Celebrating the best of British style, a new fashion website has been launched by Norwich-based manufacturing and design expert Linn Gustavsson.
Thoroughly British showcases the quality, heritage and originality of designers from across Britain. The website shows the origin of each product and aims to create a more social, economic and environmentally sustainable industry – something which is close to founding director Linn’s heart.
“I have been working in the manufacturing industry for the last few years, in particular, with manufacturing outsourcing,” she says. “As a result, I’ve spent a lot of time in the Far East, making sure quality standards are met and seeing this type of manufacturing from the other side. I’ve seen the effects that our fast, cheap, throw-away fashion has on the people, working conditions and general environment, and I’d like to change that.”
Thoroughly British is already working with a range of British labels, including Katie Darlington, Evocha, Mairi MacDonald, Yull, Charlotte Lucy, Z-Mode and Stella + Alf. As well as a wide range of clothes to suit all tastes and budgets, it has a great collection of bags, shoes and jewellery.
Linn is also keen to help grow and support the “Made In Britain” tag by showcasing the talent and originality of home-grown designers.
“I’ve spent months looking for outlets for designers that manufacture in the UK, but it is surprisingly difficult. I hope that Thoroughly British serves as an outlet for this. We want to make sure that we are the go-to online store for British-made fashion, and by showcasing such unique and beautiful designs, we believe we can do that. It’s not just the people of Britain that are keen to push the ‘Made In Britain’ tag, there’s an international market out there, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean markets that are particularly encouraging about the growth.”
www.thoroughlybritish.co.uk.
Bespoke beauty
We love to find something unique, and if it’s made in Norfolk then even better.
At Seahorse Studio in Holt, you can watch your very own bespoke bracelet being made as creator Helen Wright makes the glass beads in the studio. From simple spacer beads to ornate flowers and vintage-inspired vessel beads, you can buy one to add to an existing piece of jewellery or create a completely new bracelet or necklace.
The studio also sells work by other designers, including beautiful fused glass from Hazel Millington, silver jewellery by Melinda Scarborough and bold lampwork necklaces by Sarah Lamb. Helen’s bespoke bracelets start at £26.
Seahorse Studio, 1 Albert Street, Holt, NR25 6HX; 01263 478020.
Cool kidswear
Check out new kids’ clothes store Baby O in Holt, which specialises in organic labels. Opened by Amanda Heading, who has just relocated her businesses to Norfolk from Derby, the shop sells a fantastic range of clothes for newborns to five year olds. Take a look at the beautiful and ethical British label Piccalilly with its bright and bold baby and kids clothes, all of which are made using organic materials. Baby O also stocks organic babygrows made in England and can make to order beautiful christening gowns.
Baby 0, 2 Bull Street, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6HP; www.facebook.com/Babyobabystall
Dress up
Summer is here and whether you are attending a glamorous garden party or want to look extra special on a day at the beach, there’s a dress to suit all occasions.
The new range of fabulous frocks from Joules comes in a range of bright colours, patterns and styles, from florals to symmetrical prints. Take a look at the Francesca dress, £74.95; Julie dress, £69.95; Amara tunic, £49.95 and Swainey dress, £39.95.
Joules, 23 Market Place, Holt, NR25 6BE; 27-19 Castle Street, Norwich, NR2 1PN; www.joules.com
A little indulgence
Why not treat yourself to new beauty products which will leave your skin feeling fabulous and your body and mind relaxed and ready to go.
Peccadillos in Holt has a new body and bath range from Seascape Island Apothecary - a British brand, which is made without any artificial ingredients. It contains 100pc natural essential oils and includes treats for your bath, body, hair and hands for women, men and for babies and children. The shop, which has just relocated to the entrance of Hoppers Yard, also has a lovely collection of scarves and bags perfect for summer.
Peccadillos, 3 Bull St, Holt, Norfolk; 01263 712909; www.peccadillosholt.com
