connecting
"One of the things I've always liked about clothing is the potential for a positive connection to someone else - either the designer, the seamstress, a fellow admirer, or the original owner, etc." - Editor
I remember that comment made by editor on a post last year because it simply and elegantly captures how I feel about certain purchases - you're not just buying things to clothe yourself in, it's an appreciation of something personal to you.
I've long felt that way about Margaret Howell's clothes. I don't need any of the things she's designing but ever since I came across her designs and her design philosophy, I've felt the desire to buy something of hers when the magic item comes along. A bit like rooting for your favourite sports team, to put it clumsily. When I was at the V&A last year, I took pleasure in checking out the staff uniforms, which she designed.
I spotted the magic item a couple months ago, and have been stalking it since. It did go on sale, but it's sold out in my size online.
However, after a helpful, responsive email exchange with the shop in London, I found that my size was in stock and they would happily ship it to me from the shop - which is remarkably helpful - and they even provided me with the measurements.
So, I committed to it. Certainly I don't need another striped shirt, but the curved collar, the shirttail hem, the 3/4 sleeves, and oh yes, the fact that it's by Margaret Howell, proved powerfully persuasive.
So there you have it - my one sale purchase of the season (I returned the trousers that didn't fit). It feels like a positive end to a year of shopping.
P.S: I've posted this quote by Margaret Howell before, but I don't see why it shouldn't be repeated -
"I am a hands-on designer and make is integral to my philosophy. It's crucial how a piece of clothing feels when worn. I've always wanted clothes to be the way I drew them - relaxed, lived in, a natural look.
I am inspired by authencity in nature, people and places; the same quality I look for in fabrics whether Harris tweed or Irish linen....I enjoy pulling these threads of British quality, tradition and skill together in clothes that are meant to be worn in the real world, where good design is about living with thoughtful style."
Picture from margaret howell
I remember that comment made by editor on a post last year because it simply and elegantly captures how I feel about certain purchases - you're not just buying things to clothe yourself in, it's an appreciation of something personal to you.
I've long felt that way about Margaret Howell's clothes. I don't need any of the things she's designing but ever since I came across her designs and her design philosophy, I've felt the desire to buy something of hers when the magic item comes along. A bit like rooting for your favourite sports team, to put it clumsily. When I was at the V&A last year, I took pleasure in checking out the staff uniforms, which she designed.
I spotted the magic item a couple months ago, and have been stalking it since. It did go on sale, but it's sold out in my size online.
However, after a helpful, responsive email exchange with the shop in London, I found that my size was in stock and they would happily ship it to me from the shop - which is remarkably helpful - and they even provided me with the measurements.
So, I committed to it. Certainly I don't need another striped shirt, but the curved collar, the shirttail hem, the 3/4 sleeves, and oh yes, the fact that it's by Margaret Howell, proved powerfully persuasive.
So there you have it - my one sale purchase of the season (I returned the trousers that didn't fit). It feels like a positive end to a year of shopping.
P.S: I've posted this quote by Margaret Howell before, but I don't see why it shouldn't be repeated -
"I am a hands-on designer and make is integral to my philosophy. It's crucial how a piece of clothing feels when worn. I've always wanted clothes to be the way I drew them - relaxed, lived in, a natural look.
I am inspired by authencity in nature, people and places; the same quality I look for in fabrics whether Harris tweed or Irish linen....I enjoy pulling these threads of British quality, tradition and skill together in clothes that are meant to be worn in the real world, where good design is about living with thoughtful style."
Picture from margaret howell
Comments
I also admire her philosophy.
One good trick for MA shopping - seek out her garments via lagarconne or such rather than her own site, I think the styling and descriptions are a little better there.
Now her expansion and increasing availability put the sting back into the price tags for me though since before I felt it was a matter of limited production at least. Oh, but it's usually made in Italy or the UK. Love.
As for your opening quote (oh my), I absolutely still feel that way. And when I really love the item (the requirement for purchase), it is easy to become a weeeee bit infatuated with the designer. And I always feel gratitude.
Your top is beautiful - I've admired it many times. ;)
I find their SAs very helpful and patient when I was asking them about S/S2012.
Cant wait for it to debut!
I do like Margaret Howell's design philosophy. A designer's inspirations and philosophies are always endearing to me.
minima/maxima, a blog about minimalist style
Kate: I felt like I was contradicting myself because I admire her non-consumerist business ethos and yet I'm paying homage by shopping, haha.
lapindelune: I loved one of her dresses last fall as well! Actually I would love to own one of her tux jackets...but no way I will buy one without trying it on. Especially since it's not something I expect to wear often.
I have been checking out La Garconne's selection as well - MH needs to post better picts of the items worn. But the MH website has measurements of the items for some pieces, so that's a boon.
editor: I remember your paintings of a particular grey blouse from MH :) I will gladly hear that tribute. I can't wait for the shirt to arrive so that I can launch into a soliloquy of my own.
As for her prices, I'm trying to look at from a point of view that her business appears to support British cottage industry, so if growth is what it takes, then I'm willing to accept it. It would be TOO depressing if the quality of her clothing is somehow affected (though I have no basis to compare since it's only recently I got to see her clothes in person).
I was very in love with a hooded wool trench she did for the fall season - but it has no place in my life. I also covet her furniture.
Pret a Porter P: I was quite surprised - and it was all very promptly done. I always see "email us" as some kind of black hole for queries haha.
Lindsay K: I love the colour as well - it looks greenish-grey in some picts, and a little bluish-grey in others - but either way I'll love it.
petrichore: I can only hope I won't cause serious damage to your wallet :)
I love the weight of her clothes, the way the hang. Margaret Howell’s sister once had a knitwear company that produced wonderful stripy jumpers, sadly no longer, which makes me sad, since I did not treasure what I bought from her.