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Amidst the crystal clear waters and rustic villas of Lake Como, a new activewear brand was born. Varenna — established in 2020 by Italian entrepreneur Arantxa Gandini — sits at the intersection of high-fashion and high-performance redefining activewear for the modern day woman.

“Wellness, elegance and beauty at the heart of everything we do,” Arantxa says as she shares the inspirations and distinctive ‘Made-in-Italy’ ethos of her luxury activewear brand.

According to Arantxa, Varenna was “born out of a desire to create clothing using conscious design methods and minimal waste.” In fact, it is the first and only activewear brand to be completely produced in Italy, utilising only high-quality recycled and biodegradable fabrics, reinforcing Arantxa’s own commitment to preserving the environment and contributing towards a greener future.

Taking inspiration from the inimitable beauty of mother nature, Varenna offers refined yet sophisticated sportswear pieces that “give life to the magic that occurs when the natural world meets wise human hands.

“Our pieces infuse the elegance and sophistication of a luxury fashion label, with the design, performance and versatility of an activewear brand,” adds Arantxa. “Our refined, minimalist aesthetic vision proves that sportswear has indeed become a new expression of contemporary elegance.”

We sit down with Varenna Founder Arantxa Gandini, who invites us to discover the world of Varenna, and learn about the tradition, innovation and passion that inform its lovingly designed and thoughtfully-made collections.

What led you to embark on your journey to create a sustainably luxury activewear brand?

I’ve always felt the need to feel beautiful and elegant, not just at the office or during special occasions, but also while training outdoors, at home, or in the gym. However, I couldn’t find any activewear brands that could satisfy this need.

Because of this, I decided to combine my two biggest passions — sports and fashion — to develop a brand that could meet the elevated tastes and standards of women like myself. So, with my business partner, we founded Varenna with a clear vision in mind. This was to contribute to women’s happiness and to create an environment where wellness, elegance and beauty are at the heart of everything we do.

Tell us more about Varenna’s design ethos. Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?

Our story begins amidst the idyllic beauty of Lake Como, my childhood home. For me, Lake Como has always been the ultimate expression of Italian beauty and way of life. It is a truly magical place where the elegance of the villas seamlessly blend with the majesty of nature.

The main inspiration for our collections come from the natural world in all its forms. From the inimitable lights, patterns, colours and geometries of nature, our collections are born. We design collections that embody the graphic quality and stark symmetries of nature, giving life to the magic that occurs when the natural world meets wise human hands.

Describe Varenna in three words. Tell us more about your brand vision and what sets you apart from other activewear brands in the market today?

Our three main keywords are fashion, sustainable and ‘Made-in-Italy.’ Our mission is as ambitious as it is simple. We combine comfort (an essential feature in any sportswear brand) and glamour, which is something any successful fashion brand has in spades.

Through our collections, we constantly redefine the concept of what an active wardrobe looks like. Our pieces infuse the elegance and sophistication of a luxury fashion label, with the design, performance and versatility of an activewear brand. Our refined, minimalist aesthetic vision proves that sportswear has indeed become a new expression of contemporary elegance.

How important is sustainability to Varenna’s ethos?

In terms of sustainability, we’re always looking for low-impact raw materials and energy solutions. We believe that offering our clients sustainable choices eventually leads to better, more conscious consumer behaviours, resulting in a greener world.

For this reason, we only work with a select network of suppliers in Northern Italy to minimise our carbon footprint. We also put our best efforts towards preventing waste and only using high-quality fabrics from recycled PET bottles and biodegradable sources.

Varenna is the first luxury activewear brand that is completely ‘Made-in-Italy,’ which we hope reaffirms Italy’s position as a leader in the fashion world. Our entire supply chain is sustainable. This begins with design and sourcing the finest recycled Italian fabrics, to our very exacting cut and assembly process, which is as close as ‘made-to-measure’ as you can possibly get in activewear.

For me, tradition, innovation and passion are three words that perfectly describe our collections, which are all lovingly designed, thoughtfully made and packaged in Italy.

What is next for Varenna? What is your long-term vision for the brand?

Our goal is to continue to design and produce elegant, mindfully-made clothes. We believe that brands today have to go beyond simply producing products, which is why we are developing a holistic brand universe that includes fashion, sports and wellbeing.

Our vision is to transform our flagship boutiques into exclusive wellness spaces, where our luxury clientele can relax and take care of their mind and body. At our Varenna boutiques, they can participate in Yoga or Pilates classes, or indulge in some traditional Italian food, reimagined through a lens of wellness and elegance.

Shop #TeamCoco’s top 10 picks from Varenna’s latest collection

  1. Varenna White Bra with Nordic Floral Print
  2. Varenna White Bra with Pink Flower Print
  3. Varenna Black Tank Top ¾ with Long Sleeves and Nordic Floral Print
  4. Varenna Corda Leggings with Ramage Print
  5. Varenna Petal Pink Leggings with Tie Dye Print
  6. Varenna Black and White Tech Polo with Shade Print
  7. Varenna Bottle Green Bra with Nordic Floral Print
  8. Varenna Pearl Grey Tech Polo with Stripes
  9. Varenna Corda and White Leggings 3/4 with Shades Print
  10. Varenna Blu Navy Tech Jersey with Long Sleeves

“Balancing between being an artist and being a businesswoman, I would say I am more of the first,” says Claire Fleury who talks us through the early days of her career and dishes out the details of her latest sustainable and genre-bending collection, ‘Kaleidoscope.’

Claire started out in theatre before getting involved with the New York fashion scene in the 1980s. What started as designing small collections here and there, soon gave way to a stellar career in the fashion industry. One look at any of Claire’s pieces and you’ll instantly see her own personality reflected back at you. Bold, colourful, subversive and always, always avant-garde.

In this interview, we sit down with Claire and talk about her inspirations, the state of the fashion world through her eyes and the hodgepodge of projects she has upcoming. And if there was one thing that we came away with, it’s that Claire is on top of her creative game and we can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start your eponymous fashion line?

I’ve always been inspired by fashion, mostly the avant-garde kind, but I never thought to start designing clothes myself. I come from the European theatre scene, and when I moved to NYC almost ten years ago, I transformed my performing arts career into making costumes and outfits for nightlife performers and dance companies in New York. From there I started making small collections, selling at Patricia Field — who was most known for styling Sex & The City, but has some designer fashion stores in NYC since the 80s — and later at groovy pop-up shops all over NYC. My designs were also available in SoHo retail stores, art galleries, nightclubs and even the Brooklyn museum.

Tell us about your ‘Kaleidoscope’ collection. What’s the story behind it?

The collection is based on the specific cuts of motocross gear and is entirely made of surplus fabrics. These fabrics are left over from my own studio’s earlier collections, as well as small pieces of fabric donated by designers leaving town due to COVID-19.

I called it Kaleidoscope, as a reflection of how scattered our lives are right now, and how we might need to protect ourselves with armour. However, the ‘soft armour play suits’ as I call them, are made from lace and mesh and faux fur and sequins…. So, they are another kind of armour altogether. One to have some fun with!

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a businesswomen so far?

Balancing between being an artist and being a businesswoman, I would say I am more of the first.

What are your thoughts on virtual fashion shows, and do you believe the fashion world will go back to a physical runway format soon?

I think a virtual show is better than no show! It is obviously a different format but if you treat it as such, it can be its own medium. I believe we do love live performances and will get back to that as soon as it is safe to do so.

What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?

Always! I’m working on a few things simultaneously (also always). The first is a new collection which is called After Party. These are pieces that we would want to wear after the pandemic is over

Second, I’m designing a small line of garments with a fabric print I am obsessively drawing right now.

It is a modern take on a traditional French ‘toile’ and is based on a photoshoot that my partner/photographer Cash Levi Exum and I did in the park with some of our favourite models….

Finally, I am also thinking of designing a collection based on 1970’s women in rock, there’s just not enough time in a day!

What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourselves?

Hmm. Listen to and trust your own voice, but also learn from the people you admire. Oh, and take your best friends advice: they know you best!

A thousand miles may stand between designer sister duo Lizbeth and Gianella Cevallos, but it certainly hasn’t stopped them from taking over the fashion world with their sustainable denim brand, Glim Studios.

“Glim Studios is all about celebrating style, creativity and personalisation,” Lizbeth and Gianella say. “We saw an opportunity to reinvent denim as a sustainable and ethical brand.”

Glim Studios offers high-quality denim garments, made from sustainably and ethically-sourced materials in small, locally-produced quantities. It is a denim brand with heart and one that stands firmly against the consumerism of the fashion industry.

In this interview, we sit down with Lizbeth and Gianella and talk all things fashion, the best and worst things about starting a business with your sister, and how Glim Studios is changing the fast-fashion tide, one impeccably made denim garment at time.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Glim Studios?

Lizbeth and Gianella: We were born and raised in Ecuador and grew up inspired in all the pop culture from the 90’s and the last of the 80’s, including art, architecture and music from the era.

Lizbeth is a Fashion designer, and Gianella is an Industrial engineer. We both love to travel and explore new cultures and moved oversees to live our dreams. Lizbeth lives in Madrid, Spain. Gianella lives in Miami, US.

Lizbeth: I went to study Fashion Design in Barcelona, and then moved to Madrid to work and study. I did an MBA in Fashion Management, and then a Master’s in digital business and Innovative Technology.

Gianella: I graduated as an Industrial Engineer in Ecuador and then moved to California to study an Applications Programming (Computer Science), and Design Communication Arts, then a Master’s in international business in Florida.

Even though we live in opposite sides of the world. We share the same values and found common ground by sharing the dream of creating a brand that reflects both, and their beliefs, founding Glim Studios in 2019.

2. What is the best and worst thing about working together as sisters? Why did you decide to focus on denim?

There isn’t a worst thing about working together because we really enjoy working together as sisters and business partners. It’s an exciting adventure for both us, a true discovery.

We know each other well enough to recognise our strengths and weaknesses in order to support each other. We may disagree, but then find a way to see each other’s perspectives. Most of the time we ended up combining our ideas. From the business point of view, we try to use every advantage to make things work in the best way possible.

We live in different countries, with different time zones and thousands of miles between us. This poses many challenges, but the passion and the dream we share for Glim Studios helps us overcome them.

We decided to focus on denim because we love denim. We saw an opportunity to reinvent denim as a sustainable and ethical brand. We decided to work very close with our partners to develop denim garments with the lowest impact on the production cycle and find ways to recycle the leftovers materials by only making limited quantities of each style. This is the quality of clothing we like to wear, and we want to share it with others.

We went one step forward by bringing the opportunity to customise our customer’s denim items using patches and pins from our ‘Customisation Bar.’ This makes every item more special and unique. At Glim Studios, we celebrate style, creativity and personalisation.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as businesswomen so far?

The global pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced as businesswomen. We’d never imagined that almost four months after we officially launched Glim Studios in November 2019, that we would be facing a global pandemic which has been lifechanging for everyone. The first three years of any fashion label are crucial and so we approached the situation in the best way we could, reinventing and adapting to changes we were facing with our community and our customers.

It was hard, but we have managed to keep learning from every little thing that was and is still happening around us. We are very lucky that we are a small business that can make changes fast and reinvent easily.

4. What difficulties do you face as a sustainable and ethical fashion brand?

As a sustainable and ethical fashion brand we believe fashion can be a force for good, and a vehicle for change. Nonetheless, on this path we have faced many difficulties on every level such as:

Finding the right partners. It has been a real challenge to find responsible businesses. Not just any person, or company, but certified businesses that support sustainable and ethical production with transparency. At the same time, partners that can provide us flexibility to order limited quantities.

Some of our styles come in very limited stock because we need to satisfy our suppliers, and at the same time, we try to maintain our sustainable ethos because we know that’s the best way.

Another difficulty has been to inform and reach our customers to explain why our garments have the value they have. We make high quality items, focused on detail, and responsibly-sourced materials, which turns our operations into more costly processes.

And finally, our surplus (items from past collections, and material from past collections), have always been in a part of our plans. So, we try to minimize them from production and reuse them in future collections. This part of a planning process and this takes time.

The contradiction is that we produce for consumption even when we do produce limited quantities. We recognise how this inherently contradicts the current fashion industry which thrives from newness and consumption. So, we are committed to making better choices every day across the business. Every small action matters.

On this front, we decided to work with small factories, most of them family-owned, where we are able to watch each piece be made. We have seen and met the workers who are hardworking people that create each piece of clothing for Glim Studios.

5. “Glim Studios is all about style, creativity and personalisation.” Tell us more about this ethos and what sets Glim Studios apart from other brands in the market today?

When we refer to Glim Studios ethos, we wanted it to represent young people at heart. We want to celebrate style, creativity and personalisation because we believe everyone is different and that make this life so wonderful. We believe that what sets Glim Studios apart from other brands today is that we don’t categorise ourselves and we welcome everyone, every individual.

We celebrate being different, being unique, we celebrate style and with it comes creativity and personalisation.

We create unisex pieces where our customer decides how they will wear each item. We produce limited quantities which means every style is unique in their own way. Beyond that, we also have our ‘customization bar’ where you have the opportunity to customise your pieces by adding patches and pins with freedom because we want to empower uniqueness and authenticity.

6. What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?

That a good question! For sure, we will keep working hard and dreaming big with Glim Studios. We are very focused on the things we want to achieve and explore with the brand, for us there’s no limit so we are 100% excited for what’s to come. We have been working non-stop in a few projects all related to the brand that will come to light later this year.

7. What advice do you have for women who would like to become successful entrepreneurs like yourselves?

The best advice we could give any women out there fighting for their dreams is the same we received from our parents from the very beginning: Work hard, be consistent and believe in yourself and your dreams with all your heart and never take anything for granted. It may take a while to see the results you always dreamed of, just remember ‘the day you plant the seed it’s not the day you eat the fruit’, be patient and keep working hard.

This month, while short, is taking its sweet time! We are missing our friends and Zoom calls are wearing thin. What better time for a pick me up to send your friend – maybe twin with them and get one for you too?

Earrings for the next virtual cocktail hour

Imagine how lush it’s going to be when you can go to meet your bestie, in a hotel lobby, wearing these earrings and spy her wearing hers as you go in for a hug.

I said it. HUG.

MAMATER is a play on the French for Mother Earth. Their ethical roots and emotive designs make for perfect pick-me-up that doesn’t break the bank.

We’re after the Malou Petite Hoops No. 2 which take their design from flat sea urchin which is said to be the gold coins lost by sea mermaids. Who couldn’t do with more gold coins right now? These beauties are only £29.

Glassware to make you feel fancy

You know what cheers me right up on a grey morning – a cute glass or mug. As we slowly move into spring, I want my tableware to meet me there.

Matching glasses for your next catch up could be the perfect pick-me-up to transport thoughts to sunny catch ups outside and the meadow range from glass designer Emma Britton are just right.

Starting from £7.50 a glass to £33.50 for 2 tumblers and the cutest carafe.

Sustainable Self Care

Okay, big title and there’s so much more to self-care than beauty treats – but, it’s a good place to start.

Circla’s mission is reuse not single use and they bring together some of the most innovative and beautiful brands like Upcircle on one platform. As a response to their business – and all our lives – being turned upside down by COVID, they started curating and sending out dinky self-care boxes at less than £9. In the olden days, you wouldn’t have even got a Pret lunch for that.

Something for the boys

Sure, it’s because the ladies have been marketed to for so long that there was a market for all these pick-me-ups with a feminine skew. Men have been left behind somewhat with few options for lower cost, good quality and good-in-general pick me up options.

New sustainable clothing platform Coalo (a B Corp themselves, whoop) curates premium pieces from eight ethical suppliers with timeless appeal. A pick-me-up with purpose, if you will. Coalo vets all products to ensure they employ design thinking in the making of their clothing, creating an end product that lasts and is repairable.

Unusually for the field of sustainable clothing, there are lower cost good quality pieces here, like this tee for only £30.

Don’t let your (favourite) bar run dry

Tayēr + Elementary opened their bottled cocktails ‘/ Off Licēence/ ‘ from London’s Old Street to keep going while closed during COVID. Their limited edition cocktails come with beautifully gender-neutral branding and exotic flavours that you need an expert to have blended for you.

Remember how much money you could casually spend in a cocktail bar? Invest that now in keeping wonderful places like Tayēr + Elementary in business and treat yourself and a buddy to the escapism that the perfect spirit drink provides.

Get in there quick for one of their 300ml serves of Valentine’s Limited Editions for £30.

Nothing beats the lockdown blues better than a sweat-sesh — and so we’re whipping out some retro aerobics moves and getting a healthy dose of endorphins to get through lockdown 3.0 in true #TeamCoco style.

If you’re looking for new ways to elevate your living room workouts, or simply motivate you to maximise your one hour of allocated outdoor exercise, then these stylish activewear sets should certainly do the trick. Because looking good and feeling good is oftentimes the best workout motivation of all.

  1. Blush Sports Top and Leggings by DKNY available at https://www.donnakaran.com/
  2. Black Sports Bra and Leggings by Enavant Active available at Cult Mia https://cultmia.com/collections/enavant-active
  3. Chromatic Sports Bra and Legging by Calvin Klein Performance available at https://www.calvinklein.co.uk/
  4. Sports Bra and Top by Lindex available at https://www.lindex.com/
  5. Multi-coloured Sports Top and black Logo Leggings by DKNY available at https://www.donnakaran.com/
  6. Printed Sports Bra and Leggings by Aurique at Amazon Fashion available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/
  7. Printed Sports Bra and Cycling Shorts by Oceanus available at https://oceanusswimwear.com/

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we have to love the space we live in. This last year, our living rooms have transformed into home-offices, gyms, and home-schools and so it’s important that this space exudes both style and function.

You don’t need an expensive interior designer or a top-to-bottom renovation to give your living room a bit pizzazz. In fact, it may only take a couple of well-placed statement pieces. Stuck for ideas? We’ve compiled some of our favourite statement home accessories that will surely add a dash of style to your living room décor.

  1. ‘Oh L’Amore’ Diffuser by Acqua di Parma available at https://www.acquadiparma.com/
  2. Jasmine Candle by Shaku available at https://shaku.co.uk/
  3. Raja ceramic table lamp by Made available at https://www.made.com/
  4. Gilded Large Dora Maar Vase by Jonathan Adler available at Yoox https://www.yoox.com/uk/
  5. Glasses by Ferm Living available at Yoox https://www.yoox.com/uk/
  6. Cat Antipasti Serving Plate by Paul and Joe available at available at https://paulandjoe.com/
  7. Le Botteghe d’Arte Di Su Gologone Pillow available at Yoox https://www.yoox.com/uk/
  8. Turn On Table Lamp by Hay available at Yoox https://www.yoox.com/uk/

It’s tough to stay creative, be creative and spark new creativity at the best of times and, erm, well…we don’t need to say any more.

We are always looking for inspiration and today we are getting it in buckets from Hannah Turlington, Printmaker, Designer, Teacher and Creative. Grab a cuppa and get ready to spark your creativity.

HOC: Hello, Hannah. What first attracted you to lino printing?

Hannah: Before I answer this I think that I have got to let anyone know who is thinking about starting to lino print that it becomes an obsession once you start as the projects and the possibilities are endless!

I first did lino printing when I was doing my GCSE and A-Level in art and did a project using the relief printing method of lino. At that time I worked more in coloured pencil and spent a lot of my time shading in shapes. I wanted to go to art college and study surface pattern and textile design but at that time it was discouraged. However my creativity didn’t go away and by this time I had become a teacher but something was missing … Whilst working full time, I went to college in the evenings and took printmaking courses and did a BTEC in art and design crafts. I did a big project on Mother Shipton’s Cave in North Yorkshire using the medium of lino printing but this actually isn’t where my obsession began.

About 6/7 years ago my sister bought me a lino printing starter kit for Christmas and it sat in the cupboard until one weekend in May. I had heard there was going to be a fair in the village and you could get a table and have a stall so I went to the person who was organising it and said I wanted a table. She asked me what I was going to do … I honestly said ‘I am not sure yet…leave it with me and I will think of something!’ This was honestly was the start…I went home and started thinking and pulled out the kit from the cupboard and began.

I am not sure at what point I realised it had become and obsession but about 3 years ago my husband said that I had taken over the house and the only way to get it back was to build me a studio in the garden. So, he did but this was not without sacrifice on his part as he had to sell his VW T4 Campervan to do so…I hope to make enough money to buy him one back.

HOC: What a story! How have you kept your creativity up during these testing times?

Hannah: It is going to sound like a cliché but when you live in rural North Yorkshire creativity is all around and getting outside has proven to be one of the greatest medicines and sources of inspiration through these tricky times. I think that I look for the stories that every object tells us and my work tells stories.

I describe myself as: ‘I am a storyteller and I use my work to tell those stories. Sometimes they belong to me, sometimes they belong to others but usually they belong to all of us’.

Hannah Turlington

I have taken to journalling during this time and I’m not saying this has had a massive impact on my creativity but it has given me a focus in the morning and a way of clearing the chatter so I can get on with the day. When I create my work each piece can take a long period of time – especially when you are working with A2 sized pieces of lino – this (journalling) time gives you the space to focus and to dream whilst working.

Having constant projects such as Print Club, my calendar, commission pieces and putting together creativity packs for my online shop have all enabled me to keep up my creativity. I think joining in with online projects and taking online training all help as well. Crucially, it is about not forcing it and sometimes just going with something that is completely different such as hand painting cork notice boards…a bit random but I loved doing it.

HOC: We love how you encourage creativity in others through your workshop and print clubs – What plans do you have for 2021?

Hannah: The thing that I have missed during 2020 was the constant flow of workshops that I run. I did run them in between guidelines changing but I still missed connecting with people and their creativity. This year I will be putting out my program of creative printing workshops as soon as possible but in the meantime I have my ‘Learning to Love Lino Printing’ creativity packs, which I will be expanding. I plan to deliver some live workshops in the spring where you can receive the resources for the workshop then you join me online for the session. (head here to find out more)

I am also planning for mini books for children to help them learning about nature; such as beekeeping, (we do have bees in our garden…fingers crossed for a bumper year of honey), insect identification etc. I have an idea for a printing/creativity zine connecting like minded creatives …the list is honestly endless! I am constantly working on ways to connect with others in new ways as things have changed and we can’t get away from that at all.

For me printmaking and creativity feeds my soul and without it I am empty.

Hannah Turlington

You know us by now. We love to travel, to get new ideas, appreciate beautiful architecture and design and well, our own four walls aren’t cutting it right now. We got chatting with Sarah Ellison, founder of Frank & Faber and interior designer of London gems such as George Northwood’s salon and Number One Bruton. I’m sure we’ll come away with some inspiration and hope you will too…

HOC: Hello, Sarah! We absolutely love your work and the phrase ‘everyday luxury’ that we came across on your site. What does everyday luxury mean for you?

Sarah: Everyday luxury means a lot of different things to different people and that is why we invest a lot of time getting to know and understand our client’s needs and priorities, we find out what luxury is to them and help them bring this to life. For example it could be the perfectly considered space which maximises functional efficiency and has glazing positioned overlooking your favourite tree with the perfect view of sunset.

It could be investing in a piece of art which really inspires you, positioned in your home so that you see it every day and it always brings you a quiet joy. It is considering the materiality and fabrication of the tiny details, the fixtures and finishes that you see and touch every day. It’s the a beautiful doorknob or kitchen handle that is quality, beautifully fabricated, texturally and aesthetically pleasing and reassuringly durable.

In our job, the devil really is in the personal details, which are unique to each project and client.

Sarah Ellison, Frank & Faber

HOC: We hear you focus a lot on lighting in your interior design – how much of a difference can lighting make, especially in these dark months?

Sarah: It makes ALL the difference. Lighting has a transformative power, which has never been more critical than now, when we are all working, schooling, relaxing, exercising, eating and socialising (virtually) at home. The right lighting scheme can change a space from classroom to family film night at the flick of a switch.

My previous career was in events and I learned the fundamental role that lighting plays in creating an atmosphere and transporting an audience. We take that almost scenic approach into our work now creating cinematic pockets of light which help to define zones and function. Lighting is huge topic but from a functional perspective a great scheme will be layered and have a mix of wall, ceiling, table and floor fittings which fulfil your general and task needs as well as creating atmosphere. It should be designed to suit your furniture layout and be tailored to your personal requirements.

The perfect feature fitting has the same decorative impact as a piece of jewellery, it will draw the eye, highlight a feature, enhance the aesthetic and can transform an otherwise basic space, it is full stop on your interior.

HOC: How, on a modest budget, would you recommend a reader to bring some everyday luxury into their home?

Sarah: The investment of time and consideration can be as important as the investment of money, really thinking through how you want to live and your personal priorities and making sure those are fulfilled. For me personally lighting (as you said), the use of natural materials with an innate character and patina and layering textures are what bring homely warmth to a space and that is my every day luxury.

Consider the pieces you really will see, touch and interact with every day. You could save on the internals of your kitchen but buy a stunning worktop and handles, buy a cheaper sink but beautiful taps. Some high street brands are doing great pieces and (much like fashion) when mixed with statement investment items and vintage you can elevate the overall aesthetic and create a space that is unique to you.

A cliché but true, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, regardless of budget we always choose to mix vintage with new because it brings history, character and a story to a space and it can also be an effective way of saving money. It takes time, patience and a real passion for getting up at 5am to trawl flea markets and auction houses but when you find the perfect piece it’s all worth it. Every day when you look at that piece in your home, you will know the effort and love that went into finding it; this is where the magic lies.

This holiday season, we’re rethinking the way we shop and celebrate. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we have to find ways to do things better, not just for each other but for future generations too.

So, to end a year like no other, we’ve curated a Christmas gift guide of luxury fashion finds that don’t just look good but also do good for the environment. Because truly great fashion, doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Fashion is all about self-expression, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off our eco-conscious guide with Ganit Goldstein’s 3D-printed collection. Goldstein makes one-of-a-kind pieces using repurposed factory waste, producing a collection that brings together art and sustainability in one stylish bundle. Is this the fashion of the future? We certainly think so.

We also love this printed jumpsuit from sustainable fashion brand OMNES and gold ring from carbon-neutral jewellery brand Pyrrha. Omnes’ goal is to avoid having any garments reach landfill and so receives high-marks for offering conscious wardrobe staples without sacrificing on style.

Yatay’s colourful ‘No More Plastics’ sneaker range was developed using sustainable materials and offers plenty of charm. For each trainer purchased, the brand plants a tree and has absorbed more than 55,000 kgs of CO2 since its launched. Yatay encourages customers to recycle old sneakers too, which is certainly a step in the right sustainable direction.

1. Refream Outfit made with recycled factory waste by Ganit Goldstein available for made to order at https://ganitgoldstein.com/

2. Printed Jumpsuit by Omnes available at https://www.omnes.com/

3. Gold Ring with inscription by Pyrrha available at https://pyrrha.com/

4. Printed Scarf by Shaku available at https://shaku.co.uk/

5. Helena Christensen ‘No More Plastic’ Trainers by Yatay available at https://www.yatayatay.com/uk

We are basically in love with everything at Arddun Store. Arddun opened in Harvey Nichols in August 2020 and offers a curated range of ethical and sustainable fashion, home, skincare, and accessories brands. We’re looking at this lovely matching set from Lonely Lingerie and this colourful throw pillow from Utopia Goods to spruce up our lockdown décor.

Living a conscious lifestyle goes beyond what you wear, but also how you take care of your wardrobe. The Lab Co. offers plant-based laundry products that are kind to skin and the environment, and we’re all for it!

Larq offers the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and uses UV-C LED technology to neutralise 99.9999% of bacteria and we can’t think of a better COVID-era gift. Not to mention, the brand also does wonders to help end single-use plastics water bottles.

Pinko and British designer Patrick McDowell have teamed up to launch the ‘Reimagine’ collection, which features the brand’s signature glam aesthetic, albeit with a focus on sustainable and ethical design practices. The collection uses repurposed deadstock fabrics to help close the loop on fashion.

Mary Benson is another London designer who uses deadstock fabrics and offers a wonderfully charming range of clothes and accessories. The brand has also released a collection of customisable Christmas stockings for the holiday season and we are appropriately obsessed.

6. Yellow ‘Shelby’ Longline Bara by Lonely Lingerie available at https://arddunstores.com/

7. Yellow ‘Shelby’ High Waist Brief by Lonely Lingerie available at https://arddunstores.com/

8. Sports Wash by The Lab Co available at https://www.thelabco.com/

9. Black Oversized ‘Reimagined’ Tee by Pinko x Patrick McDowell available at https://www.pinko.com/en-gb/

10. Seaside Mint Self-cleaning Water Bottle by Larq available at https://www.livelarq.com/shop

11. Lucille Velvet Frill Bag by Mary Benson available at https://www.marybenson.london/woman

12. Martini ‘Reimagined’ Trench Coat by Pinko x Patrick McDowell available at https://www.pinko.com/en-gb/

Aligne is a contemporary eco-label that offers well-made basics that are made ethically and transparently, making for the perfect guilt-free Christmas gift.

We’re also dreaming of Jewellers Loupe’s range of fair-trade jewellery pieces, particularly this Trust double-band stacking ring with a Rose Quartz gemstone. Jewellers Loupe is s West Yorkshire-based jewellery brand that offers wonderfully timeless pieces at affordable price points.

Yardley London is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year and we think their colourful, plastic-free gift sets, featuring 95% natural-origin products, make for the perfect stocking fillers.

Finally, we don’t go anywhere without our beloved Dr. PawPaw multipurpose balms this winter (or any winter for that matter). So this year, we’re upgrading our Dr. PawPaw gear with the brand’s new ‘Prep & Party’ Set.

13. Amber Pocket Hoodie by Aligne available at https://aligne.co/

14. Anya Pocket Jogger by Aligne available at https://aligne.co/

15. Fairtrade Yellow Gold Trust double band stacking ring by Jewellers Loupe available at https://www.jewellersloupe.co.uk

16. Personalised Monogram Christmas Stocking by Mary Benson available at https://www.marybenson.london/woman

17. Farrow Bag by Sézane available at https://www.sezane.com/

18. Faux Fur Jacket by Baum und Pferdgarten available at https://www.baumundpferdgarten.com/uk/

19. Banksia Pink throw pillow by Utopia Goods available at https://arddunstores.com/

20. Contemporary Florals Body Fragrance Collection by Yardley London available at www.boots.com

21. Prep & Party Set by Dr. PawPaw available at www.asos.com

It feels like 2020 has been going on forever, so what better way to mark the (near)end of a stressful year – and signal the beginning of the holiday season — by treating yourself with some of these stylish (yet totally functional) fashion finds?

After all, according to the much-awaited John Lewis Christmas advert, it’s all about giving a little love this holiday season; and we think that giving yourself a little love is worth shouting about too.

Nothing says mood-booster more than long outdoor walks, or pumping living room workouts, so why not do it in style? We’re obsessing over DKNY’s contemporary activewear range for our online spin class and putting on some trusty Dr. Martens for our one-hour of daily exercise.

1. Red Case by Victorinox available at https://www.victorinox.com/

2. Cork Cable Knit Jumper by Paul and Joe available at https://paulandjoe.com/en/

3. White Sinclair Leather Platform Boots by Dr. Martens available at https://www.drmartens.com/

4. Mauve Sports Bra by DKNY available at https://www.donnakaran.com/

5. Snake Print Leggings by DKNY available at https://www.donnakaran.com/

6. Guacamole Carol Bag by Gu_De available at https://gu-de-official.com/

7. Fairtrade Gold Promise Ring by Jeweller’s Loupe available at https://www.jewellersloupe.co.uk

8. Green Cashmere Scarf by Victoria Ragna available https://victoriaragna.com/

These days loungewear is everything, and this printed set from Amazon is ticking all the right cosy boxes. We’re also loving this statement throw from Missoni home and perfectly autumnal trench from Lalo Cardigans. Not to mention, this brilliant Missoma Advent Calendar – because wouldn’t you rather have bling instead of excess sugar this Christmas?

9. Brown Les Girls Les Boys Pyjama Top by Amazon Fashion available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/

10. Brown Les Girls Les Boys Pyjama Bottoms by Amazon Fashion available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/

11. Nantucket Watch by Hermès available at https://www.hermes.com/uk

12. The Invisible Collection Candle & Holder by Diptyque x Osanna Visconti available at www.theinvisiblecollection.com

13. Green Hope Beret by Misa Harada available at https://www.misaharada.com/shop/

14. Patterned Trench Coat by Lalo Cardigans available at https://lalocardigans.com/

15. Black Mules by Kalda available at https://kalda.com/

16. Advent Calendar by Missoma available at https://uk.missoma.com/

17. Printed Throw Pillow by Missoni Home available at https://www.yoox.com/

We are certainly Indulging in a luxurious sleep in this slinky metallic slip by La Perla. We’re also making our home look and smell like a five-star luxury boutique hotel with Acqua di Parma and Diptyque’s home fragrances, and this glam ice bucket by Jonathan Adler. If you’re really looking to splash out – we’re dreaming of Piaget’s 30th anniversary gold bangle – for a self-care present that is as timeless as it is desirable.

18. Maison Metallic Silk Slip by La Perla available at https://laperla.com/

19. Maison Metallic Silk French Knickers by La Perla available at https://laperla.com/

20. Colonia Futura Home Fragrance Set by Acqua di Parma available at https://www.acquadiparma.com/

21. Ice Bucket by Jonathan Adler available at https://www.yoox.com/

22. Shearling Bag by DeMellier available at https://www.demellierlondon.com/

23. Dark Blue Maureen Flat Pumps by Malone Souliers available at https://www.malonesouliers.com/

24. 30th Anniversary Yellow Gold Open Bangle by Piaget available at https://www.piaget.com/

25. White Polka Dot Top by UN_NYE available at https://www.un-nye.com/