Tropical theme featuring birds brings vibrant colour into our homes

Chair currently available at Seriously Sofas.

Hitting on the popular dual trends of the moment: birds and tropical for interiors is this swivel chair covered in a tropical-printed fabric - one of the latest from London designer Matthew Wiliamson's Flamingo Club.

Print of hibiscus and hummingbird by Emma Wren.

Now talented artist and illustrator Emma Wren from Suffolk, UK, has just launched a new collection of original prints of vibrant colours that also features the tropical theme with birds.

Originally painted in rich watercolours, inks and gouche her Giclee prints capture every brushmark and texture of the original painting. Available as framed prints or mounted on boards ready to hang.

Pink Flamingo by Emma Wren.

Emma's background is in creative textile and design, with several years industry experience. Upon leaving Winchester school of art, she worked with a number of prestigious companies designing home textiles. Clients have included Prestigious, Graham and Brown and SMD Textiles. Alongside her textile career, Emma is also a Magazine designer and has freelanced for many magazine titles including Living etc, Ideal home, Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Good Housekeeping and House Beautiful.

After taking time off to raise a family, she returned to her love for drawing and painting, concentrating in her love of texture and colour.

Emma now primarily works in soft watercolours and rich oil paints, often manipulating and experimenting with her images in CAD to create new and exciting designs alongside her paintings.

Her portfolio shows some of her latest fineart and prints, which is also available in the online shop.

Sweet success for seasonal chocolates.

Recently I read a promotion by fashion mail order house Boden in the lead up to the Easter weekend that Clothes are the new Chocolate.  Quite a sweet statement I must say to lure my attention, being both a clothes and a chocolate lover.

Easter Chocolates in Foil in Cello Bag sold at Dobbies.

While fashion retailers have reported mixed results during the Spring launch season, chocolates are one of the areas that have been doing well.

In the UK Brits spent a delicious £374 million on Easter confectionery last year. This figure was provided by retail research experts at Mintel that has revealed that confectionery continues to drive Easter purchases in the UK with 49% of Easter shoppers buying chocolate gifts in 2016.

What is more, expenditure on confectionery accounted for approximately 68% of all Easter product spending.

However, the Mintel report also revealed that across the globe as in the UK seasonal launches accounted for one quarter (25%) of global chocolate new product launches in 2016, the biggest area of chocolate new product development (NPD) according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD).

In 2016, some 28% of seasonal launches globally were positioned for Easter, highlighting the ongoing popularity of eggs, bunnies and other chocolate treats.  This makes Easter a growing retail season to match Christmas.

Those countries accounting for the most Easter chocolate innovation include Brazil, which accounted for 14% of global Easter chocolate product launches, France with an 11% share and South Africa with a 10% share.

"Seasonal chocolate is immune to recessionary pressures as these products are bought on an occasional basis."

Overall, launch activity in the confectionery category was somewhat restrained in 2016. The number of chocolate confectionery launches globally grew by just 3% between 2015 and 2016.

Marcia Mogelonsky, Director of Insight, Mintel Food and Drink, said: “Our research shows that seasonal chocolate tops all chocolate new product development, a testament to the popularity of seasonal treats among consumers across the globe. This reflects the fact that these products are typically bought to help celebrate holidays or special occasions. With this in mind, seasonal chocolate is somewhat immune to recessionary pressures as these products are bought on an occasional basis.”

“In countries where Easter is celebrated, there has been a broad range of new chocolate products coming to market. Easter egg innovation is especially interesting as manufacturers experiment with a range of products, from sweet to savoury. In 2016, the UK market saw growth in Easter treats in terms of both volume and value; however, value growth was highest, suggesting consumers may be investing in slightly more premium chocolate products as brands increasingly expand their offer.” Added Marcia.

FLOWERBX announces the close of seed-plus fundraising round and names Mark Sebba as non-executive chairman

Flowers continue to take their place in the news today when it has been announced that a new start-up business which has captured the interest of many fashion influencers and investors is on its way to greater success.

Promotional photo from FLOWERBX released to offer patrons the opportunity to send 100 of top quality Red Naomi Roses to their valentines earlier this year.  

London-based FLOWERBX -  the online, wholesale, flower-delivery website - has announced the close of its oversubscribed £1.5m seed-plus fundraising round.

Among FLOWERBX’s strategic investors are Dame Natalie Massenet DBE, founder of global fashion portal Net-a-Porter.com, Mark Sebba, CEO of The Net-a-Porter Group from 2003-2014; Carmen Busquets, luxury, fashion, and tech entrepreneur; business women Eiesha Bharti Pasricha and Tania Fares; Rose Uniacke, Founder and Creative Director of Rose Uniacke Studio; and Pat Finn, Managing Partner of Finn Capital Partners, a US-based venture capital firm.

FLOWERBX’s new growth capital will be used to accelerate expansion into new markets both within the UK and abroad, to increase innovative technological capabilities with a key focus on the customer experience, and to scale high-return customer acquisition programs. Revenues have doubled in the first quarter of 2017 vs the same period in 2016, and sales are on a trajectory to reach £1m in the next 12 months.

FLOWERBX, which is billed as one of the most promising startups in the $50 billion global flower market, is fundamentally changing the way that individuals and businesses purchase flowers according to its co-founders Whitney Bromberg Hawkings and Adam Wilkie.  As a proprietary, inventory-less operating model, the company delivers flowers directly from the auctions in Holland and cutting out the handful of middlemen that perpetuate the traditional bricks-and-mortar supply chain.

Since its inception in April 2015, FLOWERBX has attracted much attention from consumers and media alike, garnering press in the FT, Vogue, Esquire, The Times Luxx, Vanity Fair, Grazia, and Elle Décor, and won a prestigious Wallpaper Design Award for Best Delivery Service.   Covetable corporate clients include Dior, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Christie’s, and other notables in the high-end fashion industry, leaders in the restaurant and hotel industries, and celebrities.

According to its Chairman Mark Sebba, FLOWERBX is able to offer freshness while passing savings onto the customer, and its fashion-led design team offers exceptionally curated flowers and provide one of the first branded floral experiences.

Carmen Busquets says from her London base, “The FLOWERBX team reminds me of the Net -a-Porter team in the early days. One quote we all believe in is ‘think big, but start small.’ The FLOWERBX team understands the importance of building a strong brand. I believe FLOWERBX can and will become the international ‘Uber of flower delivery’. I have been a loyal client since day one as I know I can trust the reliability of the delivery, the freshness of the flowers and the quality of the presentation. Sometimes it’s hard to trust the taste level of a virtual florist, but thanks to FLOWERBX, there are no bad surprises. The presentation is always chic and elegant.”

Pat Finn, says from his California HQ, "the team at FLOWERBX continues to impress me with their steady-handed approach to building an enduring and meaningful brand. Amid the kind of robust growth that can sometimes challenge a company’s abilities to adapt, the mature and capable team is building something rare: a rapidly scaling brand with a strong foundation in an industry desperate for new solutions.”

From gardens to fabrics, flowers reign supreme.

Cherry blossoms in the photos above and below right were taken this April in a private garden in Eastbourne, the celebrated sunshine-coastal town in the south of the UK.  Photos © Lucia Carpio.

All women love flowers, Stefano Gabbana was heard saying last week at the Tokyo National Museum where he and his designing partner Domenico Dolce staged an extravaganza to showcase their exuberant designs as a tribute to Japanese culture.

Nearly 100 one-of-a-kind designs were presented to coincide with hanami, the Japanese fesstival celebrating the sakura cherry blossoms.

Indeed flowers bloom marvelously each spring in one form or another around the world for the admiration of women and men alike and have provided great inspiration for international designers the like of Dolce & Gabbana.

Fancy fabrics from SanMartin, Bella Tella, Tiss et Teint.  
Photo by London's Textile Forum  (March 15-16 2017).

At the Textile Forum show held this Spring in London's One Marylebone, fancy fabrics featuring the floral theme answered to the call for intricate embellishments, as presented by a number of fabric companies, textured with embroidery, appliques or sequins, on velvets and laser-cuts.

“Fabric designers have produced some of the most elaborate ranges we have seen at Textile Forum since the show was launched in 2002,” says co founder and organiser Linda Laderman.  “Suppliers have moved up a gear when it comes to creativity in texture, pattern and colour and are keen to introduce British quirkiness in design and artisanal techniques, to provide exciting collections to tempt fabric buyers.

“While there is an overall mood of optimism among the majority of exhibitors, there is no doubt that trade is going to be more difficult this year and prices have risen a little. With the decision to leave the EU and the uncertain consumer market, innovation, matched with exceptional service, are going to be the keystones for winning business.” 

At Bella Tela the Koh-i-Nor diamond and the regal florals found within the British monarchy regalia have provided the inspiration for its spring/summer 18 collection. Called Ethereal, it features 100 new designs and has used traditional artisan techniques mixed with delicate laser and intricate embroidery, with colours inspired by the fragmentation of light that occurs through the stone, so includes tones found between colours of blush, rose and coral as well as a new faint heron grey and subtle golden tones.
James Hare is responding to the return of colour in bridalwear with two new pastels - spring rose and blue prism – introduced into its chantilly lace group and a rose to co ordinate with its crepe backed satin and chiffon palette.

Sequinned appliques for bridal wear at Textile Forum.
  Photo © Lucia Carpio.

Lace continues to be strong with a new guipure featuring an intricately patterned, yet elegant, for a traditional style gown with a modern twist, available in black or white.

A selection of lace fabrics as seen at the Textile Forum in London.  Photo © Lucia Carpio.

Laces, intricate and delicate, from Bradshaw and Bradshaw, Cluny Lace and Michael's Bridal Fabrics.
Photo by Textile Forum.

Michael’s Bridal Fabrics, which has also extended its range of laser cuts with 3D effects, has a guipure with laser cut panels and another with embroidery and beading. It has also introduced its first print designs, including one on silk organza and will also have some new Italian jacquards.
As more brides now realise that the back of their dress is as important as the front, Michael’s Bridal Fabrics is offering a back panel design with a crystalled/beaded motif on each shoulder area, which is linked together by several layers of looped crystal or clear beaded bands.

COTTON USA partners with London university to support future textile talent

News have emerged that COTTON USA – the global promoter of U.S. cotton fiber and manufactured cotton products - are in partnership with Loughborough University London to launch its first Innovation Competition especially designed to support and showcase the future talent of the interior, fashion and textiles industries.

The initiative is especially designed to encourage undergraduate students to work innovatively us U.S. cotton, and help to support them gain valuable experience before they enter the industry and world-of-work.

Second year students specialising in textiles and fabrics will take part in the competition and will receive individual support to develop new and innovative ways of working with U.S. cotton.

COTTON USA will promote participating students’ work to a global network of brands and retailers, giving the undergraduates a platform to demonstrate their technical knowledge, and elevate the profile of their creative designs.

At London Fashion Week, COTTON USA sponsored design duo palmer//harding (Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding), known as "The Shirt Boys" due to their knack for reinventing the classic cotton shirt. 

Just days earlier in March, Loughborough University announced the nomination of Lord Sebastian Coe as the University’s new and 6th Chancellor.

The Chancellor is the Chief Ambassador of the University, presides over ceremonial functions and confers degrees on graduates of the University.     Lord Coe is replacing Sir Nigel Rudd, and officially installed at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies in July.

Lord Coe, as seen in picture at right, is notably one of the world’s most high profile sportsmen and made Olympic history by winning gold and silver in the 1980 and 1984 Games.

A Loughborough alumni himself, Lord Coe is perhaps best known as Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the highly successful 2012 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, having previously been Chairman of the London 2012 bid company, and was Chairman of the British Olympic Committee in the lead up to and during the unprecedented medal success of Team GB at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Lord Coe is currently the Loughborough University’s Pro-Chancellor and President of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).  He graduated from Loughborough with a BSc in Economics and Social History and set 12 world records during his athletics career.

Record year for UK menswear brand Douglas spells quality tailoring is still on-trend

Smart, quality tailoring never goes out of (Men's) fashion, and in the commercial world, good style makes good business sense too when it's a family-run operation.

Such is the example set by UK menswear fashion house, Douglas & Grahame which has announced 2016 sales figures as exceptional for brand Douglas in the UK.

Reportedly, Douglas has seen consistent year on year sales growth since its launch 90 years ago, and 2016 has been no different.   Staying true to its tradition of design integrity and high standards of quality making, bosses at the family-run company are confident that 2017 is set to be another year of growth in sales.

“Our philosophy underpins changing fashions with the solid foundations of smart, quality tailoring, style and attention to detail."

The continued success of the brand can be pin-pointed to their dedicated focus on giving a voice to the vast numbers of men who still want to be stylish and on-trend when they hit their 30s and beyond, according to the firm's UK managing director Anton Jenkins.  He said: “Our philosophy underpins changing fashions with the solid foundations of smart, quality tailoring, style and attention to detail.
“We have recognised that men are more style conscious than ever and that for many men shopping is no longer perceived as a chore which is why we ensure that the stylish Douglas collections are stocked in high quality independent menswear retailers.

“We are a family business and we pride ourselves on fostering and maintaining great relationships, particularly with our stockists” Anton explained.

“We want our stockists to reflect our high quality status so we put enormous value in our day-to-day discussions with them. Their communication and feedback as the frontline of our brand is vital to the growth of Douglas.”

The company's ongoing success is proof that family-run business can be productive - contrary to a recent report by Office for National Statistics (ONS) which found that family-owned businesses and companies run by the founders- reltations tend to be substantially less productive than firms with outside owners and managers.  The ONS made this conclusion after studying management practices across more than 700 manufacturing businesses, then compared the results against the ownership of the businesses.

In its third generation of private ownership, the Finlay family continue to drive Douglas & Grahame’s future - infusing its rich history with modern design and delivering high quality, on-trend collections to an exclusive group of partners, producing clothing under a number of leading menswear brands supplied to retailers across the country from its UK headquarters in Shenstone near Lichfield.   Its state-of-the-art 250,000 square foot headquarters that include a warehousing and logistics base have a production capacity of over 1 million garments.
The company sells all of its brands through a large network of wholesale customers as well as its own e-commerce site and retail outlets, operated directly and through franchise partners.

Ethical footwear brand Po-Zu launches new Summer 2017 collection

Continuing its ethos as a trully ethical footwear brand, Po-Zu's just launched Summer 2017 collection continues to marry great design with sustainable materials, all handmade in Portugal.  The brand features its signture Po-Zu Foot Mattress™ to bring comfort promising to give a bounce to every step.

The collection features cork sneakers for men, and new feminine flats and wedges for women, using sustainable materials such as cork, organic cotton, Piñatex™ and chrome-free leather.

The Brisk sneaker worn by model above can be customized in more than 21,600 ways of colour combinations to make it the wearer's own design.

Among my favourites for ladies are the “Ello” slip-on plimsolls shown above and the “Wren” wedges here at right, available in gold, silver, cream and black. Made with sustainable textile Piñatex™, I'm told these designs give outstanding performance in durability and breathability, whilst also being one of the most ecologically-viable vegan alternatives to leather.

Po-Zu’s ergonomic design and comfort features include shock-absorbing natural latex-cushioned inserts, a highly comfortable shape, and a beech wood wedge from sustainably-managed forests in Spain.

Sven Segal, the founder of the Po-Zu and its managing director Safia Minney (founder of sustainable fashion brand People Tree) talked to My Fashion Connect Global in March this year about the sustainable materials they use and the new designs in their new office in north London.  Click here to read more about Po-Zu.

Barneby Gates new wallpaper design available online

British interior furnishing brand BARNEBY GATES have launched their two new designs for Spring 2017: ARROWS and FLEUR DE LYS TILE, both now available online.

According to the Wiltshire-based company, the ARROWS range is a nod to the Mexicana trend in terms of design, featuring a sleek linear print which looks just as good hung horizontally as it does vertically.

ARROW is available in charcoal / pink (above left), or blush (bottom right).

The FLEUR DE LYS TILE is a trompe l'oeil tile print with a bistro feel, traditionally printed using their signature surface print tecnique, available in canteen blue (top right) or vintage grey (above left).  (Painted skulls shown in the pictures are by artist Pia Pack.).

British designer Bethan Gray to launch first wallpaper

Congratulations to British furniture and interior products designer Bethan Gray who will be launching her first wallpaper collection in collaboration with NLXL, the pioneers of digital wallpaper.

The collection will launch during this year’s Salone del Mobile (April 4th – 9th 2017)  at Rossana Orlandi, Via Matteo Bandello, 14/16, 20123 Milano, Italy.

Bethan has taken inspiration from the traditional forts of Oman for her Nizwa Wallpaper.  The design features the technique of marquetry, which was used as far back as the 16th century.  It reflects the rounded architectural composition of the forts’ castellations, whilst the detailed mother of pearl patterning creates a stunning iridescence.  This variation in shade resembles the effect of the sun on the different elevations of the forts.

While in Milan during the coming week (April 4th – 9th 2017) , Bethan will be also launching her “Victoria” marble tea-set with Editions Milano.  She has taken inspiration from traditional tea sets in the V&A’s ceramics archive in London. “Victoria” celebrates the ritual of drinking tea, merging a classic British tradition, with a classic Italian material - marble.  The collection features a relief pattern, hand-carved from Arabescato marble by Italian master craftsmen.  The collection will launch during this year’s Salone del Mobile (April 4th – 9th 2017)  at Spazio Pontaccio, Via Pontaccio, 18, 20121 Milano, Italy.

Bethan Gray's stud coffee table.

The award winning Welsh designer is well-known for her creative furniture and bespoke designs, She works with a wide range of materials, including marble, leather, wood and semi-precious stones.

With a keen eye for details that define her highly original style, one of her signature styles is the popular Broque Table  that features unique broque detailing along the outside rim of the range of round side tables.  An example is shown at left here.

Bethan was discovered by Tom Dixon in 1998 when he awarded her the prestigious New Designers Prize.   Today she sells in some of the world’s most prestigious stores, including Lane Crawford, Liberty and Harrods, and is featured extensively in the media and has exhibited in London, Milan, Paris and New York.  Her work was recently recognised with the prestigious award of ‘Best British Designer’ in 2013/14.