the plümo blog

Campomaggi «Time does not diminish our products.»

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:30:40 +0100

Flavia bag, Plümo SS13

50 kms inland from Rimini and the Adriatic coast lies the little town of San Carlo di Cesena where, in 1980, a 19 year old Marco Campomaggi founded his leather goods brand Campomaggi. From an early age he had been heavily influenced by the creativity of his sculptor father and during his high-school years he manufactured bags using saddle leather and studs which he sold on the sidewalk in seaside resorts or to his school pals!

Marco Campomaggi

When Marco Campomaggi talks about his work, his words evoke the aroma of fresh leather and the sounds of his workshops. He enthuses about his flea market trawls for treasures which, in turn, inspire the designs and detail of his bags and accessories.

The fascination with the past

” Next to the beautiful lines that, with time, decorate a face, there are other things that only unfold their charm as time goes by. The older we get, the more abundant our wealth of stories and memories, anecdotes, ideas, and thoughts become. They are what make us truly beautiful – beautiful in the most real sense of the word.”

Campomaggi’s products embody the self-same principle. Use and wear over time does not detract from their appearance or quality, in fact, it has the opposite effect whereby the leather softens and the metals develop an enriching patina creating beautiful, unique accessories. This is further accentuated by the brand’s motto: “Il tempo non toglie, ma dà.” Marco Campomaggi is dedicated to creating products that are truly timeless.

“I find used objects inspiring. Things that clearly show they have a story to tell.”

Opposed to fashion dictates

Marco Campomaggi is not interested in branded articles and, as a rule he buys anonymous clothing such as army surplus for himself – nor does he think his own designs should be bought just because they are on the fashion radar; he would prefer his bags to be regarded as a sign of individuality and a strength and ability to make your own choices.

At Campomaggi, the freedom not to follow every new fashion trend is “a given”, but something they will never compromise on is quality and detail.

“Our customers expect a certain character and a natural look,” concludes Campomaggi.

This small family company still uses the same saddle leather in the manufacture of its bags and accessories today that Marco first launched with 33 years ago.

Cutting the leather …

Marco and his wife have developed an exclusive vegetable oil treatment for their leather which helps to create the bags’ distinctive depth of colour.

Campomaggi’s bag and accessory models display minimal design changes year-on-year and the colour palette remains classic browns, greens, navy and black. They have an authentic, almost-utilitarian appearance but with always with a luxurious twist.

“Quality for me defines itself in four aspects: material, idea, execution, purpose.”

Studding a bag …

As a designer, Marco pays utmost attention to the materials and craftsmanship that are harnessed in the making of any new prototype. Even so, he is convinced that quality is not always a tangible matter; in his opinion, a customer’s expectations will always root themselves in how they live their lives currently and how they have lived them in the past.

Hand-sewn leather …

artisanal process

traditional skills …

… hand-finishing

perfect, hand-sourced detailing….

the end product…

.. a tactile, luxurious bag that will, in time, become unique.

Leather accessories, Plümo Spring 2013

Canvas Tote and Tampa Travel Bag, Plümo Spring 2013

Phone & card holders, Plümo SS’13

Long Island bag, Plümo SS’13

Jeska Hearne's Top Picks from SS13

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:25:15 +0100

Jeska is a blogger living on the East Sussex coast and describes herself as having been ‘interior styling obsessed since happy childhood days spent playing in my treasure filled wendy house.’ Jeska blogs at Lobster & Swan where she likes to share all the things that warm her heart, from favourite recipes and decorating ideas to daily discoveries and inspirations. A contributor to ‘This is Your Kingdom’, Jeska has also been featured on The Times Online and was named as one of the ’50 World’s Best Design Blogs.’

We love her blog for its pretty and sometimes ethereal imagery so we were really looking forward to seeing which of our vintage-style items she would chose as her top picks from the SS13 collection!

‘Jeska from Lobster & Swan here again. My husband and I are now all moved into our new home, so with rooms to decorate and style, I have had great fun choosing my favourite things from the Plumo SS13 home collection!’

The first item that caught my eye was the stunning Raffia Wall Lampshade trimmed with jolly biscuit coloured tassels, I just know it will give the warmest glow of cosy light and can’t wait to hang one in my studio.

Carrying on the grass theme I love the stitched wool patterns and colours used in the Halfa Geometric Runner and Rugs. We have been dreaming of wooden floor boards ever since I can remember, so these will keep our feet warm as we tip toe from room to room.

My final favourite it the oversized Marine Clock, in a lovely shade of deep blue, it has distressed edges and will fit right in with all our other antique market and junk shop finds.

To read Jeska’s blog please visit www.blog.lobsterandswan.com

Jessica Comingore's Top Picks from SS13

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:01:12 +0100

Jessica Comingore is an LA based photographer and designer with a talent for all things creative. As well as launching and co-founding the biannual online lifestyle publication ‘Collected Magazine,’ she has also worked as a stylist for Kinfolk Magazine and been featured on Etsy, Apartment Therapy and Elle Decor. On her blog you will find beautiful lifestyle imagery alongside great regular features such as ‘Mixtape Monday,’ ‘Currently Coveting’ and ‘Friday Favourites.’

We admire Jessica’s minimalist style and a keen eye for detail so we were really excited to see her favourite items from the new SS13 collection!

‘As someone who is fueled by travel, I love the feel of discovery that Plumo evokes, and the versatility of the SS13 collection, that manages to feel both beautifully designed and thoughtfully thrifted — a combination I’m always looking to emulate in my own life. From the structured jackets to the breezy tunics, the playful brass animal brooches to the graphic textiles, I can imagine outfitting myself in this collection as easily for life in the city as a jaunt around the globe. Narrowing it down to 3 top picks was certainly no easy feat.’

The Yellow Amphora - I love collecting ceramics from every new place I visit. The more unique they are, the better. The yellow hue on this amphora would be a great pop of color on any mantel, and even more beautiful with a few flower clippings in it.

The Felted Rug in Cream - Antique rugs tell such a story and despite the floral pattern on this one, I feel like it could be used equally well in a modern or traditional setting. The color palette makes it a perfect neutral.

The Elwin Bag - I’m always running around town with a big tote in tow, and this one is the perfect size and texture. I love the way that leather acquires more character over time. I’d carry this to a client meeting or the farmer’s market on the weekends.

To read Jessica’s blog please visit www.blog.jessicacomingore.com

Justina Blakeney's Top Picks from SS13

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:49:29 +0100

Justina Blakeney is a designer, maker and interior stylist working and living in LA with her husband and baby daughter, Ida Sky. Justina blogs about everything from fashion and interiors to plants, DIY projects and daily life in their eclectic ‘part jungle, part bungalow’ home. Recently named one of the best Home Decor Blogs by Refinery29, her work has also been featured on Apartment Therapy and Design*Sponge.

Here at Plümo we love Justina’s colourful, charismatic style and couldn’t wait to see what she had chosen as her top picks from the new SS13 collection!

‘I have long-since been a fan of Plümo’s effortlessly stylish collections. It is almost impossible to find comfortable clothing with interesting silhouettes and fun prints—and Plümo pulls it off every season. With a nod to the tropical, and the well-traveled lady, this season’s collection at Plümo is especially me. It’s everything I’d love to wear for every weekend for the rest of the year.’

The Lace Shrug - This shrug is ethereal - I could see myself wearing it over basics all summer long and feeling angelic with its wide kimono sleeve and delicate detailing.

The Stella Pants - Since I am a new mom and my body is still changing, I love that the Stella pant has a tailored look but elastic at the back of the waistband. The relaxed fit and the cool blue are just my vibe.

The Pink Palm Dress - It’s no secret how I feel about tropical prints— this dress would feel right at home in my Jungalow!

The Mano Bracelet - Just like a Hamza or Hand of Fatima, I feel like this bracelet will protect me from the evil eye (or look really great trying!)

The Persimmon Heels - The perfect height and the perfect pop of persimmon for my feet. I feel like I could put these on with absolutely anything and feel suddenly like a walking party.

The Long Fringe Scarf - I wear scarves almost every day no matter the season. This scarf can be worn over the most boring tanks and tees to make me feel more fancy and fun. I love the way long fringe dances on the body—reminds me of the ocean.

To read Justina’s blog please visit www.blog.justinablakeney.com

'pour le plaisir'

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:54:24 +0000

Gustav Klimt and Emilia Floegge are the inspirations for the 10 year anniversary of Vienna-based designers Rosa Mosa.

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss,1907-08 Österreichisches Galerie Wien, Vienna
Man leaning over and kissing kneeling woman. All shrouded in symbolically patterned gold. A bed of flowers below them.

The Designers behind Rosa Mosa …

The more we discover about Rosa Mosa the more the company’s design philosophy makes sense. Salzburg-born Simone Springer, a graduate of The Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and Japanese Yuji Mizobuchi, a student of Buddhist philosophy in Kyoto, are the designers behind Rosa Mosa.

Rosa Mosa Designers Simone and Yuji

They met whilst studying Footwear and Accessory design at Cordwainers College in London and collaborated on an innovative collection of wooden carved sandals that made their debut at that year’s London Fashion Week. Simone and Yuji walked away with 2 awards for their designs and a clear vision of the direction in which they wanted to travel.

Once the Rosa Mosa footwear label had launched in earnest, each new season produced a bumper crop of clever and creative designs. And, clog lovers take note, they have been reinventing our favourite footwear ever since in a variety of fascinating ways.

Plumo SS13, Vanda clogs, available at Plümo

Yuji declared in a recent interview that, “To me, footwear has always been a crucial part of every outfit. When I get up int the morning I don’t think about which clothes I am going to wear, but which shoes!”

The Inspiration behind the Summer 13 collection …

The new SS’13 collection found its inspiration in the union of the talented Gustav Klimt, his partner Emilia Floegge and the Vienna Secession.

Gustav Klimt, The Parc, Moma, 1910

“Imagine-you have been invited over to Klimt’s lakeside villa for a Sunday picnic with his friends. You go because you are not doing anything else and as soon as you enter the garden you are captivated and mesmerised by the glorious setting and the bohemian, well-dressed crowd spread out over the garden like a beautifully embroidered cloth. They are whispering secrets and holding light conversations and scattered amongst them are several exquisitely woven baskets containing food and wine.

Basket, Rosa Mosa SS13

Gustav Klimt, Country Garden With Sunflowers, 1905/06

Basket, Rosa Mosa, SS13

This vision inspired us to create a contemporary Rosa Mosa basket/bag collection. Woven from willow and rush by Hungarian gypsies using traditional skills dating back to the 19th Century, each piece is handmade to our design using hand-picked plants that grow beside the River Körös in Springtime. Urban and sophisticated, these basket-bags are a “must” for every chic city nomad for Spring 2013.

Portrait of Emilie Flöge, 1902, Gustav Klimt

Suddenly you find yourself in another corner of the garden and you meet Emilie Floege, Klimt’s muse. She is charmingly encouraging you to join the game she is initiating and knots your right leg to Klimt’s left one with a length of soft cotton sailing rope-encouraging you to run as fast as you can-‘pour le plaisir.’

Vanda clogs, Pümo SS13

Klimt and Emilie Flöge

Cord belt by Rosa Mosa

We have worked deep coloured macrame-knotted sailing ropes into beautiful belts and flexible shoe-uppers which perfectly conjure up the light summer mood so typical of this entire collection. Handmade leather trims and wooden soles finish these Rosa Mosa classics for SS’13.

Rosa Mosa SS13

Klimt, Inspirations ….

Cord Belt, Rosa Mosa SS13

We have also gleaned inspiration from Emilie Floege’s Slovak embroidery collection and its pleasant colour palette of straw, water tones, warming reds, cooling whites dominates our collection.”

Vanda Clogs, Rosa Mosa SS13

Fabric from Emilie Floege’s Slovak embroidery collection

Emilie in her garden

In keeping with the artist-inspired approach, Kyoto-based textile artist Shigesuke Mizobuchi was commissioned to design a unique fabric for SS’13. A silk-screen print with toxic mushrooms and other wonders that can only be seen when lying at ground-level on the grass. It has been produced in very limited quantities and has been used exclusively for the SS’13 basket/bag collection.

Rosa Mosa stands for individualism, innovation and the highest level of craftsmanship. By sourcing primarily from local suppliers and artisans in Austria and working closely with tanneries, each pair of Rosa Mosa shoes finds the perfect balance between craftsmanship and artistic direction.

Shake off your Winter blues with our new SS13 'all weather' coats

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:06:47 +0000

Liberty raincoat, Saffron jeans, Danish wellies - Plümo SS13

This is our 5th season stocking Kate Sheridan’s fabulous waxed cotton raincoats. We love them so much that we have added a couple of shorter jackets into the mix for SS13 and hope you all are as mad about them as we are…….

Marine stripe jacket - Plümo SS13

Kate has lined the longer navy raincoat in the most gorgeous floral Liberty printed cotton and the jackets in either navy & white ticking or spotty fabrics. Totally practical, yet ultimately stylish outerwear that seems to defy anything our UK weather chucks at it.

Spot jacket - Plümo SS13

Before establishing her own label, Kate trained at Cordwainer’s in London’s East End and went on to cut her fashion teeth at Patrick Cox and Johnny Moke. She has a no-nonsense approach to her designs which are all developed in-house by her; using traditional print methods and personally sourced quality British fabrics. Past design collaborations have included Topshop, Urban Outfitters and the V&A.

Sunset, Trapani November 2012

When we were shooting SS13 in Sicily last November, we found the waxed-cotton coats were perfect for the chillier evenings and we filled the generous pockets to the max with all the junk we tend to carry from location to location! We think fashionistas and traditionalists alike will be snapping them up……….

P.S free shipping on all the SS13 collection this weekend-enter promotional code WEATHER at checkout, code expires Monday 4th March midnight…

New Spring Collection 2013, Saluti dalla Sicilia

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:44:32 +0000

“Mare. Sole et Amore.”

We felt privileged to shoot our SS’13 collection on this ancient Mediterranean island. A glorious melting pot of a rich and unique culture. Our ode to Sicily!

Inspiration was gleaned from cult Italian director Visconti’s 60s movies full of beauty and sunlight.

Visconti, La terra trema, 1948.

We were uncertain as to what direction we would take until our photographer showed us this location and we couldn’t help but be inspired!

Used these cool 3-wheelers for buzzing around town. Cute name too - Ape (Bee in English!!)

Medieval houses, jagged mountains, Corinthean ruins, Baroque churches and the scent of wild rosemary and lemons carried on the salty air of the azure Tyrrhenian Sea…

Our Sping/Summer’13 collection is infused with a 50s holiday-postcard vibe—from the brightly printed dresses and knotted headbands to the colourful string shoppers and sophisticated pointy-toed flats: shot against spectacular backdrops of wild, natural landscapes and crisp, traditional interiors.

Lips dress. Plümo Spring collection 2013.

Relaxed sundresses, electric colours, sophisticated tunics and sharp cut trousers.

Bold colours of Sicily; tomato, periwinkle, indigo and saffron juxtaposed with fanciful 50s inspired designs and block-printing.

Classic L.B.D lifted with a delicate crochet collar. Belle dress. Plumo SS’13.

Locally crafted raffia and straw-work translated into on-trend totes, shoes and jewels. Reflections of Sicily’s centuries-old culture and tradition.

Lace shrug. Plumo SS’13.

String bag. Plümo Spring ‘13.

Zingy beaded Miyuki earrings. Plumo SS’13

Pachino boots. Plumo SS’13

Bold retro prints. Plümo Summer 2013.

Keeping tradition alive - handwoven blankets from Avoca

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Avoca’s throws and blankets are world famous…. going all the way back to 1723, they still handweave at the same mill in the village of Avoca, in County Wicklow Ireland. It’s the beautiful natural fibres and vibrant colours that really set Avoca apart and they now have several stores, their own cafes and customers all over the world.

We asked Amanda Pratt, Creative Director at Avoca, about the company’s fascinating history and how they have gone from blankets to fashion to food…

Where do blankets originate from and why do you think they are still so popular today?

We realise that we’re guardians of a pretty unique tradition at the Mill where our company began in 1723. Obviously in the days before central heating and duvets, wool blankets were an integral part of everyday life in this part of the world. They were used in horse drawn carriages and then when the open top car was invented everyone had to have a car rug.

We do our sampling on very old hand looms today and it’s such fun to watch colour combinations emerge as you work with the weavers changing the shuttle colour. We do a lot of experimentation. We use natural fibres, lambs and sheeps wool, Mohair and some Cashmere being the most important. Our influences in terms of colour and design are naturally the beautiful flora and fauna around us but we’re also interested in fashion and the trends in our homes. I have lots and lots of throws at home and use them all the time, in front of the fire and on the beds in Winter and picnics in the Summer. They add a lovely dash of colour and vibrancy to any room and it is amazing to think that the same type of product has been woven at the Avoca Mill for almost 300 years.

The Plümo blankets being woven

Find out more about the Avoca history in their video - Avoca Mill since 1723.

What has changed in handweaving since you started back in 1723 and what traditions have remained?

The Avoca Mill has been operating since 1723. It began as a communal place to shear sheep and treat wool and to grind grain like wheat. It has an amazing history and recently I came upon a collection of photographs from the 1940’s which show the sad poverty in the Avoca Valley at that time. Previously, in the 30’s, the great designer Elsa Schiaparelli had used Avoca tweeds in her wonderful collections. By the 1970’s sadly the Mill was completely run down, only 2 workers remained and one of them was a charming man called Jim who persuaded my father Donald Pratt, who was a lawyer in Dublin, to take a risk and buy the Mill. My Dad is a risk taker and so he bought the Avoca Mill in 1974. He didn’t tell my Mum and when she found out what he had done, she didn’t speak to him for 3 weeks. They had 5 children and Dad had a really successful Solicitors practice in a posh part of Dublin but luckily the risk paid off…

38 years later there are still some handlooms and handweavers at the Mill but we also have power looms and my brother Ivan runs it. We still use almost all natural fibres. The dyes don’t come from Gorse, Lichen and Heather anymore. There are the most wonderful photos of the Dye vats in the batch I found from the 1940’s.

We now have about 700 people in Avoca and my Dad and Mum, Hilary, have achieved what they set out to do in the beginning which was to create jobs because unemployment in 1970’s Ireland was over 20%.

Preparing the bobbin for weaving at the Avoca Mill

One of Avoca’s beautiful blankets modelled by Plümo

How important is the landscape and the natural beauty of Ireland as the setting for what you do?

The Avoca Headquarters are in about 20 acres of very beautiful woodland park. So we are surrounded by greenery and between 2 mountains. The Big and the Little Sugarloaf. We’re also just off a main motorway which means we have easy access but once you’re through the gates it’s pretty calming. I think the dramatic landscape all around us is a great inspiration for design, it helps me think.

The Avoca Mill

What have been your favourite pieces over the years and why?

My favourite area of design is fashion. I love designing the collection every 6 months, although it is exhausting, nerve wracking and difficult. It is also exciting, challenging and such fun. I go to bed with a notebook on my side table and wake up with ideas at all sorts of odd times. It is such a pleasure to see people looking confident and happy in something you designed. I love fabrics and we have a lovely team at the design studio here at Avoca HQ. Designers, pattern makers, pattern cutters, machinists, graphic design, production, trims etc. It’s a big team effort and I think they’re all great!

You have expanded into food and cafes as well - how did that come about?

That is my brother, Simon Pratt. The Café’s began before any of the Pratt children joined Avoca. My Mum and her friends would make cakes and then the small retail staff at the time would serve people with coffee, our first few shops were very out of the way so I think people appreciated a little something! Simon is completely crazy about food. He is also a fantastic cook and very hard worker. He is careful about what ingredients are used, where they come from etc. we have 11 restaurants/cafes now. He produces Avoca Cookbooks every now and then and he wins a lot of awards because he’s so precise and creative about whatever he does.

Avoca cafes and food halls

What do love doing when you are not working?

Being with my kids,my friends and my sister Vanessa.

What would you have been in another life?

I love singing and all sorts of music. It’s the other thing along with designing that makes me float around happily. So if I could choose I’d probably sing with other people.

To win one of five beautiful Avoca throws and copies of their Cafe Cookbook, email your favourite Christmas recipe to us at promo@plumo.com or post it on our Facebook page by Sunday 16th December.

View the full range of Avoca blankets on the Plümo website below all £115:

An Indian adventure...

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:03:15 +0000

What inspired you to start your business - what was your dream?

I left Liverpool in 1969 at the age of 19 to hitch-hike to India on my own, I did fencing jobs and saved up £70 for my trip. The journey took me a month to complete.

When I arrived in Delhi the first thing I did was go to the Indian Coffee House and have some Chai, I then hitch hiked to Nepal and went to the Monkey Temple and I explored for 5 months living off the £70 I earnt in Liverpool. I then hitch hiked back home.

I didn’t return to India for 5 years, but when I did I had saved enough to then get a bus across the land from England to India – the bus took quite a while though and I didn’t think it would ever reach India, so I decided to leave the bus and the people I was travelling with whilst going through Turkey and hitch hike the rest of the way.

At the time the was a war going on in Turkey and the whole city was blacked out. I was one of the first westerners to trek though Zanskar which is in a hidden valley through Ladakh and Kashmir, it had just been opened up , there were no maps available so I had to just follow rivers and go across glaciers. It took me 15 days to walk the 500 miles through the valley. I arrived in India and decided to study the tabla (Indian drums) for two years, whilst living with an Indian family and getting more and more involved in the culture.

When I returned to England, I brought with me a lot of Indian wares which I sold on markets in Portobello road and markets in Wales and Liverpool. I then went back again and again until I had to open a shop and then another shop and then another shop and then, due to my hoarding issues. It soon became a wholesale business due to Jakki Moase, the love of my life, stepping in and sorting out this wandering hippy!

How do you go about choosing the pieces for your collections?

My wife, Jakki, and my daughter, Daisy, go to India regularly and look for items that will appeal to the British market, ethnic with a contemporary twist that we both love. Daisy also visits the factories in India and tries to work with suppliers to create new products but if we’re honest there is an abundance of products for us to choose from so we only have a small design input.

What do you think makes a great piece for your home?

Something that makes you happy, you shouldn’t have anything in your home which you don’t think is either useful or beautiful.

What is your favourite item out of all the things you have discovered over the years?

My absolute favourite piece is my Rajasthani fridge.

Which other fair trade companies do you admire?

Patchamama- good designs and Ian has empathy with the owner because he also runs! And Siesta are great too, they have been in the business for a long time and has carried on being successful and maintained his integrity.

What is your favourite country out of all the places you have travelled?

India! Closely followed by Nepal

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Running and gardening

What would you have been in another life (your plan B)?

An Olympic runner (Mo Farah!) :D

Knitted Landscapes

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:44:00 +0000

Tórshavn isn’t the kind of city where you go mad on a shopping trip. The capital of the Faroe Islands is home to only 20,000 people, about 40 per cent of the population of this archipelago of 18 islands halfway between Shetland and Iceland. But in the centre of town, not far from the Løgting, the tiny Faroese parliament building, a steady flow of people make their way into the neat wooden shop where Gudrun & Gudrun sell their knitwear.

Gudrun & Gudrun Shop / Faroe

It has a cosy yet unmistakably Nordic feel inside: wood-panelled walls, no clutter, and a beautiful calm generated by the chunky-knit garments on the shelves, all made from the wool of local sheep.

The wider world might not have heard of Gudrun & Gudrun had one of their sweaters not been snatched up by a television producer at a Copenhagen fashion fair in 2007.

The garment appeared in a successful Danish series called Forbrydelsen, screened on BBC4 last year as The Killing, the British premiere of which was seen by 2.2 million viewers. Worn in the series by detective Sarah Lund, played by Sofie Gråbøl, the ‘snowflake sweater’ became a cult phenomenon.

The Designers behind the jumper

Gudrun Ludvig is, like her business partner Gudrun Rógvadóttir, Faroese born and bred. Gamine, with a neat bob and eyes the colour of the north Atlantic, she has the gentle reserve of an islander. “It all began as I saw all the Faroese wool being burned and lambskin being destroyed. I thoughtwe should be able to use scarce resources we have on the Faroe Islands. This is how we are brought up - to use all parts of the sheep. We started making lambskin coats and things for the local market and in 2002 we attended our first fashion fair.”

’The snowflake sweater was based on a traditional Faroes design, something my father wore,’ Ludvig explains, ‘but old-style knitwear here was very chunky, and I wanted to produce something very feminine.’

Gudrun Ludvig and Gudrun Rógvadóttir, the driving forces behind Gudrun & Gudrun

It is Ludvig’s ability to add a twist to the traditional style and natural feel of her garments that has lifted Gudrun & Gudrun out of what would probably be a small niche: the reinvention of fishermen’s jumpers for an urban lifestyle.

The snowflake sweater is typical of the garments she started making, employing a team of local women who knew how to knit in the traditional Faroese style. It uses natural, undyed wool which is hard-wearing and water-resistant owing to the high lanolin content.

Thora Holm, one of Gudrun & Gudrun’s 70-strong team of knitters in the Faroes

Ludvig says. ‘The knitters put whatever is happening in their lives into what they are making, and I think you can feel it. And sometimes when they deliver a sweater to me they say it is like saying goodbye to a child who is going out into the wide world. This sweater has lain across their knees and in their laps for several weeks, or even months sometimes.’

Knitted cloud dress by Gudrun & Gudrun

And then there is Sarah Lund’s favourite sweater …

“Many many years ago a stylist from DR came by our stand at a fair in Copenhagen. She chose some sweaters to show to Sofie Gråbøl and she fell in love with the traditional star sweater. Ever since we have provided sweaters from our collection from them to chose from. Suddenly the sweaters were important part of the character.”

The famous Sarah Lund jumper photographed for Plümo

The sweater is also a favorite of Danish supermodel, Helena Christensen, who has been seen wearing it on several occasions.

Where do they get their inspiration from? “All but fashion as there is no fashion environment on the Faroe Islands.” says Ludvig. “The light, the harsh weather, people on the street, pictures from old books - and the rich knitting tradition from the islands. The landscape series - which Plumo have bought - is a interpretation of the Faroese winter sky in a winter morning.” This is Rógvadóttir’s favourite jumper “I feel special and it can be cool or sophisticated. I love the different textures and colours in the yarn that tell the story about a both friendly and harsh winter sky.”

Knitted landscape by Gudrun & Gudrun – available at Plümo

Inspirations - a stormy day at Faroe Island

It is clear that they are both very inspired by the landscape around them, in fact their own country is their favourite place to be. “It’s tiny tiny - but still with a myriad of life. We love the quiet mountains on the Faroe Islands - myself on horseback and Gudrun Ludvig walking - preferably together with her dad.” And if they had to go elsewhere? “Iceland is also fascinating and mysterious - and wild and spooky. We all went to India together and that was great - and later this month the two families are going to Morocco to shoot a campaign. We’re looking forward to that.”

When we asked what they would have been without fashion, the answer from both was immediate: “We would have been lost!”

To view the Gudrun & Gudrun collection, visit our knitwear pages. From Thursday 8th November until Monday 12th November, you can get 15% off all knitwear - quote offer code: KNITWEAR at checkout.

The story of Wouters and Hendrix jewellery

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:52:02 +0100

10 years ago at the Paris shows, our buyer spotted a stunning stacking ring made from 7 individual silver bands embellished with delicately sculpted flowers and a semi precious stone and decided that she could not leave the show without it. It turned into Plümo’s best-selling ring and we have not stopped working with Wouters & Hendrix since!

Katrin Wouters and Karen Hendrix met at the famous Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp where they became best friends and started designing jewellery together back in 1984. Their goal was to produce fine jewellery that is elegant and daring, intelligent and bold, exclusive yet affordable.Their first collection was released just a year after graduation and they now produce two exquisite and unique collections each year. We asked them to tell us about what they love and what inspires them.

This seasons’s signature stacking rings, Nugget rings, Plümo AW12.

How did you get into designing jewellery?

Jewels have fascinated us from a young age. The materials - gold, silver, precious stones, pearls - but also the techniques, the beautiful craft, the passionate craftmanship. A jewel has an important function, it adorns the wearer but on top of that it also has an intimate and emotional value and connection. Often the important moments in your life are marked by jewels. We think it’s a privilege to design jewellery that can mean so much for the person that wears it.

What inspires you when you are designing?

Everything inspires us, objects out of our daily life as well as art, architecture and fashion. I think that as a designer you see the beauty of every detail of an object. While you go climbing in the mountains or during a visit to the Louvre in Paris, all the time you are focussed on beauty in colour and form.

Louvre, Pyramide by Pei, 1989.

Meret Oppenheim, Table with Bird’s Legs, 1939.

What do you think makes a great piece of jewellery?

I think there are different definitions for a great piece of jewellery. There are so many extremely beautiful pieces of craftsmanship in the past it’s impossible to equal! It makes us feel humble and also a little bit sad because the old craftsmanship is disappearing in our society. But for us a jewel is great when the person who wears the jewel and the jewel fit together, they become one. Often a piece of jewellery is striking without you knowing why. A great piece of jewellery accentuates your personality.

Wouters & Hendrix, Gold Nugget Studs, Plümo AW 2012.

What are your own favourite pieces of jewellery and why?

Our pearl ring from our Gold collection is Karen’s favourite. She loves the nostalgia of the pearl and the way that it’s set into the ring.

Who are your favourite style icons?

Elsa Schiaparelli, David Bowie and Marcel Broodthaers are all great style icons.

Elsa Schiaparelli

David Bowie

Which other brands and designers do you love?

We really love Dries Van Noten, Celine and Balenciaga for their designs.

Dries van Noten SS13

What are your favourite cities?

We have so many! Lisbon, Naples, Berlin, Tokyo and New York are probably the top five.

Lisbon, ‘Ascensor da Bica’

What do you both love doing when you’re not designing jewellery?

We love to be with our family and friends, to cook and working in our garden.

What would you have been if you weren’t jewellery designers?

We can’t think about anything else except jewellery!

View the Wouters and Hendrix collection for Plümo on our website and get 10% off all jewellery until Monday 8th October when you enter the media code: PRECIOUS.

Below, Onyx earrings by Wouters & Hendrix

Stella Magazine's favourites from the new collection...

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:56:11 +0100

We asked Kate Rose Morris, the Deputy Fashion and Beauty Editor at Stella Magazine, to choose her favourite pieces from our new Autumn/Winter collection and here are the things that she picked…

A leather skirt is going to be THE key item in everyones’ wardrobes this winter, and the Lexington skirt below is clean and minimal, as opposed to short and tarty.

Winter layers can look dull, but a flash of neon from this fringe scarf will pop out cheeringly from dark colours.

I don’t believe fashion is about sporting a trend every day, sometimes things just have that perfect ease to them, and this simple silk leopard print dress is a perfect example. I’ll wear it with biker boots on a shoot, and with a blocky heel for evenings.

View the full Autumn/Winter Plümo collection on our website.

The first Autumn chills are in the air… This is the time to invest in a beautiful piece that...

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:57:51 +0100

The first Autumn chills are in the air… This is the time to invest in a beautiful piece that will accessorize the simplest pair of jeans and t-shirt stunningly.

We have been scouting design studios and trade shows all over the world to find the most unusual, perfect scarves.

They vary from every day, easy-to-wear fashion pieces to luxurious, large woven statement plaids in strong geometric patterns.

All wraps are made from tactile materials that drape and move beautifully and feel soft and luxurious against the skin.

To celebrate our labour of love, we are offering 10% off our beautiful new Autumn scarves for a few days. Simply add media code LOVE at checkout.

Below is a little insight on the great designers and people that have created the scarves…

Becksondergaard – Copenhagen

Lis Beck and Anna Søndergaard know everything about scarves. Their designs are based on signature prints, craftsmanship and an ever changing colour range.

In 2003 they founded the innovative Danish accessory brand Becksondergaard . Their AW12 collection is bursting with creativity and always includes a few humorous twists.

Becksondergaard Parisian stripe scarf

Becksondergaard Supernova Wrap

Becksondergaard Wild silk scarf

Becksondergaard Angry birds scarf

Humanoid

Every season Plümo is featuring luxurious woven plaids from Humanoid which usually sell out very quickly!

The colour range is wonderfully earthy and artfully woven into incredibly tactile and stunning, soft drapey pieces that you will want to wear again and again, outlasting fashion trends and seasons.

Humanoid, who they are…

3 ways of wearing the Giza wool scarf

Beatriz Furest Accessories

The design studio is based in Barcelona, Spain and was set up by two sisters. Together they create stunning handbags, belts and scarves, made by skilled Spanish craftspeople.

We are featuring the gorgeous Twist shoulder bag that is made from tactile cognac coloured leather with clever brown twist detail and also the best selling Catalan wrap, made from peat coloured soft woven wool with plaid border and fringed ends.

Beatriz Furest Twist shoulder bag

Beatriz Furest Catalan scarf

Slow Clothing

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:00:05 +0100

“You can talk about fast food and slow food AND - you can talk about fast clothing and SLOW CLOTHING”

Our new collection for Autumn has been inspired by slow clothing.

Sourcing unique, independent and ecological conscious Designers from all over Europe.

On the doorstep - British Designer Kat Maconie who’s footwear collection was featured at Preen’s runway show.

Kat Maconie for Felder Felder

Detail of Maconie’s Triya shoes

Velvet Zip shoes for our AW12 collection

2. From Copenhagen Fashion week - The Danish Label Black Lily, who has just launched their first carefully edited clothes line

Black Lily Accessories

Some Black Lily styles for our AW12 collection

3. Northern lights - Faroe based Gudrun & Gudrun’s hand crafted jumper designs are worn by Claudia Schiffer and Helena Christiansen

Guðrun & Guðrun is owned by two Faroese women and the creative process of design is very closely linked to the isolation of the place.

“It’s good to come to Europe for input and inspiration, but it’s crucial to come back home to the silence and not be disturbed by the hectic life of fashion” the designer concludes.

The most famous Gudrun & Gudrun lines are classic sweaters made from 100% untreated and un-dyed Faroese wool.

Below Faroe jumper hand knitted for the Plümo Winter collection.

4. France - From the Tranoi show at the Louvre Paris - Creation francaise label Leenoy wrapping skillfully Parisian femininity in luxurious fabrics.

5. Spanish Leather tradition - Barcelona based Beatriz Fuerst whose intriguing handbag designs are 100% manufactured in Catalonia

6. Valentine Gauthier

Introducing Parisian designer Valentine Gauthier, whose eco-friendly ethical designs have already been causing waves across the Channel.

Valentine trained with Maison Martin Margiela and Rochas before branching out on her own.

Her new Autumn Winter collection is available from August onwards @ plumo.com

Introducing Chie Mihara

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:25:38 +0100

Chie Mihara launched her shoe line in Elda, Spain, in January 2002 in order to offer women something different, footwear designed by a woman for women, with a priority placed on design and comfort. She wanted women to feel feminine and attractive but without giving up comfort. Drawing on vintage influences ranging from 1930’s femininity to 1980’s humour, she began taking details from the past and reworking them to reflect contemporary esthetics and modern fashion. Her distinctive footwear quickly gained a following devoted to Chie’s unique approach to comfort and style. “My message is that shoes can be just another object, like all the things that surround us, made of dull materials. But when we put our soul, love, admiration and inspiration into something, for the first time it recovers life and starts to communicate with us. This is the work of a designer, to make objects that communicate!”

How did you get into designing shoes?

I started with fashion in Japan when I was 18, then 4 years later I went to do sculpture in New York. I found that I missed fashion when I was doing only sculpture and thought that the combination of both would be shoe design! So that’s how I got into shoes!

What inspires you when you are designing?

So many things! But whatever it is, I really have to fall in love with the story. Like now, I’m working on summer 2013 and I’m completely submerged in the clean, geometric and “futuristic” lines from the 60’s.

What do you think makes a great pair of shoes?

A shoe that makes you feel wonderful!

What is your favourite pair of shoes and why?

These shoes are one of my favourite pairs. They were born on a Sunday morning working in my studio. I wanted to make a simple pump but with fun, so I was cutting shapes of leaves and feathers and coincidentally found that a shape of an eye stood in front of me which I thought was really cute. I always investigate like that. First I find a small and “insignificant” something that catches my interest and I follow it, then it turns out to be something very significant in the collection. I’m also working on a pair of lace-up shoes which I think will be my new favourites, a mannish style but very colourful. I think they’re going to be a great success!

Who is your favourite style icon?

There are so many great style women! Right now, I think it’s Kate Moss.

Which other brands and designers do you love?

Miuccia Prada, Marc Jacobs, Maria Grazia and Pier Paolo from Valentino are my favourites.

What is your favourite city?

I love New York and Tokyo - they were the two cities I lived in when I was studying fashion and footwear. Both cities are energetic and full of life! In New York, I felt really at home instantly. Also when you are 22, living in New York is a great place to see the world and have fun! You meet so many ethnic groups, eccentric people, artists. You learn to accept differences and be less conservative about “how we should be”. I loved to observe these eccentric people, the ones just being themselves, that inspired me! I say to my kids that they have to live at least one year in New York!

I love Tokyo because it impresses you. I used to live there when I was 20, so it was like a big amusement park!! I was never bored. In both cities my hobby was going shopping, walking around and seeing shops, flea markets, parks etc.

What do you love doing when you’re not designing shoes?

Talking with my kids and spending relaxing time with my husband.

What would you have been if you weren’t a shoe designer?

I think I would have liked to be a photographer maybe…

Chie Mihara street photography

Chie Mihara customers send in pictures of themselves wearing her beautiful shoes - we’ve put a few of our favourites below:

Summer 2012 Chie Mihara styles available through www.plumo.com:

Top ten Wilderness Retreats by Canopy & Stars

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:25:52 +0100

We asked the adventure experts at Sawday’s Canopy & Stars to write us a blog about their favourite Wilderness retreats and here are their top ten places to escape to…

Ever needed to get away from it all? Still fancy a comfy bed and décor as beautiful as the view? Well good news, here at Canopy & Stars we like to dabble in glamping! We’ve picked the best places to go wild, whether it’s biking, horse riding, fishing, wild swimming, hang gliding… or simply going for a stroll in acres of secluded countryside.

1. Wanderlusts, Cumbria

Couples and families will love this magical journey through stunning Cumbrian countryside in your own horse-drawn Gypsy caravan. You’ll be stopping at special places along the way, by a working watermill or at Drybeck Farm, giving you a chance to look after your new horse friends.

2. La Jaima, near Alicante

A regal Moroccan tent for 4, with horseback riding and hang gliding nearby. Made by the tent-maker to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the luxurious fabrics contrast with the rustic olive groves outside.

3. The French Retreat, near Bordeaux

A restored Airstream Sovereign and a hand-built wooden cabin in acres of woodland and meadow. There’s perfect isolation if you want it, with a natural pool for wild swimming and a library of books to choose from. Looking for adventure? Hire a Vespa and go in search of the region’s amazing vineyards.

4. The Beermoth, Aviemore

This former fire truck is now a truly unique space for 2 in the gorgeous Cairngorms. Salvaged pieces – parquet from a Tudor mansion, slate from a snooker table – and a Victorian brass bed make this a special retreat in a stunning location.

5. Caban Coch, Powys

Some of the UK’s best bike trials are on your doorstep at Caban Coch, a cosy cabin filled with charming vintage décor. Light pours in through the large windows, giving you beautiful views across the countryside.

6. The Lodge, Cumbria

This family-friendly cabin puts you in the heart of the forest – look out for leaping salmon and deer drinking at the edge of the river. Go wild swimming, and then rent a fishing rod and BBQ your catch on the veranda!

7. Gwennol, Powys

So secluded, you can only get here on foot, horseback or bike, Gwennol is the ultimate in remote wilderness breaks. You’re off grid, so take it slow at camp, heating water for your bath and cooking over the fire. Go wild with canoeing, pony trekking and hill walking in remarkable countryside.

8. Fisherman’s Cabin, Dordogne

This wooden cabin on a lake is stuffed with curios, from telescopes to microscopes, and the mezzanine twin is great for kids. Fishing, biking and looking for the hidden standing stones in the woods are the best ways to explore.

9. Kingfisher Camp, Herefordshire

Surrounded on all sides by views of the Black mountains, this private camp with a Gypsy caravan and fishing hut make up an enviably quiet and calming break. Take in the view as you scrub up in the shower after a hard day’s hike along Offa’s Dyke.

10. Balleswidden Cabin, near Penzance

With views over the moors to Land’s End, this 2 person (plus 1 little person!) cabin is out in wilderness. Days are filled with great surfing at nearby Sennen cove, or wildlife spotting along the Cornish Coast Path. At night, try to count the stars in the Milky Way.

One lucky person will win a stay at Balleswidden Cabin, so don’t forget to enter the competition – it could be you! To enter, visit the Plümo website.

So if you’re looking to get wild, we’ve got you covered. Bring your bikes, your boards, and your wellington boots… we’ll do the rest!

Behind the scenes ... AW'12 photo shoot in Dungeness

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:38:57 +0100

“Who isn’t inspired by nature …” this is the theme of the Autumn photo shoot we are currently shooting in Dungeness. And the overwhelming feeling so far is how can nature NOT be inspiring, it’s all around us, costs nothing and, in our case, just 2 hours away from buzzing London …!

Our photographer’s mood board: preparation for the team.

A slice of toast, the smell of old books and waxed leather, a cup if tea, hunting and collecting shells on shore, sucking wild fennel or finding the perfect round shingle amongst a grey sea of stones…

and above all, the smell of the salty Northern sea

Inspired by the sea

The weather changes minute by minute and suddenly we are shooting against the dramatic backdrop of swirling, grey storm clouds

This forced us to do the styling indoors before moving outside once more to brave the elements

Dressing the lovely Heather …

In the meantime Olga is warming up!

The next scene is set against a typical Dungeness fisherman’s hut

The vibrant embroidery of the Kelim skirt

Heather adjusting her tights. We love the carefully woven colours of the Humanoid wrap melting in with the spicy greens, concrete greys and salty blues of our background

Aghhhh! The matter of messy hair for Linda (Hair), Olga (Model) and Verena (Stylist) fighting the wind… Really all you need is to fling on the Khaki raincoat and slick a layer of rose tinted Vaseline on your lips!

Unfortunately the days are short and the dark descends rapidly - this picture was shot around 3ish. Seriously, it’s May! It should be warm and sunny by now!

Olga is having a break, she is very much into Yoga so no wonder she can balance on that edge!

On the way back we pass Derek Jarman’s House and take a quick look around his garden

And then we were all in need of a hot cup of tea and a seat next to the wood burner …

Olga layering up …

An evening walk with the gang, the eerie but impressive forgotten boats

Following soon … a preview of our exciting Autumn collection….

Morocco - behind the scenes (part 2)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:53:56 +0100

Le Maroc blog: Going south

Arriving in the morning – just in time to see the fishermen selling today’s catch

Well sheltered from the Atlantic ocean - Essouira’s quay walls

After heading south from Essouira towards the surfing beaches of Sidi Kaouki, following a dusty track passing wild donkeys and tiny farm houses. Lazy cats chilling in the sunshine, we arrived at our next shoot destination.

The location:

A seashell coloured Quassahba surrounded by mature trees and protected by a walled garden with rambling roses, jasmine and lush green palm trees.

Sheltered from coastal winds, the beautiful house is tranquil, full of shade and filled with Berber carpets, handmade simple, rustic furniture and paintings by local artists.

Our French host Dominque offers us refreshing, sweet mint tea and some delicious home backed biscuits.

Suddenly you find yourself miles away from London. Apparently it’s cold and rainy…

Quassahba tower greets you on arrival

First take Friendship rings

Sarah is checking water levels

Traditional mint tea

A local delicacy Orange blossom infused Les Cornes de Gazelle

Naimah’s pastry dough:

375 g flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 small eggs
170 g unsalted butter, melted
4 to 5 tablespoons orange flower water

Her almond filling:

500 g blanched almonds
275 g sugar
75 ml orange flower water
60 g unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

… and for the Kaab el Ghazal M’Fenned glaze

orange flower water, for dipping
powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Fill, form and bake for 12 minutes on 180C

While the baked cookies are still warm, dip them in orange flower water, shake off the excess, and roll them in powdered sugar.

After the tea break we shoot on the roof.

From there you can oversee the landscape and in my case get sunburned!

Kajsa is wearing the Khaki raincoat

The next backdrop is close to the pool …

Health and Safety check

In the meantime Francesca warms up Saloner dress

The YeYe girls … Photographer, Make up and Assistant

African print tunic

…another mint tea a la Dominique and more sweets

Even Lulu is posing by showing off her long legs

Mariam dress against Yves Klein Blue

Well, apart from all the fun we also worked. We didn’t have a grey t-shirt dress code… honest?!

Cope of Heaven

Sam Ubhi’s butterfly necklace

Some souvenir shopping in the local souk

Chic bag - made from a traditional folk hat!

Berber Carpet shopping

Sarah’s make up palette a bit Berber rug inspired

and the result: orange compliments the salmon shade of the Jacklyn dress

Classic red with creams and light pinks Coral shorts

J’aime le Couscous!

<><><><> End of a shooting day <><><><>

Introducing Rose Choules...

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:22:00 +0100

Rose Choules trained with the historic John Lobb of St James’s Street, the home of handmade, made-to-measure shoes. She blends tradition with innovation and is much in demand for her artisanal approach. Rose won the 2011 Footwear Friends Designer Award and all her shoes are still made by hand in her London workshop.

She also consults and designs for major sports and fashion brands, focusing on functional aesthetics.

Rose sent us some pictures as our red moccasins were being made in the workshop and it gave us the idea of running a competition with her to create a pair of unique bespoke moccasins for one of our customers to win.

When we asked Rose if she would be happy to do that, she was really excited at the idea and offered to invite the customer in to her workshop to see the final stages of their unique shoes being made!

To tie in with the competition, we asked Rose a few questions about how she got started in shoe design, what inspires her and what she would have been in another life…

How did you get into designing shoes?

I was 11 and for some reason drawing shoes as little animals sparked my imagination, there was a mouse, a lion, and other strange designs, like a shoe zoo! From then on, shoes always featured in my creative work when I studied art, and then fashion and textiles, shoe design was always a thread. When I found out there was a degree course specifically in Shoe design and technology I was over the moon.

What inspires you when creating new designs?

It’s mostly the spirit of things - a way of working or living that inspires me. Interesting materials on my travels which would suit a certain design, and I seem to always delve in to books about ancient fashions and interior designs, for instance the clothing and treasures of the aristocratic nomads of Afghanistan in the times of the Silk Road, or it might be the spirit of the Bauhaus movement. Something that captures my imagination about how people live.

What do you think makes a great pair of shoes?

A touch of fun but a certain class too. I love certain last shapes (what shoes are made on) that are very classic and elegant. A great pair of shoes begins with the last.

What is your favourite pair of shoes and why?

My favourite pair of shoes are the ones I’m currently wearing (of course!). I just made them and they are part of a current project called ‘The Black Collection’. There are a limited number of Black moccasins which are all to be personalised for each customer, my pair have the black and white ikat which I love, and pastel green silk hearts.

What designers do you admire?

Roger Vivier is my favourite Shoe designer of all time, he was a shoemaker and his designs were absolutely fabulous. I also admire Terence Conran who only put styles in to production that he could make with his own hands in the workshop. I love that work ethic. He was very hands-on and that’s also my approach.

What brands and shops do you love?

I love Isabel Marant, MM6 Maison Martin Margila, and for shopping MERCI in Paris for bits and bobs for the home, and the wonderful cafe. I’ve found myself in Paris quite a bit recently and I love many French labels. Also I love the Cloth House on Berwick street in Soho, I’m always stocking up on materials and rare trims in there.

What do you love doing when you’re not designing shoes?

I love going for coffee and cake with friends which I seem to do a lot, and also going to the sea side, being very lazy, reading books, and magazines like Uppercase, Lula, or Selvedge, and still-life drawing.

What was your Plan B if you hadn’t become a designer?

Plan B: A botanical illustrator. Plan C: a member of Fleetwood Mac.

Below are the Rose Choules moccasins created for Plümo:

To enter the Rose Choules competition, send us a picture of your favourite pair of shoes and tell us their story! You can send us an email with the subject line “Moccasins” to promo@plumo.com, upload it to our Facebook page or tweet us @PlumoHQ with your entry. We will pick our favourite story to win the bespoke Rose Choules moccasins in your choice of colour and trim. You will also get to see the final stages of them being made in the workshop with Rose and take your finished pair with you, hand signed by Rose. For full terms & conditions visit www.plumo.com.

Marrakech - behind the scenes at our Spring photo shoot (part 1)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:31:00 +0100

6 o’clock in the morning - we gather the team together and head off through the medina to our first location; absorbing the sounds of the early morning call to prayer and the bustle of the souks

The multitude of intertwining narrow lanes in the medina are confusing at first; most are un-named and some, so narrow, that most of our kit (including thousands of pounds worth of Melanie’s cameras) are piled up on a hand-cart for transporting! Dodging the constant traffic of kamikaze cyclists and mopeds - often carrying whole families and their shopping - is fast becoming our Olympic sport!

Getting lost in the souks does have its bonuses though … our French make-up director Sara shrieks with delight as she discovers one treasure after another. Traditional black hammam soap made of olives, rich in Vit E and with the texture of butter; Argan oil renowned for its anti-aging - we’ll all be smothering ourselves in that later-chunks of fragrant amber resin and the weirdest Berber lipstick that starts off green and transforms into the most amazing shade of geranium once slicked on your lips.

It feels so right to be shooting our clean, contemporary Danish fashion against the frenetic backdrop of the medina. Coolly intelligent versus dramatic and evolving - Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca. WE LOVE CULTURE CLASH!

Sara gets busy applying make-up to Kaisa in our al fresco studio.

Stunning.

As a stylist, you are often used as a jewellery stand!

Incredibly, the luminosity of the pigments on the walls and streets seem to reflect the colours in our collection. Melanie and Kaisa’s favourite bag - Amalfi tote by Campomaggi

We love mopeds and this one looks even cooler styled with our Leopard dress and Beracamy bag!

Our ethereal model Kaisa; catching the last light of the day.

End of a long day - heading back to the riad for a cold beer on the roof terrace before bed. Tomorrow we travel to the ancient walled city of Essouira to shoot more of the collection …..