FEATURED: THOUGHTFUL GIFTS WITH THE COLLABORATIVE STORE

"I love beautifully made things, this isn’t to say I like to have lots of things.  I am very selective where I choose to invest, I like to source and find just the right piece be it for the home, my wardrobe or as a gift. It can take me sometime to find that perfect something but once I do I cherish it for a very long time.

 

I very rarely use large stores or online conglomerates no names need to be mentioned, you know who I’m talking about and I definitely don’t buy from those that pile them high, sell them cheap.  I do however spend time connecting with independent stores that put their heart and soul into what they do, the belief and ethos behind these wonderful stores makes me very happy . When I make a purchase knowing the provenance of a gift, and sometimes the person that made it, is a gift in itself.

 

It’s a huge privilege to get to work with such fabulous people and being able to put together this piece today about The Collaborative Store is a highlight.  I have long been an admirer of Elena and what she has achieved through her lifestyle concept store.  Her focus is about beautiful modern, functional and mindful design across fashion, accessories, homeware and art as well as self care.  The Collaborative Store work with independent brands, makers and artists who place great value on quality, ethical practices alongside design itself.  Everything they do they do with meaning, its more about culture and a slow lifestyle than fashion trends, its for those who are curious about the stories behind the products that they buy.

 

The Collaborative Store is an ever evolving creative retail concept that began in 2015 founded by Elena Todary.  Beginning with a pop up store in Shoreditch.  After two successful pop ups The Collaborative Store launched its first long term concept space in 2016 housing new categories from menswear, homewares and stationery with special workshops hosted by in house guests brands.  The venture expanded beyond your traditional retail space with art exhibitions incorporated into their lifestyle space celebrated with fine work by contemporary expressionist Anna Laurini a well recognised street artist.  Late into 2018 the creative hub and design talent launched online and so the story continues today.  This online lifestyle space is a place to discover a curated edit of contemporary mindful designs in womenswear, menswear, accessories, furniture and self care products alongside art.  With an ethos of bringing brands together influenced by culture rather than fashion trends.  They source timeless, mindful, high quality designs each with a story to tell that is relevant to their beliefs.

 

The beautiful pieces featured in this post are all things I would have and use in my home, I can never be without candles especially at this time of the year, bringing light and scent to your home is precious.  The Stormur candle fills the room with the heady scent of seaweed, oak moss, eucalyptus with a hint of orange inspired by the Icelandic Muisc Festival and the capital Reykjavik.  Made by The Very Good Candle Co from rapeseed wax and natural essential oils totally fee from any nasties and plastic free. It’s a sustainable as you can get.

 

One can never have too many cushions to grace your sofa and chairs, the more the merrier and even better if it’s made in the UK.  The striking jacquard print is unique to the Hackney collection, woven and made in Yorkshire and Lancashire from high quality cotton.  Simple geometric designs work well and compliment many other designs and textures also they never go out of fashion.

 

I love a big bag, one that is sturdy and useful the buffalo leather tote designed by Berdine who are based in the Netherlands is no exception.  The buttery soft nubuck leather that is used to make this beautiful bag is also tanned using natural processes.  Buffalo leather is extra durable so this bag will be essential for many a year it is meant to outlive the wearer!  The leathers are often off cuts and are dead stock making this an even more considered piece.  This one is definitely going on my wish list.

 

Scarves are a weakness of mine alongside ceramics.   I have a gorgeous collection and this large woven cashmere beauty is worthy addition.  The colour is just delicious, a simple design but is non the less voluminous and luxurious.  The company making these beautiful scarves are not for profit concern, it is a community of creatives, designers and farmers who are trying to change to cashmere industry.  Their goat farm was only started a few years ago, all the spinners and weavers are based in Nepal a country that is historically known for its craftsmanship when it comes to high end cashmere designs but sadly has been affected over the years by a very competitive cheap resources in China and the like.  So supporting and finding brands that make good quality products is very important.  This beautiful scarf will be worn and worn and loved for many, many years.

 

I do think we should all put in a little effort and research before we buy anything.  Taking the time to invest in thoughtful gifts that will benefit us all in the future, also it will bring such joy to the recipient.  If you are still a little stuck for Christmas gift ideas then I wholeheartedly recommend you spend a moment or two taking in the delights of The Collaborative Store you will most certainly not be disappointed."

Find the full blog post here