INTRODUCING OUR PRE-SEASON COLLECTION
As we head into a new year our Head of Design, Stephanie Teigh, shares the inspiration behind our pre-season collection and why it will bring sartorial optimism to your wardrobe – for brighter days to come.
SHOP NEW ARRIVALS
As we head into a new year our Head of Design, Stephanie Teigh, shares the inspiration behind our pre-season collection and why it will bring sartorial optimism to your wardrobe – for brighter days to come.
SHOP NEW ARRIVALSTELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE...
I’m responsible for creating the vision for the season ahead and directing the design team who work collaboratively to create the collection. It's my job to ensure every look is designed and delivered by the team and I love having this overview – building the full outfit from head-to-toe, while ensuring key trends, design details, seasonal colour and print work together in synergy.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR A NEW SEASON?
Our research begins by watching the Trend Union seminar, presented by fashion forecaster, Lidewij Edelkoort. We'll then explore different sources for inspiration – usually travelling abroad, shopping, visiting exhibitions, archives and libraries, as well as looking at films, magazines and music. However, over the last year we've had to adapt – turning to online and local sources.
WHAT IS THE DESIGN PROCESS?
We identify key style stories – ensuring that colour, print and trends flow harmoniously. The designers then sketch new ideas, while the print team hand-draw original artworks. These ideas are then brought together along with fabric swatches from our trusted mills, so we can select the strongest concepts to develop. Once designs are signed off, we start product development.
"We've taken a softer, more relaxed approach to our designs and imbued them with optimism - joyful prints, uplifting colour and feel-good silhouettes".
WHAT HAVE BEEN IMPORTANT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS THIS SEASON?
Over the last year, it's become clear our customers' needs are changing. There's a desire for more comfortable clothing, so this season we've taken a softer, relaxed approach to our designs – including tailoring. Every piece is imbued with a sense of optimism – joyful prints, uplifting colour and feel-good silhouettes – as we could all do with a boost as we start a new year.
WHAT ARE THE KEY TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR AS WE HEAD INTO SPRING SUMMER?
For SS21, we're celebrating connecting with nature. You’ll see this in transitional coats, knits in pops of green and fun floral prints. There are also nods to our heritage – nautical-inspired prints in effortless dresses. Attention to detail is our strong suit, so look out for pocket detailing and statement buttons alongside soft textures: twills, brushed cottons and soft denims.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE TRANSITIONAL PIECES FROM THE PRE-SEASON COLLECTION?
We've great new outerwear silhouettes – I love the Sylvie double faced wool coat. I’m looking forward to wearing the Kim jumper, in a new silk blend yarn – a contemporary classic that's perfect for work with tailored trousers or with denim for days at home. Also, the Jess knitted jacket in a modern stripe design – a soft layering piece that looks chic styled with jeans.
