moved and re-placed until they establish a relationship to each other. And tell a story to the viewer.”
Standouts for AW24 include the Ornamental Scroll Balance Drop earrings and the Chandelier Balance Drop Earrings but we also heart the Pearl and Shell Necklace and the Moon and Star Double Stud Earrings.
We are delighted to launch our latest film, celebrating Autumn at tkdcincinnati and starring our very own Team Hambledon. This is another joyful collaboration with our friends at Sonder Films.
Read our Costume Drama story, all about the clothes, here.
A brief introduction and a quick round of applause please. Meet Jasper. By day he is our weekend stalwart; manning the Ground Floor counter; restocking; helping customers; doing all the usual shoppy things. By night, he is a singer, guitar player, music afficionado, and, for the purposes of this particular exercise, our resident baker.
It seems a shame to keep Jasper’s skill all to ourselves. In honour of Mother’s Day he has baked his signature brownies with his very special signature stencil design and we’re sharing the recipe! Jasper came to baking while he was at secondary school, where his mum was the food tech teacher. Next Sunday he’ll be baking Banana Bread with Raisin and Cardamom for her (because she’s probably quite an exacting customer and appreciates something a little unusual). We’re delighted to settle for Brownies.
Ingredients:
Equipment:
Method:
There’s a family trip to Cornwall in the offing so he’s going for Cornwall Weekend Journal, for top tips while they’re on holiday.
Cornwall Weekend Journal
What better for a Food Tech teacher than a Braided Rug placemat set. Every dinner table looks better with these.
Pashmina Set of 6 Placemats
Jasper’s other super power is the art of the playlist. He has been putting a few tunes together for the shop at the weekend and has somehow managed to please the very large majority of the team with his choices (this is no mean feat). Victoria says thank you very much to the boy who plays Sandy Alex G.
These are Jasper’s Top 5 Mother’s Day sounds:
* Finn confesses that as she was putting this story together she was eating one of the featured brownies (it was so good that the eating was prioritised over the working).
Make them and you will understand.
Autumn Winter 19 is a stellar season for fashion at tkdcincinnati. It is also, coincidentally, our 20th Birthday. What better way to celebrate the occasion than to commission a very proper fashion shoot with some bona fide professionals.
We are nothing if not wilful. 2019 seemed like the perfect opportunity to indulge ourselves (and give ourselves an awful lot more work), throw caution and financial considerations to the wind and produce a publication to present the parts of the shop (product, staff, customers and building) of which we are most proud. The stories include Unsung Heroes (a photographic shout out to freelancers and trades who have helped over the years), 20th Birthday Exclusives (featuring products specially commissioned for the occasion), Things and People (20 customers with 20 Hambledon purchases over 20 years) and No. 10 at Twenty (our Fashion story).
We are nothing if not proud. We are extremely pleased with the line up of brands both on the Womenswear First Floor and the Basement Menswear and we wanted to find a way to demonstrate both our seriousness and their beauty. We also wanted to find a way of showcasing the building itself. We worked with Sandy Suffield to commission a photographer and, through the photographer commissioned a stylist. We were delighted to welcome Phil Dunlop and Lune Kuipers to the project. Phil brought his very happy band of assistants, hair and make up artists. Together we chose models who managed to represent an editorial coolness without seeming unapproachable.
We are nothing without our glorious building. No 10 The Square is a largely Georgian beauty overlooking the Cathedral in the centre of Winchester. The Basement is predominantly Norman. The rear elevation is partly Tudor. It is a wonderful historic mash up and has been our very happy home for our 20 years. The brief for the shoot was to use the building as the location but to strip away the layers of merchandise and commerce and allow the architecture to speak. The brief was also to show fashion at tkdcincinnati as, well, fashion. Stylist Lune Kuipers came to us straight from her role as Fashion Editor at Wallpaper magazine. We were determined to be taken seriously.
We called in a lot of loans from a lot of suppliers. The initial working title for the shoot was ‘Rupert the Bear’ (we had a lot of fake fur and checks and plaids). We put together a Pinterest board of images to show our thought process and guide the professionals. But Lune and Phil pulled together a very particular aesthetic, both sympathetic to tkdcincinnati and entirely fresh, featuring striking, simple looks. Scandinavian brands featured particularly strongly (Ganni, Baum und Pferdgarten, Stine Goya and By TiMo) on Womenswear. Universal Works, Bellerose, YMC and Saturdays NYC had a strong showing on Menswear.
Here’s to 20 Years of Shopkeeping is a small book which honours both customers and suppliers, staff and freelancers; which, I hope, shows what is really important and fun about shop work: selling great things, being firmly rooted in a place and making friends. Have a read online or pop instore to get a hard copy.
You may have heard, we had a party last week to celebrate 20 Years. We asked our resident Red Carpet expert, Bella, to chat to the guests and find out what they were wearing. Take it away, Bella.
‘How does one celebrate the 20th birthday of tkdcincinnati?’, I hear you ask. Simple. Invite friends, dress code: tkdcincinnati through the Years (obvs), and lots of sparkling wine. Lots and lots (thanks, Hambledon Vineyard!).
In case you missed it, or just want to relive the action, here’s a low-down of the night. Armed with a pen and clipboard, I find out what our die-hard Hambledon fans are wearing...
Amelia (on the left) dons a yellow Baum und Pferdgarten dress accessorising with an Epice scarf and her ever-loved Moscot specs (seen here on top of her head).
Viv (in the middle) wears new-in By TiMo: Jacquard Shirt Dress in Golden.
Charlotte (on the right) is in her Repetto shoes and Ginkgo dress which has seen 12 years of affection. She tells me about her oldest Hambledon purchase which is a long knitted coat – but we can’t remember who made it!
All the girls indulge me with memories of the lovely Ginny, a beloved Hambledon staff member.
I need not ask Jenny what her favourite Hambledon purchase is – she's wearing it and she is very excited to tell me. It's a Chinti and Parker bow pattern dress, and with the matching jumper nonchalantly draped over her shoulders.
The next day Jenny emails a photo of her first ever Hambledon purchase, a Madeleine Press tulle skirt. Love!
‘I’m wearing this Bellerose jacket’ is all Judy is able to tell me before I am totally mesmerised. ‘Are you writing this all down?’ she says, tapping my clipboard. I can’t tell you who made her black velvet top speckled with gold, or when she bought her silky trousers from us. But I can tell you Judy ROCKS a metallic jacket.
This jacket also reminds me of the first time I met Judy. It must have only been my second shift but I remember it well - a strikingly cool lady. Everyone - I present to you Judy, my style icon.
Cathy is Lucy's mum (on the right in the picture above) and she is in a full Hambledon ensemble: Saltwater dress, Bensimon shoes, MIH Jacket and Pernille Corydon jewellery. Her jacket’s not the only thing Made In Heaven. We love you, Cathy.
Start 'em young
Sim hooked us up with some incredible dahlias! Thanks Sim (@simhelkflowers)
I spy Georgie (left) in Sessun and vintage Madeleine Press and Rachel (right) is in Lollys Laundry!
It's seems we are not the only ones excited about Molly Mahon's 20th Birthday exclusive wash bag!
Lola (in the back) is in a super snazzy purple and gold Baum und Pferdgarten skirt and new season Bellerose Leopard print Salima Bag in Display A. Izzy, her mum, tells me that Lola's Baum purchase is much envied - Izzy saw it first!
Izzy, inspecting our in-store exhibition, wears her Lollys Laundry shirt and new ‘Emilia’ jacket. We look to find the brand of her jeans but to no avail! Only the size of her knickers! We then discuss knickers for a bit.
In full Hambledon, Deborah wears an Eskandar top from 2001, a Dame B. shirt (2003), Rag & Bone jeans and Jacksons Boots (2009).
'Who is your favourite member of staff?', I ask her.
'Finn', she replies looking smugly over in her direction, 'She's always so fun and chatty!'
Later in the evening Lotty chases me down with her dad, Mike– a snazzy man in triple denim! Hell yeah! The killer outfit is lead by an ancient ('no really, it's falling apart', says Victoria) Universal Works jacket.
Caroline is in a 7 year old Orla Kiely dress, paired with a red/orange Great Plains cardi which we reckon is 3 or 4 years old.
Also donning Orla Kiely is Lotty, Victoria's little sis. The dress she picked up from tkdcincinnati Gallery (a subtle name drop), but the matching cardi she found here. She shows me her necklace, a gift from her sisters for her birthday – Victoria has a matching one – and their middle sister Sandy will be eligible for hers soon, I'm told. 3 small coins with their names inscribed.
Tim didn't need to wear his stab vest tonight.
Discussing Red Cat beer. Probs.
Spotted: Adsum!
We're thrilled to see this Stine Goya dress again, which coordinates with our dahlias. What an exhilarating night!
Majorly cool folk (eeep!), Lorraine and Ash (left and right in the picture above!), from Pyrus are (surprise, surprise) wearing Pyrus!
From Somewhere Agency we have Kat, (on the left in the picture below) wearing Stine Goya, and Ashleigh (on the right) who is in Baum und Pferdgarten.
Despite suggesting to Sally earlier in the week that she wears absolutely everything she owns from tkdcincinnati, to avoid heat exhaustion she more sensibly wears a Studio Nicholson shirt paired with a Baum und Pferdgarten skirt. In hand she carries a Tinsels shirt she bought last Summer.
I ask her: ‘What Hambledon item could you not live without?’
‘Absolutely the By Mutti Love vase! With those tattoo designs – gorgeous!’
Sally later tells me to add her Mads Norgaard red, white and yellow coat to the list. Check.
Wearing a Baum dress with Shoe the Bear boots, Rachel entertains me with her fascination for Lucy’s ability to find a dress for ANY occasion.
Even that one where your brother’s holding an engagement party – except the engagement’s now off – but the party goes ahead nonetheless. Mourning or celebration? Lucy knows.
The leopard print Heisho Dress in Display A courtesy of Bellerose, worn by Judy Heneghan.
And whilst you're here. check out her new novel Snegurochka. It's really good.
Hashtag Ganni Girls! Vicky, Lottie, Annie, Harriett and Chandler all work their Ganni gowns tonight. Yass queens!
My top and skirt are both Amuse. I saw this top during my very first day working here - a defining moment where I knew I’d found the perfect job: surrounded by my favourite things (and people! I’m not that materialistic… I don’t think).
Lucy and Amy are in their twirly Stine Goya dresses. Stars for Lucy and peaches for Amy. Both dresses on these angels necessitate a little squeal. (We’re lacking visuals of Lucy owing to her morbid fear of having her photo taken, sorry.)
The Princess of tkdcincinnati, Finn, wears the skirt of my dreams by Just In Case and our spanking new Alex Monroe x Hambledon Chrysanthemum necklace. I want to be like you when I grow up, Finn.
And there you have it, tkdcincinnati's 20th Birthday Red Carpet exclusive. Thanks Bella! Whilst you're here, don't forget to shop our 20th birthday exclusive collaboration products which are available for a limited time instore and online.
Pernille Corydon is a classic Scandinavian collection: understated, super wearable and really nicely priced. We sat down with the jewellery designer herself and talked design, Denmark and the Project Space.
You were one of our very first customers in the UK, we were very proud when we first started working together. We love how you are so creative with your space and windows and you actually work with quite a few Danish brands too. Once we knew you had a space to do a pop-up, we thought it would be the perfect fit for us and seeing as we go a long way back in our relationship too.
I have been interested in jewellery and design since I was a child. I spent a lot of time by the ocean, finding stones, seashells and seaglass. I used them to make small installations and jewelry for my Grandma. I also spent a lot of time looking at my Grandma's jewellery box. I haven't got any formal training, but I spent two years at a creative school where I learned to make pottery and jewellery and I drew and painted a lot.
When I make a new piece of jewellery I normally draw a sketch. After that I think about the surface. Should it be polished, matte or brushed, or a combination. Sometimes I make the first prototype, and sometimes it is enough with a technical drawing. My jewellery is produced in a small factory outside Bangkok and I often go there to start up and finish a collection. I work with them in relation to finding the optimal production method.
I use my eyes a lot every day. I get inspiration wherever I go. I travel a lot, because when I'm outside my comfort zone, it is like my mind works in a different way. I'm more open to what I see.
I also look a lot at all the women I see. When I look at a woman I often think about what will look nice on her. I also find a lot of inspiration in nature, and in architecture.
I always use silver and gold plated silver. Stones I often find when I travel.
I really like the design process. I love to go into that zone where everything is possible and the ideas start to take shape. I love that I'm able to travel and work at the same time.
I'm a big part of the company, so I work with everybody who's employed in the company, both in Denmark and outside Denmark. I work very closely with the factory in Bangkok.
It is hard to describe a typical day, because my days are very different depending on which phase I'm in. When I'm working on a new collection I often work from home, because I need the peace and quite it gives. When my focus is on running the business I'm at the office participating in the work there. I also travel a lot, so that is also a part of a typical day.
I think the Danes have a very playful approach to wearing jewellery. We try to tell a story about who we are by wearing jewellery. We wear it to reflect our mood. Sometimes we are understated and sometimes we go all in.
We wear a lot of jewellery and combine it in all different ways to tell the story about who we are. We are not afraid of combining metals and surfaces.
I chose that area because it is a very nice area in Copenhagen. It is typical Copenhagen with a nice, relaxed atmosphere and a nice combination of restaurants, coffee shops and small independent stores.
My favorite piece at the moment is the Edith necklace. It is named after my Grandmother who was a very special lady. Very strong and delicate at the same time.
I actually don't have anybody in mind. It made me very proud when my son pointed out a lovely lady in Barcelona's streets this summer and she was covered in my jewellery. It makes me happy that I can make jewellery that a lot of women can relate to and use every day.
My two children.
I grew up in a small town surrounded by the ocean on all sides. The light and the nature is therefore a big part of me. My hometown is a very quiet and peaceful town, but there was not much to do. I think that is why my mind generates a lot of ideas all the time.
I loved it there, but it also gave me the wanderlust I have in me today.
Hopefully I can keep on making new jewellery and making the company grow outside Denmark.
We've long been fans of Alex Monroe's nature-inspired jewellery, but with some gorgeous new additions to the collection, we've fallen in love all over again. So much so we felt it was high time we had a chat with the man himself, about such things as jewellery, and tea and 80s nights.
I was living in the countryside in Suffolk and I loved fashion and making things (clothes and accessories)… but I found it difficult to wear pink PVC trousers and eye liner in 1980’s Ipswich, so I desperately wanted to move to London. A place on a jewellery course and a student grant was my escape. And luckily I loved it!
There isn’t one! I’m just back from New York meeting clients in Greenwich Village and Brooklyn. It’s great to see what’s going on in other places. Now I’ve a few days of emails and admin. I’m off to the countryside tomorrow to do a bit of research and drawing. Next week I’ll be working on some new collections in the workshop… and of course as the business has grown… meetings. Lots and lots of meetings!
My blue Pentel 0.7mm pencil and sketch book. And all the amazing people I work with. We’re very much a team effort. And I need a jar of nuts and raisins, a banana and an apple to keep me going when I’m at the bench.
Nature! I love to get out into the countryside. Everything you need to know about everything is out there. And then just people watching. Seeing what people are doing and how they go about their day in New York or London or Tokyo or wherever...
Making things. I love sitting at my workbench with an idea in my head or sketchbook and making that become a reality. The harder the challenge the better. I have huge lows as I struggle and fail, but when it goes right its pure ecstasy! And then sometimes you see someone wearing a piece and looking great. That’s pretty special too.
A nice person glimpsed anonymously on a train, or out on a date or just looking wonderful and confident. I’m not very good at the whole celebrity thing. I like nice people going about their business and making the world the wonderful place it is.
Every time I hang out with my kids of course! But Jewellery-wise I was on a bus ages ago and I saw a young woman, out on a date I guessed, looking radiant and all finished off with one of our little feathers. The perfect moment. Our first cover of Vogue wasn’t too shabby either!
You don’t have to be unkind to get on in life. And be yourself… It’s hard work trying to please others.
Everything! There’s so much to do! I’m doing more drawing so maybe that’ll lead somewhere… I’m starting to think about doing other things, I’ve designed for Anthropologie for ages but I might like to do our own range of things. And Tea! I’m doing a tea course, and Italian, and lots and lots more jewellery!
Oh it’s the snacks and treats… endless snacks and treats and cakes and chocolates.
The Anchor and Hope in Waterloo at least once a week. Sneaky lunches at Casse Croute on Bermondsey street. The Chelsea Physic Garden. And walking the dogs on Peckham Rye. Oh yes… ’80s nights at the Rivolli Ball Rooms. Properly embarrassing!
We always look forward to a Bellerose buying appointment, to see what each new collection will bring; the mish mash of style references, the beautiful fabrics and attention to detail. We're long-time fans so were super excited to have the opportunity to chat with Laetitia Van Gindertael, the lady responsible for so many of the clothes we've loved over the years.
A day here for me usually starts with seeing Sandrina Fasoli, designer of all woven items in our women’s collection. We take our time to review our latest sketches and ideas, we discuss the type of fabrics we want to use and things like that. After that I sit down with Jantine Van Peski, who designs all circular knits & accessories to decide upon color ranges, fabrics and fits.
Usually, a meeting with Philippe Van Mollekot (knitwear developer) is up next to discuss my newest designs, the type of yarns I’ve picked etc. Afterwards I work on the stripes and colors for our knit sweaters, which I absolutely love.
In the afternoon, I refine and confirm the selections I’ve made for the footwear that goes to our own retail stores, where we sell a whole bunch of other brands. To finish the day I usually end up trying on the first prototypes that we receive for future collections together with Sandrina and Anais Laurent (our woven products developer).
So many things! Kenneth Noland’s paintings for their stripes and color choices, a bouquet of flowers, a random person on the street for his or her look, my grandparents on my father’s side who were artists and very modern in the way they dressed and how they decorated their house etc. I find inspiration almost everywhere and at any given time.
I’ve been with Bellerose for close to twenty years now, so it’s very hard to pick up a specific moment or occasion. I’m very proud of the evolution the brand has gone through, as I am very proud of our stores. Each and everyone one of them is unique and has a vibe and a character all of its own.
Staying true to who you are is what works best. Not letting anyone else decide for you. Staying humble is also very important, it’s how I was raised, it defines me as much as it defines Bellerose as a brand.
There are a few I must admit. I love ordering pizzas from the Italian around the corner and eating them together with the whole team in our kitchen here at the office. Another one is smoking a cigarette before I start to designing.
I also love cranking up the volume when one of my favorite songs is playing on the radio (but I do check if the others are OK with that first). Eating Stilton cheese (that my father always brings back from England for me) for lunch and having a meeting right after.
In my mind she’s in between 30 – 50, independent, active, curious and with a style of all her own. I always picture someone that enjoys mixing and matching, because that’s what I love doing myself. Someone that buys whatever triggers her and whose tastes aren’t dictated by trends. A woman that stays true to who she is and what she loves.
Without the people I was just talking about it would be impossible to even begin to design our collections. They all mean the world to me and all have their specific qualities that help make Bellerose what it is. Working in a team is something I find to be very rewarding.
Deciding on new color ranges, creating new stripes and searching for perfect prints. I also love antiquing vintage pieces and fabrics but that’ll come as no surprise.