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Self-love is more important than ever. Last year has been tough and the last thing we need is all the unnecessary pressure that Valentine’s Day brings. So, this year, instead of Valentine’s we’re showing our gratitude to all the girlfriends that have helped us survive a global pandemic.

Team Coco is all about that supportive female energy – so what better way to say thank you than by treating your favourite gal pals to some of the best self-care, skincare and all-rodn wellness finds this February?

1.The Ultimate Self Love Kit by Bloom Gin available at https://www.bloomgin.com

To help women everywhere on their self-love journey, BLOOM Gin has collaborated with quality sex toy company, So Divine, to create the ultimate self-love gift box – be it for yourself, your friend, your sister, hell, even your mum if you’re so inclined. The limited-edition gift-box, which contains a bottle of BLOOM Gin, a scented candle and a sex toy from So Divine, is the ultimate gift of pleasure and relaxation.

2.Ultra Balm Universal Rescue Cream by Amanda Harrington available at https://www.amandaharrington.com/products/ultra-balm

3.Rejuvenating Body Scrub by Anatomē available at https://www.anatome.co/

4.Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser by Steam Cream available at https://www.steamcream.com/

Part of Amanda Harrington’s tan-compatible skincare range, the rich, hydrating Ultra balm is designed to prep skin for tan application and combat dryness at the elbows, knees and ankles. Perfect for some self-care this V-day.

Cool wellness brand Anatomē offers a supportive, mindful offering to treat oneself or a loved one with products to help support emotionally and physically. The pink Balance range is perfect for pampering, good health and self-love.

Steam Cream’s Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser breathes life into spring skin and lifts the soul after a harsh winter. This weightless cream rebalances the skin, helping it to retain moisture and build up its resilience to the changing climate and environment.

This Valentine’s, Nailberry are sharing the love with a complimentary bottle of this bestselling Pop My Berry Lacquer worth £15 when you spend £45 or more with the code POPMYBERRY.

But it doesn’t stop there… Explore Nailberry’s Valentine’s Day limited-edition gift sets to find the perfect present – whether to add to your own wish list, treat a special someone or let your galentine know just how much you appreciate them. The quintessential Valentine’s colours – feminine, flattering for all and a picture-perfect pairing for any daytime ensemble. Nailberry’s iconic fiery red, Rouge, delicate pastel pink, Rose Blossom, and gloss-enhancing Bare Essentials Base and Top Coat. The perfect trio to nail your Valentine’s nail art, that is just too cute to pass up

5.Facial Oil by Amaranthine Beauty available at amaranthinebeauty.com

6.Checkmate Lip Gloss by Vesta London Beauty available at https://www.vestalondonbeauty.com/

7.5-in-1 Acai Elixir by Nailberry available at https://www.nailberry.co.uk/

Vesta London Beauty was created by marketing expert Vesta Boateng, to answer her need for high quality lip makeup that matched her (and others! ) skin tone. She spent 4 years formulating the perfect nourishing blends and has created a range of lip liners and glosses that work on all skin types – like magic!

Nailberry, the ethically focused nail brand with a 12-free, vegan friendly and halal approved L’Oxygéné formula is certainly the nail brand we are all coveting this year. The award-winning Acai Nail Elixir is brilliant and proven to help nourish, harden, protect, boost growth and conceal ridges.

Chāmpo are a South Asian-owned, independentUK-based haircare brand, founded by Kuldeep Knox. Since their founding a couple of years ago, they have become cult favourites in the premium, vegan haircare space, known for their trichologically-driven98%+ naturalformulas that produce tangible results. This results-driven serum combines cutting-edge anti-hair loss actives technology to tonecondition and energise the scalp. This, plus a pioneering complex of biomimetic peptide amino acidslipo amino acids and biochanin a-rich Red Clover Extract, are designed to calm the scalp and prevent hair loss.

8.Pitta Hair Growth Serum by Chāmpo available atchampohaircare.com

9.Pure White Rose Water by Gene in a Bottle available at https://geneinabottle.co.uk/

10.Almond Inga Bralette by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

11.Almond Raine Pant by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

12.CBD Oil by NICE available at https://mrnicelondon.com/

13. Take Good Care Candle Set by NETTE available https://nettenyc.com/

14. PURIFY: Scalp Cleanse by FFOR available at https://www.fforhair.com/

Eartha Underwear is a wellness inspired and eco-conscious underwear brand. The first collection launched in November 2021 following 12 months of research into sustainable and ethical manufacturing opportunities and natural materials which are more consumer and environmentally friendly than polyester and virgin cotton. Perfect for some guilt-free self-love this Valentine’s Day.

Help your gal pals hit reset on your hair and scalp problems with the latest launch from sustainable, Scandi-inspired haircare brand, FFØR. Designed by eco-conscious hair technicians who know that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, to allow all of us to achieve that salon-fresh feeling at home this Galentine’s.

Bonus: Here is the perfect gift for the travel-lover in your life. Jet Candy helps weary travellers beat the jet lag blues – along with other ailments associated with the disruption caused to the circadian rhythms. Jet Candy has launched an all-new family of 100% natural remedies, which can be used for long-haul travel, or simply as a much-needed pick-me-up on the ground.

Bonus: The Ensemble by Jet Candy available at https://jet-candy.com/

Nothing keeps Leila Gregory down for long, and after shuttering one business, Leila pulled herself up by her bootstraps and leveraged her 30-year strong retail experience to open her own independent brand Belle Modelle.

Since 2014, Belle Modelle has gone from strength to strength selling a variety of colourful accessories and homeware products; and while many other businesses reeled from the pandemic, Gregory took her business to the next level by launching her very first colourful fashion line last year.

On the inspiration behind Belle Modelle, Leila says: “My mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.” Indeed, one look at Belle Modelle’s joyful knitwear pieces and you will immediately understand the brand’s raison d’être, and the vibrant spirit of the woman who created it.

In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the bubbly, stylish and inspirational Leila and chat about fashion, sustainability and the secret to running your own business.

She says,Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to star Belle Modelle?

After leaving school, I found myself working in retail where I have remained for over 30 years. I started in the cosmetics industry, I have also worked in marketing, fashion and interiors. Having stepped out of retail to have a family, I then made the decision to embark on my very first business which combined a tearoom, cocktail lounge and restaurant with a space selling clothing and furniture. This was a huge personal learning curve as sadly the business had to close in less than a year – but nothing keeps me down for long! It wasn’t long before I was planning my next business venture with even more determination to succeed.

Could you tell us more about your mission to “inspire women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing?”

As someone who has spent many years feeling conscious of my body shape, I feel that I can relate to women who may be unsure of stepping out of their comfort zone. I have found that wearing colour can truly make you feel more confident about how you look. So, my mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.

Belle Modelle has been selling various accessories and homeware products since 2014 but 2021 marked the very first time that you have launched your own womenswear line. Why was 2021 the perfect time to launch?

Belle Modelle went from strength to strength and experienced rapid growth online during the lockdown. I also felt that I wanted to offer our customers something different to other retailers, so in 2021 the time seemed right to finally launch my own collection.

Could you tell us a bit more about the design inspiration behind your womenswear line?

I am well known to be a lover of stars so it seemed obvious that our first knitwear collection included stars in the designs. I also wanted a range that was comfortable, easy to wear and flattering to all shapes and sizes — and of course colourful!

How important is sustainability to Belle Modelle – could you tell us more about the concrete ways you are promoting sustainability in your business?

Belle Modelle monitors its supply chains to ensure that it upholds ethical and sustainable practices at every stage of the process. All our packaging is 100% recyclable. We still have a way to go on the sustainability front, but we are continually working on ways to improve and are keen to include more eco-friendly designs (like our super soft Chara bamboo scarves) in our collection.

Who is the Belle Modelle woman? Could you describe her in three words?

Bubbly, stylish, fun

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Brexit and the pandemic have made sourcing materials and keeping to delivery deadlines challenging. Lots has been out of our control but we are confident that this will ease in 2022.

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

We are excited to be able to expand our own brand range, with a spring /summer collection that features lighter weight versions of our highly successful Knit 21 range. Summer knits, easy to wear trousers and pattern clashing dresses. We hope this year will also see us take on new brands and explore the possibility of opening at least one other store!

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

My advice would be to take the risk and step out of your comfort zone! Success doesn’t happen overnight and you need to invest the time. Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.

WWW.BELLE-MODELLE.CO.UK

“A career driven by passion never feels like work.” So says Luxury Promise Founder and CEO Sabrina Sadiq who left her job as a lawyer to pursue a career in second-hand luxury goods.

Luxury Promise is a next generation social commerce platform where people can buy, sell, exchange and repair preloved luxury goods, all meticulously authenticated by Sabrina and her team. “I often say that it’s not what we sell but how we sell that sets us apart,” she says and Luxury Promise certainly backs that up.

Launched in 2017, Luxury Promise has successfully grown a loyal community of fashionistas from all over the world and sets itself apart with its forward-thinking, experiential, omnichannel approach. The company has seen a 5x growth in sales and has also opened a physical boutique in South Molton Street, unlocking a new business milestone for Sabrina and her team.

In this latest edition of Girl Bosses of Great Britain, we catch up with the queen of pre-loved luxury herself and talk all things designer, sustainability, best investment pieces – and how Luxury Promise is democratising the luxury goods industry one designer bag at a time.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and background. What made you start Luxury Promise?

A lawyer by education, my inspiration to create Luxury Promise came from buying my first pre-loved handbag which was a vintage Hermes Kelly and then going on to selling it for double the price. Here I learned that a luxury handbag can really be an investment. It led to me exploring the world of authentication. I then went on to set up a school of authentication, teaching many people how to spot a fake.

Whilst studying authentication, I learnt that the secondary pre-loved market was still very fragmented and that resale platforms were not inclusive. So many markets were still untapped and with a shift of consumer mindset to sustainability, someone had to bring a fresh and diverse approach to second-hand goods. Luxury Promise was created to solve a problem in the industry which was to connect fragmented markets as well as bring back the luxury in second-hand shopping.

In what ways is Luxury Promise democratising luxury?

Luxury Promise is democratising luxury by creating an inclusive & accessible experiential platform for customers from all over the world to buy and sell their preowned luxury goods. By providing an omnichannel shopping experience, we are working to make luxury shopping more accessible to a global audience from largely under-served markets.

As part of our mission to democratise luxury, we are working to level the playing field between audiences from eastern & western markets to ensure that customers from all over the world gain access to their dream bags. Furthermore, we are working to offer luxury goods to a wider audience & attract customer to shop luxury at affordable prices – offering something for everyone, with our range of products starting at just £45.

Sustainability is at the forefront of every fashion conversation these days – what role do companies like Luxury Promise play in the sustainable revolution?

As a luxury resale platform, we are extending the lifecycle of luxury products by giving them a second chance, a second home to be worn & enjoyed. Sustainability is not only a brand effort but a big part of our brand identity. It goes beyond just a mere transaction as we also offer our customers a one year warranty in case, they wish to send in any products for repairs via our in-house repairs service. Our audience of luxury preloved consumers also understands this aspect of our brand identity, wherein more than 65% of our customers choose to plant a tree with every purchase, truly honing our efforts to offset our carbon footprint.

How is Luxury Promise setting itself apart from other resale businesses in the market today?

I often say that it’s not what we sell but how we sell that sets us apart. The global luxury resale market is becoming increasingly saturated & competitive. Luxury Promise can establish its own niche & stand out as a quality brand in this market by focusing on experiential selling, community driven engagement, a curated product range & authentication prowess. As the counterfeit market continues to grow, authentication remains a top priority at Luxury Promise, where we have established a 3 step authentication process. Selling via live shopping allows us to address a global audience and truly build relationships with our community via personality-focused selling.

What have been the biggest challenges and milestones you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

Every day is a challenge in the life of an entrepreneur, but with this we adapt and learn which for me, is the most exciting part. But I have to say, as it is a career driven by passion it never feels like work!

What has been your favourite second-hand luxury buy – and what makes it so special?

My personal favourite preloved luxury bag must be the Vintage Hermes Kelly. It’s the first luxury bag that I purchased preloved and the reason why I got into this space. It is a great investment purchase and the Hermes craftsmanship is unbeatable. I would consider it to be an heirloom piece – a bag in my collection that I will always cherish with great fondness.

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

It has been an incredible year for Luxury Promise, scaling our business throughout the pandemic and emerging as one of the strongest & largest luxury resale platforms in the UK with the most amazing community. The only way is up. We are consistently scaling our operations and audience & 2022 will be a year to watch!

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion business?

My advice would be – don’t be scared to fail. I think it is always important to remember that failure is needed to learn to become better. If you want to do something, just go for it. Just love what you do and let your passion drive you. You will then feel like you will never work a day in your life. Take every opportunity you can take to push your business to the next level. Sometimes you must take yourself out of your comfort zone. It is not always smooth sailing and success is never ever easy. It takes times and it is hard work and that hard work never stops.

WWW.LUXURYPROMISE.COM

“Aurum by GUÐBJÖRG stands for Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity, and Mindfulness,” says Founder Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir on the values that define her Icelandic jewellery brand.

With its striking, sculptural jewellery pieces, Aurum breathes sustainability and takes inspiration from the ethereal beauty of Iceland’s natural landscapes. It is also the expression of Guðbjörg’s own passion, creativity and genuine commitment to the earth.

In this Women Worldwide interview, Team Coco sits down with Guðbjörg to talk about her love for jewellery, how Aurum is promoting environmental and ethical sustainability across all areas of its business, and how Aurum serves as a platform to showcase the beauty of Icelandic culture to the world.

“To be an innovator and a designer is to be constantly growing and learning and to be patient. It’s important to be passionate about the job, to be industrious, to successfully execute ideas, and to learn by doing. Work hard, make original work and be patient.”

Aurum by GUÐBJÖRG

Tell us a little bit about yourself and background. What made you fall in love with jewellery?

I finished my goldsmith and jewellery design education in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1996. Between 1996 to 1999, I opened a studio in Copenhagen and worked on my first 2 collections Isold and Heida. I moved back to Iceland in 1999 and launched Aurum the same year.

I fell in love with jewellery making after I spent a year in high school on Bainbridge Island in the US. I took a jewellery class at school, and I had a Norwegian teacher, who was an amazing woman who had a big influence on me. When I came back to Iceland after spending a year abroad, all I wanted to be was a goldsmith.

What does Aurum stand for? How does this philosophy inform the way you approach your business?

Aurum stands for Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity and Mindfulness. Aurum puts great emphasis on that ambition through our design, product development, quality, and customer care. We show that we understand the needs of our clients and customers with respect and empathy and that we are helpful and flexible.

We show responsibility across the business by developing a positive and respectable working environment that encourages collaboration and cooperation between employees. Aurum sources materials from certified fair-trade companies and provides environmentally friendly packaging for our clients and customers.

Aurum displays unity with our community by supporting charities with short and long-term projects, and then donating all profits from those projects to selected causes. Aurum is an equal-opportunity company and encourages a mindfulness and prejudice-free environment where everyone has a voice.

How important is sustainability to you and Aurum?

We want our customers to be confident that they are dealing with a company that continues to reduce its carbon footprint in all aspects of its production.

Sustainability is at the heart of our brand values. For example, we only use recycled gold and silver, which is something we have been doing for the past 16 years. We only use lab-grown diamonds offered by members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

We also package our jewellery in sustainable mulberry tree paper, which is made without cutting down any trees; and finally, we offset our carbon emissions by planting trees, via our partnership with UK-based non-profit TreeSisters.

Being eco-friendly is but one aspect of our corporate social responsibility policies. We have permanent and campaign-based collaborations with several non-profit partners.

Where does the inspiration for your unique packaging come from?

Our very special packaging is modelled on Icelandic stones which I discovered on an Icelandic beach in West Iceland. They are made out of ‘Saa Oaoer’ or Mulberry Paper which is the best fibre of the Mulberry tree. Collecting the fibre doesn’t interfere with the ecosystem as not a single tree has to be cut down. Only the leaves are harvested while the tree continues growing.

How does your Icelandic heritage inform your design process?

The Icelandic energy provides me with endless creative ideas. To sense the beauty and experience all the beautiful forms and the quietness in the countryside. This is especially true when I visit my summerhouse in the western part of Iceland, which gives me a break from my busy life in the city and where my creative ideas start to flow.

From the comments that I get from my customers from all over the world, I can tell that my ideas resonate with them, and that they can sense the Icelandic nature and culture in my jewelry design and that is a good feeling. As one of my customers recently said about the jewellery:

“It truly is reminiscent of why we love Iceland, for its natural beauty.”

“It’s impossible not to think of Iceland every time you wear it.”

What have been the biggest challenges and milestones you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

Covid-19 has been challenging but with the hard work and great support of our team, everything has been working smoothly. The challenge for Aurum is to keep up with the growth of the company. We have to be open to new opportunities and keep on developing The Aurum Brand and focus on our core values every day.

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

We will continue to grow Aurum by Guðbjörg and focus on our online business.

Our new Basalt collection just came out last month and the next one is coming out very soon. I am very excited about the new collection, the design process takes such a long time so it is always a thrilling moment when I release them, I cannot wait!

I am also excited about the future as we have a lot of positive interest so now, we are carefully stepping into some new directions.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own jewellery brand?

To be an innovator and a designer is to be constantly growing and learning and to be patient. It’s important to be passionate about the job, to be industrious, to successfully execute ideas, and to learn by doing.

Work hard, make original work and be patient.

WWW.AURUMICELAND.COM

Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship yet with a decidedly modern aesthetic, Emotional World Vintage is undoubtedly the luxury bag brand of our dreams.

Founded by enigmatic duo Log and Liao and conceived to be a ‘cultural transmission’ of traditional craft cultures, Emotional World Vintage is a luxury bag brand brand that is so much more than just a passing trend.

Explaining the brand’s unique philosophy, A said: “Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.”

TeamCoco sits down with the fashionable trio to discuss Emotional World’s Eastern influences, its sustainable practices and also how fashion can be used to convey authentic meaning and culture in a world full of vapid excess.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background – what inspired you to start Emotional World?

Our common goal and original intention for the brand is cultural transmission.

Log: I live in Japan and have been deeply influenced by the lifestyle and attitude of the Japanese. Having spent a long time working the fashion and apparel industry, it has been my greatest wish to continue tradition of Japanese craft culture. I hope that through our Japanese-inspired craftsmanship and our natural and unique fabrics, we can preserve this traditional craft — whilst coming from a familiar aesthetic perspective that today’s luxury consumers would recognise.

Liao: I’ve always been deeply influenced by the heritage of European craftmanship and am inspired by traditional crafting techniques. I have a wealth of experience in the research and production of high-fashion products. I want to redefine familiar aesthetic elements through the lens of ‘remade craftsmanship’ and spread the charms of craft culture more widely. I have a lot of knowledge in bag production and to help preserve the environment, all Emotional World Vintage’s bags are made with only pure natural fabrics.

Where did the name Emotional World come from?

Quite simply, it conveys our wish for the world to be filled with emotions and vitality.

Why have you decided to launch a vintage luxury bag brand? What was the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far?

We have been exploring rare and unique fabrics and processes but didn’t want to be limited to any of them. We wanted to create a luxury bag brand that could be a cultural carrier that can simultaneously conform to modern aesthetics and offer more interesting designs and diverse products. We believe our brand vividly conveys the charm of craft culture.

Emotional World has a sustainable element too. Could you walk us through the production process of a bag in your line?

We source unwanted fabrics and bring them to our studio to be remade. We also use natural dye through an exclusive process that puts colour directly on the fabric. Afterwards, we invite craftspeople to transform the fabrics into bags with our high-quality accessories.

How would you describe the Emotional World aesthetic in three words?

‘Craftsmanship, nature and classic’ are the three words can express our luxury bag brand’s aesthetics.

Tell us about your Timeline Series – what makes this collection unique from other items in your range?

The Timeline series was inspired by Boro craftsmanship and represents the core of our Emotional World aesthetic, Boro craftsmanship is made through the Sashiko pure hand-stitch sewing process, wherein natural rags are woven and dyed through the natural dyeing processes, so that each Timeline series bag is presents a unique seam. From the texture to the fabric, each stitch embodies the human touch, reflecting the charm of traditional crafts and culture.

In your view – what sets Emotional World apart from other luxury bag brands today?

Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.

Our focus on combining both sustainability and traditional craftsmanship techniques is something we feel that other luxury bag brands these days forego. Other brands simply follow trends and cater to the market, whereas our goal is to be ourselves and to attract people who can appreciate our original style.

What’s next for you and Emotional World? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

We just launched a new collection that contains more than 100 styles. Everyone is welcome to check them out at our website at emotionalworldvintage.com and see the quality and craftsmanship of our bags for themselves!

WWW.EMOTIONALWORLDVINTAGE.COM

The problem was the perfect bag was elusive,” says Stubble & Co Co-Founder Ben Watkiss as he looks back on the pivotal moment that led to the creation of, what we consider to be the sturdiest and most versatile bag brand in the market today. “I just couldn’t find one bag that would do it all and those I did find either broke pretty quickly or came with an eye-watering price tag.”

Following an idyllic three-week adventure in the Philippines, Ben set out to create a range of highly-functional bags that people would never stop using, no matter where the destination and two years later, Stubble & Co was born.

Stubble & Co’s design-led approach and dedication to excellent customer experience and true sustainability means that every product was designed to suit the needs of every kind of traveller. “We believe our products are exceptional and our promises are bold, but we still do everything we can to over deliver on them and put the customer first in every single decision,” Ben says. Having sampled a Stubble & Co Roll Top Backpack myself, I can confidently say, that while Ben’s promises may indeed be bold, he certainly delivers on them too.

We sit down with Ben and talk about what makes Stubble & Co’s bags just so much better than other fast-fashion options in the market today, how a change in mindset helped him navigate the troubles of COVID-19 and what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in his own terms.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Stubble and Co

Before founding the brand, I spent 10 years travelling almost every week for work. In and out of airports, on planes, trains and buses, and went through a bunch of bags doing so. The problem was the perfect bag was elusive, I just couldn’t find one bag that would do it all and those I did find either broke quickly or came with an eye-watering price tag. That seemed crazy but it also gave me an idea, one that happened while exploring the Philippines.

It was three idyllic weeks in paradise. No office jobs to think about and no hectic London life, just a chance to really think about the future and how to make the leap into bags. The vision was to create a range of bags that people would never stop using, wherever the destination. Bags that could go anywhere and do anything because they had been designed to last.

Then in March of 2017, after two years of researching, prototyping and planning, we sold our first Stubble & Co bags.

I love the tagline ‘The Only Bag You’ll Ever Need’. In your opinion what sets Stubble & Co apart from other bag brands today? What have been the biggest milestones so far?

Our design-first approach and the fact we put quality at the very centre of everything we do. Materials, techniques, layouts, features and every little detail in between. We focus on it all so that we’re left with a product of exceptional quality and, one that we sell at the most affordable price possible.

The other key focus is the customer experience. We want to exceed every expectation from the moment someone discovers our brand, all the way through, so that we’re still part of their experience years after they’ve purchased one of our products.

We believe our products are exceptional and our promises are bold, but we still do everything we can to over deliver on them and put the customer first in every single decision. That’s the most important factor in our entire brand and we’ve now sold bags to over 25,000 customers.

Stubble & Co is all about blending functionality and performance with a strong sustainable and ethical ethos. Could you tell us more about your sustainable practices?

We’ve got a long way to go before we’re perfect, but we’re constantly looking for ways to make our entire process more sustainable. That’s always been our mission. First and foremost, we want to produce bags that make every journey easier, but if we don’t look after our planet and environment at the same time, we’re not doing all we can as a business. That’s why we’ve made sustainability an inherent part of our vision, working hard on every aspect to become more sustainable than we were yesterday.

To do this, we’ve made sure our bag designs are timeless over ‘fast-fashion’ and we’ve begun launching even more products made from recycled-plastics. We also offer an in-house repair service, offset our transportation carbon footprint, work out of a carbon negative warehouse and make sure all our packaging is 100% recyclable.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

As you can probably imagine, 2020 was a pretty big challenge. Our whole ethos has been to make bags that are built for travel, whether that’s a commute to work, a road trip into the wilderness, a weekend away and every other type of journey, all of which were grounded at the start of 2020.

So we flipped our mindset and changed our attitude. Rather than worrying about how many bags we were selling in the short term, we doubled down on creating inspirational and educational content that would help people get ready for when travel was possible again. We also looked deeper into the changing market and found ways to develop even more essential products, like our Roll Top backpack. Agile, versatile, functional, sustainable, we wanted to design a bag that would let our customers explore the world on their doorsteps by foot and by bike.

Do you have a favourite piece in the Stubble & Co line? If so – why?

We’re proud of every product we’ve ever designed, but the Adventure Bag has to be our favourite. It’s the Swiss Army knife of bags. The kind of bag the 10 year old adventurer in us would have designed in a treehouse, while imagining we were explorers going from sea level streets to snow-capped peaks. That was the passion that fuelled the Adventure Bag.

Made from seriously robust recycled materials, this 42L bag combines the utility of a holdall with the functionality of our most practical backpack. But it wasn’t until we read the first customer reviews that we realised just how special this design was. On one hand it is tough, durable and enhanced with 8 purpose-built compartments so that every journey is made easier and on the other it is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, with nothing rigid within the bag, so that it can be packed to the limits of any airline. It’s the ultimate sidekick.

Stubble & Co has a decidedly streamlined range – how do you go about designing a Stubble & Co bag?

First of all, we sit down and think about the sort of problems we want to solve with each bag and then we brief our epic designer — who has worked with some of the best known bag brands out there — to come up with exciting new ways to make the little details exceptional.

After that, we put out surveys and talk to our customers because they know our bags better than anyone. That’s how we are constantly able to improve. Every single product we have brought out has featured an improvement, whether that’s something big and obvious or small and essential.

What’s next for you and Stubble & Co? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline

Hopefully a lot more travel and everyday adventures. We started Stubble & Co to solve a problem we were struggling with, so we’d love to get back to living the brand day in day out, getting out into the wilderness, testing our products and finding even cooler ways to improve them. And while we envisage always having a small permanent collection of bags, we want to keep finding ways to stretch what’s possible in every perspective: the materials we use, the features we offer and the ways in which we build each bag. There’s only one way to do that: get out there and test them in the wild.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

The first step is always the hardest part… and the scariest, especially at the beginning. You suddenly realise how much effort and time is actually required as you start working hours that are far, far longer than you ever imagined, with numerous sacrifices dotted along the way. All the late-nights, stressful moments, nervy decisions, everything. When you start seeing your product worn by strangers on the street, everything just becomes worth it and you’re left feeling incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. So, hang in there, because if you’ve got passion and a love for what you’re building, you’ll make a success of it and that’s worth all the hardships.

WWW.STUBBLEANDCO.COM

There’s a reason why they say ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ because if you’re looking for just that one, truly memorable, splash out gift this Christmas, you certainly can’t go wrong with some jewellery.

So, whether you’re looking for a unique keepsake to give your bestie, a special gift for mum, or pulling out all the stops and getting yourself a little bougie Christmas present, our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies has rounded up all the most luxurious jewellery finds so you can give the gift of sparkle this festive season.

1. L&C charms by Anna Lou of London available at https://www.annalouoflondon.com/

2.Gold Asterias earrings by Aurum available at https://aurumiceland.com/

3.Sapphire Huggie Earring and Green Onyx Baguette Ear Charm by Monica Vinader available at https://www.monicavinader.com/

4.Purple Sapphire and Tahitian pearl and diamond ring by Ri Noor available at https://www.rinoor.com/

5.18K Gold Vermeil Urania Muse of Astronomy Necklace by Common Era available at https://commonera.com/

We really love Anna Lou of London’s quirky charms, that offer endless personalisation opportunities. These playful pieces pack so much personality and come at very reasonable price points too.

Aurum is bringing Icelandic style to your jewellery boxes this Christmas, giving us plenty of winter jewellery inspiration. We particularly love the modern and sculptural designs that combine natural inspiration with fantastic forms.

Monica Vinader celebrates real women by making them feel individual and confident every day with jewellery that empowers, uplifts and endures using only recycled gold vermeil, sterling silver and sustainably sourced natural gemstones, diamonds and pearls.

We love Common Era’s narrative-led pieces which take inspiration from Greek history and myths. Each piece is handcrafted by master artisans in a Responsible Jewellery Council-certified atelier. The brand also only uses gold and silver that certified and at least 90% recycled, with only conflict-free and natural gems.

6.Odyssey Earrings by Arman Suciyan available at https://www.suciyan.com/

7.14K Yellow Over Brass with Lapis and White Corundum Palma Bracelet by Pamela Love available at Pamelalove.com and Modaoperandi.com

8.Feminine Waves Hoop Earrings Gold Plated with Swarovski Crystals by Joanna Laura Constantine available at joannalauraconstantine.com

9.Gold Cascara Earrings by Helix & Conch available at https://helixandconch.com/

10.Odyssey Ring by Arman Suciyan available at https://www.suciyan.com/

11.Celestial Soul Amethyst Gemstone Earrings by Tiana Jewel available at https://www.tianajewel.com/

12.Black Nappa Vivace Clutch with Gold Frame by Flore Quo available at https://www.florequo.com/

We love Common Era’s narrative-led pieces which take inspiration from Greek history and myths. Each piece is handcrafted by master artisans in a Responsible Jewellery Council-certified atelier. The brand also only uses gold and silver that certified and at least 90% recycled, with only conflict-free and natural gems.

We love Suciyan’s sculptural statement-making pieces, which are more akin to works of art than accessories. Arman Suciyan works in 925 sterling silver and precious gems and all his pieces are handmade in Istanbul, where he runs his atelier.

Flore Quo’s innovative bags are Made-in-Italy and have interchangeable ornaments to suit any occasion, representing a fusion of fashion and jewellery, uniquely as one. Not to mention, you can literally go to all your Christmas-dos and never have to repeat a clutch!

In this inspiring guest post, Girl Boss Maxine Wells gives House of Coco the lowdown on how she started her business, Intimate Apparel Samples, became London’s resident lingerie lady.

“Turning creative visions into a reality makes my day job a dream! I am Maxine Wells proud Founder of Intimate Apparel Samples.

My business offers a unique design and development service supporting Intimate Apparel and Swimwear businesses.

I love my job, whether working with start-ups or established brands I enjoy the entire process of supporting my clients along their creative journey to produce high quality collections”

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

I am the youngest of four sisters and was very quiet & introspective as a child. This meant I had a vivid imagination & wild creativity. I enjoyed losing myself in a daydream about what I could create or who I could become.
My daydreaming was a cause of concern at school, with teachers often noting the negative effects it had on my schoolwork, however it has since become one of my superpowers

My ability to form a crystal clear vision of my dream life & mission propels me in their direction, with complete belief that they will manifest externally regardless of my circumstances.

I started my business, because I wanted to add value to the world and I felt I could make a positive impact by creating jobs with a company culture that uplifts and supports those around us.

Our factory & coaching programs also nurture start-ups and independent brands which furthers my mission in supporting people living their dreams & life purpose.

What have been the biggest milestones so far?

There are so many, but moving into our Wembley Park studio in 2018, investing in high tech industrial machinery and hiring full time permanent staff, was a big turning point in the business.

It took a big mindset shift to make those commitments. I was no longer hiding behind ‘busy-ness’ and instead took scary financial risks which has since paid off!

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the way to becoming the lingerie lady of London?

Balancing motherhood and business has certainly had its difficult moments, although it is much easier now he’s eight years old.

I suffered the dreaded mum guilt to a severe level when he was younger. I felt there was something fundamentally wrong with me for still having the desire to continue growing my business and wanting to work.

I gave up my first studio when he was a baby and scaled back the business, so I could be a ‘proper mum’. I tried to convince myself I could be fulfilled without working towards my big ambitious dreams, but there came a breaking point where I could no longer lie to myself. I am who I am, and once I embraced that and started pursuing my goals again, both mum and son become much happier.

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

Start small and minimise your risks. Business is a marathon not a sprint, so take small but continuous steps in the direction of your wildest dreams and do everything you can to enjoy the journey otherwise you risk quitting before seeing the results.

Bootstrap at the beginning until you understand your business and industry well, but depending on the business there may come a time when you need to take a calculated risk and invest in the business’ growth. Working harder doesn’t always equate to higher rewards but taking well-thought out risks can.

When the business is going through tough times, remind yourself that if business was easy everyone would be doing it. I have always found this helps me. Also, when things feel hard or messy, it doesn’t mean you are not cut out for this, it simply means you are challenging yourself and you should congratulate rather than be hard on yourself, because you are freaking awesome for pushing outside of your comfort zone.

For more information, visit Intimate Apparel Samples on https://intimateapparelsamples.com/

Are you a summer girl or do you like piling on the layers? With the leaves turning and the weather turning into a slight chill – we’re embracing the change of season by rounding up some of our favourite transitional pieces to inspire your fall style.

From Lacuna Fit’s petite-focused activewear, Anne Lou of London’s personalised jewellery, Saaltwear’s INCREDIBLE period pants, Lone Design Club, Filippa K, Fanfare label and IDYL’s sustainable pieces, and also OBLIVIOUS? thought-provoking tees, we’re picked out the very best brands that will help you elevate your style – no matter what the season.

  1. Black Sports Top by Lacuna Fit available at https://lacunafit.com/
  2. Pale Blue Leggings by Lacuna Fit available at https://lacunafit.com/
  3. Ethically-made cornflower Blue Cotton Co-Ord Short Set by FanfareLabel available at https://fanfarelabel.com/
  4. Chanel BagPad available at https://bagpad.co.uk.
  5. Tortoise Sunglasses by Calvin Klein available at https://www.calvinklein.co.uk/
  6. Diosa Earrings by Helix & Conch available at https://helixandconch.com/
  7. Maida Green tiered cotton-blend tiered dress by Merlette at Harvey Nichols available at https://www.harveynichols.com/
  8. Rock Stud Sandals by Maison Valentino at Harvey Nichols available at https://www.harveynichols.com/
  9. Silver Trainers by New Balance at John Lewis available at https://www.johnlewis.com/
  10. Black Genevieve Jumpsuit by Gaala available at https://gaala.com/

We love Fanfare Label’s ethically-made co-ord which can work as the ultimate travel co-ord and do just as well when lounging at home. Gaala’s sustainable collections are also worth shouting about – offering a feminine twist to classic silhouettes.

11. Cream Wool Cardigan by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

12. Black Leather Trousers by Agolde at Harvey Nichols available at https://www.harveynichols.com/

13. Brown Boots by Filippa K available at https://www.filippa-k.com/e

14. Black and Gold Midi Dress by This Is Radish available at https://www.thisisradish.com/

15. Rose Sunglasses by Robert La Roche available at Eyes on Soho at https://www.eyesonsoho.com/

16. Create Your Own Jumper by Magpie and Mama available at https://magpieandmama.com/

17. Gold Erika Earrings by Aurum available at https://aurumiceland.com/?

18. Sage Green Boots by INUIKKI available at https://shopping.brainlabsdigital.com/?search=selfridges

19. Timex x Coca Cola Watch available at at Timex.co.uk and Selfridges.com

20. Green Knitted bra top by Jacquemus at Harvey Nichols available at https://www.harveynichols.com/

21. Brown Elemental High-Waist Briefs by Saalt Wear available at https://www.saaltco.uk/

Lyle & Scott’s new womenswear line is every loungewear enthusiast’s dream come true, and we’re especially obsessed with this cream wool cardigan that will go with just about anything. Magpie & Mama’s genius concept of letting its customers personalise their own jumpers with cute liberty print lettering will ensure that you never show up anywhere in a matching outfit to anyone else. Timex x Coca Cola’s cool collaboration is also perfect for those who want to express their love for the beloved fizzy drink on their wrists too. Oh and did we mention SAALTWear’s incredibly absorbent period pants are an absolute game-changer?

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

23. Alexandra Malaga Vegan Leather Dress by Aggi available at https://lonedesignclub.com/

24. Mustard Knitted Cropped Top by Mango available at https://shop.mango.com/

25. Ecru Denim Skirt by The Kooples available at https://www.thekooples.com/

26. Black Ankle Boots by Dr.Martens available at https://www.drmartens.com/

27. Gold Bracelet by Anna Lou of London available at https://www.annalouoflondon.com/

28. Diamond Stud Earrings by IDYL https://idyl.com/

29. Echo Soft Green Vest by Aligne available at https://aligne.co/

30. Black Tee by OBLIVIOUS? available at https://www.areweoblivious.com/

31. Beige lunch bag by Modern Picnic available at https://modernpicnic.com/

Lone Design Club is a platform for independent sustainable brands to shine, and this dress is the perfect, and most flattering addition to your fall wardrobe. We also love OBLIVIOUS? thought-provoking tees which encourage wearers to take an introspective moment away from the business of their lives.

Forget about hot girl summer, because here at House of Coco, we’re foregoing trendy fast fashion finds and instead adopting a ‘Sustainable Wardrobe’ mantra instead.

Here are a few of our top eco-friendly shopping picks so you can maximise your trans-seasonal style while also minimising your carbon footprint.

  1. Black Cat Eye Sunglasses by Larsson & Jennings available at www.larssonjennings.com
  2. Black Serge Mini Dress by Alémais available at alemais.com
  3. Butterfly Bouquet Silk Scarf by Shaku available at https://shaku.co.uk/collections/all-products/products/butterfly-bouquet
  4. Huggie Hoop Earrings by AMYO available at https://amyojewelry.com
  5. Navy Wild Print Breathe Adventure Shorts by ACAI Outdoorwear available at https://acaioutdoorwear.com/
  6. Anais Swimsuit by Ernest Leoty available at ernestleoty.com
  7. Nude Dee Dizzy Logo Mules by Dee Ocleppo available at https://deeocleppo.com/
  8. White Vintage Shoulder Bag by Emotional World available at https://emotionalworldvintage.com/
  9. Monroe Dress by Gaala available at https://gaala.com/
  10. Red Reversible Freya Top by Isabel Manns available at https://isabelmanns.com/
  11. Denim Skirt by Story Wear available at https://www.story-wear.com/products/
  12. Jasmine Gold Necklace by PDPAOLA available at https://www.pdpaola.com/
  13. Julie Denim Jacket by Filippa K available at https://www.filippa-k.com/
  14. Floral Face Mask by Monique Singh available at https://www.moniquesingh.com/shop/
  15. White Casshiash Platform Espadrilles by TOMS available at www.toms.com