NEW WEBSITE LAUCH
|
|
After we'd successfully coaxed Jade away from the Champagne bottle, we had a fantastic weekend, with so many of you making the most of our PRIZE GIVE AWAY! In fact, so many of you placed orders, that Monday became an episode of 'CARRY ON POSTING'. If someone made a 'Fly on the Wall' documentary at A R A B E L L A HQ it would be comedy gold. Imagine a team of four, wrapping and packing at speed, negotiating prizes for each parcel, while simultaneously recording a vlog and serving in store customers...
Watch the vlog for a little insight. Needless to say we did miss the post collection deadline, so like a team of Santa's lesser equipped post elves, the four of us ran (yes ran), across Nantwich with SACKS of parcels and ill equipped lung capacity. The Royal Mail staff had quite a fright as we dived through the door, panting heavily, sweat dripping from our brows with upwards of seventy parcels in tow. Add to this the fact that we were laughing uncontrollably at our own ridiculousness, by which time full hysteria had kicked in!
With that in mind, watch the vlog, which now takes on a whole new level...
0 Comments
FINALLY...
The RUNDHOLZ AW19/20 LOOKBOOK
Discover the AW 2019 Collection and Start Preparing for the Season Ahead!
To receive PRIORITY notifications when your favourite pieces land, simply complete the WISHLIST form below, and we'll be in touch VERY SOON!
Now grab a G&T and enjoy!
STUDIO RUNDHOLZ LOOKBOOK AW19/20
The RUNDHOLZ AW19/20 LOOKBOOK
Discover the AW 2019 Collection and Start Preparing for the Season Ahead!
To receive PRIORITY notifications when your favourite pieces land, simply complete the WISHLIST form below, and we'll be in touch VERY SOON!
Now grab a G&T and enjoy!
STUDIO RUNDHOLZ LOOKBOOK AW19/20
With the SUMMER SALE in full swing, we have made life a little easier, by showcasing some of the best pieces available, one designer at a time... VLOGS will follow over the next few days... ENJOY!
MAMA B
CREA CONCEPT
GERSHON BRAM
RUNDHOLZ BLACK LABEL
This is a snap shot of life in the studio shooting our latest SS19 Collection...
It takes three people to shoot our beautiful collections, Jade as model and shoot director, an assistant, this week our lovely Lydia who does everything on location from steaming the pieces to dressing our model (hiding tags, adjusting the fabric, removing imperfections) and of course Paul, our photographer who works with absolute focus and passion to capture the best shot.
Friday Morning, we were preparing the shoot from 8am, loading the car with all the clothing, props and accessories needed for the mission...
The featured collections were Rundholz, Mama b, Elemente Clemente and Annette Gortz so we needed different styled shots for each look, including different shoe choices and accessories.
2.5 hours later, and we had completed our latest shoot.
The shoot itself is the most amazing fun, especially thanks to the often fun and edgy themes of our collections, lending themselves to creative poses that push the boundaries of a commercial photo shoot. The model is encouraged to show personality, character and female power - the mantra often ‘what would Debbie Harry do?’
Music choices for the shoot help to set the mood and inspire the poses- it’s surprising how intrinsic these elements are to the process- the music, setting and clothing literally transform the results. The compilation for Friday’s shoot was an eclectic mix- first, fast paced trance music to set the speed of the shoot- add some urgency so we could blast through the pieces.
But then a total juxtaposition- the soulful, poetic tones of Amy Winehouse to bring some attitude to the table. I wonder if you can guess from the images, which collections were inspired by which genre of music?
Post shoot the model and her assistant need a little break. I’d never given much thought as to how physically and creatively demanding the work of a model (and assistant stylist) truly is. To capture the best images, we’ve learned that movement is key. The sway or fold of the luxurious fabrics used by our clever designers is the magic that vindicates the high end price tags and such a huge appreciation for the collections that our clients demand. Therefore it’s a lot of pressure on us and our photography team to do these pieces absolute justice! New mantra - ‘no pressure Jade’. So movement is essential, and therefore our model swings around, walks up and down our imaginary catwalk, twirls and jumps and all manner of other wacky and often hilarious manoeuvres which result in the most striking shots.
By the end of it we are, pardon the lack of decorum, absolutely knackered!
Luckily we have approximately ten minutes sit down time on the journey back from the studio to the store... and breeeeeathe!
Midday, we are back in the store and ready for a busy afternoon launching our SS19 Mama b, and Gershon Bram collections! They say there is no rest for the wicked- they fail to mention there is no rest for the absolutely passionate about luxury style!
Finalising our slightly chaotic but absolutely exceptional day, we end on a high with our LIVE show, where we can share our passion for the new pieces with our totally dedicated fan base and clientele.
From the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you enough for supporting us through our journey and sharing our love of what we do. The kind words you all so often share with us is so gratifying - we’re so pleased you like what we do!
It is, as you can see, all in a days work!
It takes three people to shoot our beautiful collections, Jade as model and shoot director, an assistant, this week our lovely Lydia who does everything on location from steaming the pieces to dressing our model (hiding tags, adjusting the fabric, removing imperfections) and of course Paul, our photographer who works with absolute focus and passion to capture the best shot.
Friday Morning, we were preparing the shoot from 8am, loading the car with all the clothing, props and accessories needed for the mission...
The featured collections were Rundholz, Mama b, Elemente Clemente and Annette Gortz so we needed different styled shots for each look, including different shoe choices and accessories.
2.5 hours later, and we had completed our latest shoot.
The shoot itself is the most amazing fun, especially thanks to the often fun and edgy themes of our collections, lending themselves to creative poses that push the boundaries of a commercial photo shoot. The model is encouraged to show personality, character and female power - the mantra often ‘what would Debbie Harry do?’
Music choices for the shoot help to set the mood and inspire the poses- it’s surprising how intrinsic these elements are to the process- the music, setting and clothing literally transform the results. The compilation for Friday’s shoot was an eclectic mix- first, fast paced trance music to set the speed of the shoot- add some urgency so we could blast through the pieces.
But then a total juxtaposition- the soulful, poetic tones of Amy Winehouse to bring some attitude to the table. I wonder if you can guess from the images, which collections were inspired by which genre of music?
Post shoot the model and her assistant need a little break. I’d never given much thought as to how physically and creatively demanding the work of a model (and assistant stylist) truly is. To capture the best images, we’ve learned that movement is key. The sway or fold of the luxurious fabrics used by our clever designers is the magic that vindicates the high end price tags and such a huge appreciation for the collections that our clients demand. Therefore it’s a lot of pressure on us and our photography team to do these pieces absolute justice! New mantra - ‘no pressure Jade’. So movement is essential, and therefore our model swings around, walks up and down our imaginary catwalk, twirls and jumps and all manner of other wacky and often hilarious manoeuvres which result in the most striking shots.
By the end of it we are, pardon the lack of decorum, absolutely knackered!
Luckily we have approximately ten minutes sit down time on the journey back from the studio to the store... and breeeeeathe!
Midday, we are back in the store and ready for a busy afternoon launching our SS19 Mama b, and Gershon Bram collections! They say there is no rest for the wicked- they fail to mention there is no rest for the absolutely passionate about luxury style!
Finalising our slightly chaotic but absolutely exceptional day, we end on a high with our LIVE show, where we can share our passion for the new pieces with our totally dedicated fan base and clientele.
From the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you enough for supporting us through our journey and sharing our love of what we do. The kind words you all so often share with us is so gratifying - we’re so pleased you like what we do!
It is, as you can see, all in a days work!
Resisting Valentines Day is a habit many of us get in to for many reasons.
Perhaps you're avoiding being embroiled in a money making scheme designed by consumers bleeding you of your well earned cash. Or maybe your'e single for Valentines, widowed, separated, estranged?
Valentines is by no means a celebratory occasion for everybody.
Working in a female led environment, we meet first hand women from all walks of life, with all manner of colourful stories to tell, some inspiring, others heartbreaking, and on an occasion like Valentines, it is a fundamental part of that we do, to try and raise a smile amongst our Arabella Community.
This year, we therefore celebrated not only our love for clothes (No excuse needed-does the day end in a 'y'?), but also our relationships outside of romance... Perhaps we dedicated our Valentines to a best friend, a colleague or a family member who shows us a different, but my no means lesser, kind of love every day.
We gifted a single red rose to every lady who passed through our store with the following message attached:
"CLOTHES BEFORE BRO'S HUNNY... A Rose from your SECRET love...Shhh: We won't tell if you don't."
We then asked our stunning volunteers to pose for a photo and to explain to whom they would be dedicating their Valentines rose too, in honour of our new found sisterhood.
The response was beyond what we expected and the exceptional ladies featured truly embraced the spirit of it.
Sometimes, retail therapy really is more about the therapy than anything else, and you'll see from the outcome below, just how important our retail community really is.
Perhaps you're avoiding being embroiled in a money making scheme designed by consumers bleeding you of your well earned cash. Or maybe your'e single for Valentines, widowed, separated, estranged?
Valentines is by no means a celebratory occasion for everybody.
Working in a female led environment, we meet first hand women from all walks of life, with all manner of colourful stories to tell, some inspiring, others heartbreaking, and on an occasion like Valentines, it is a fundamental part of that we do, to try and raise a smile amongst our Arabella Community.
This year, we therefore celebrated not only our love for clothes (No excuse needed-does the day end in a 'y'?), but also our relationships outside of romance... Perhaps we dedicated our Valentines to a best friend, a colleague or a family member who shows us a different, but my no means lesser, kind of love every day.
We gifted a single red rose to every lady who passed through our store with the following message attached:
"CLOTHES BEFORE BRO'S HUNNY... A Rose from your SECRET love...Shhh: We won't tell if you don't."
We then asked our stunning volunteers to pose for a photo and to explain to whom they would be dedicating their Valentines rose too, in honour of our new found sisterhood.
The response was beyond what we expected and the exceptional ladies featured truly embraced the spirit of it.
Sometimes, retail therapy really is more about the therapy than anything else, and you'll see from the outcome below, just how important our retail community really is.
This pair of beauties cheered up our day no end!
After a HUGE trying on session, with plenty of giggles and nearly as many purchases, they took part in our Valentines dedications. To begin with, they dedicated their day to each other, "that's why we're here together today shopping", however as we chatted we dug deeper and their stories of love were beautiful and heartbreaking. Both ladies, it turned out, shared the loss of their husbands, and so their dedications were poignant and memorable. We were honoured to share their memories...
FROM LEFT:
Kerri dedicated her V-Day to late husband Jeff who every year said the same thing...
"I don't do this shit!" so the tradition became of one Kerri gifting herself the same stale chocolate and card every year which she kept in her bedside cabinet especially for the joke! That is the spirit of true love- sharing a joke between you and your loved one!
Jean spoke of the tale of meeting her one true valentine, George, who would annually present her with a 'massive' bouquet. She spoke of how he was such a Gent, he was so conscious of courting her at her own pace, that she was unable to resist dropping the 'L word' first. To this, his response was simple and quite matter of fact;
"I love you too Jean, but with dynamite".
After a HUGE trying on session, with plenty of giggles and nearly as many purchases, they took part in our Valentines dedications. To begin with, they dedicated their day to each other, "that's why we're here together today shopping", however as we chatted we dug deeper and their stories of love were beautiful and heartbreaking. Both ladies, it turned out, shared the loss of their husbands, and so their dedications were poignant and memorable. We were honoured to share their memories...
FROM LEFT:
Kerri dedicated her V-Day to late husband Jeff who every year said the same thing...
"I don't do this shit!" so the tradition became of one Kerri gifting herself the same stale chocolate and card every year which she kept in her bedside cabinet especially for the joke! That is the spirit of true love- sharing a joke between you and your loved one!
Jean spoke of the tale of meeting her one true valentine, George, who would annually present her with a 'massive' bouquet. She spoke of how he was such a Gent, he was so conscious of courting her at her own pace, that she was unable to resist dropping the 'L word' first. To this, his response was simple and quite matter of fact;
"I love you too Jean, but with dynamite".
FROM LEFT:
Eleanor dedicated her Valentines rose to her late Grandma Beryl who 'was an absolute diamond and always had the biggest smile on her faced - so much LOVE to give."
Our girl Carolyn dedicated her day to her wonderful husband Paul who excelled himself this year with the biggest bouquet of flowers... She was yet to remind her dad it was Valentines Day so when she returned to the car with a red rose in front of both dad and mum, things could have got pretty awkward. We can't wait for an update when we see her in store this weekend!
Our girl Jas dedicated her evening to self-love... "a bath, a glass of white and a take-away, because I deserve pampering". Quite right girl!
Eleanor dedicated her Valentines rose to her late Grandma Beryl who 'was an absolute diamond and always had the biggest smile on her faced - so much LOVE to give."
Our girl Carolyn dedicated her day to her wonderful husband Paul who excelled himself this year with the biggest bouquet of flowers... She was yet to remind her dad it was Valentines Day so when she returned to the car with a red rose in front of both dad and mum, things could have got pretty awkward. We can't wait for an update when we see her in store this weekend!
Our girl Jas dedicated her evening to self-love... "a bath, a glass of white and a take-away, because I deserve pampering". Quite right girl!
FROM LEFT: Gill came into the store to share with us her photographs from a celebrity wedding she attended recently, wearing an outfit selected from our XD collection! Although she didn't make it into the magazines (although husband did so is very pleased with himself), Gill had a fantastic day and really enjoyed her XENIA coral top for a bold pop of colour. Gill, inspired by the work of Jianhui London, then created her very own necklace to complement the look. After admiring her work, we have placed an order so we can sell the necklaces in store and online. This really was a day to celebrate our community! We can't wait to share the hand made pieces with you! She dedicated her day to husband Steve (BOTTOM RIGHT) and Olly the Cat- "A dual Valentine" she chuckled. |
Finally, in preparation of a cruise around Asia no less, the glamorous Mrs Bates (TOP RIGHT) came in for some beautiful outfit options by Crea Concept and Annette Gortz. She looked exquisite in both collections and was thrilled with her purchases. She later revealed that this Valentines would be tough, as it was clouded by the recent passing of her brother. Supported throughout the difficult time by her loyal husband who together they were about to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, she wanted to dedicate her Valentines to him. We sent her away with an extra rose for her brother, to lay on his grave. A touching moment that we were honoured to be a part of.
Have the BEST holiday guys!
We hope this article has shined a light on just how connected we all really are, and our little act of kindness with the roses opened a wonderful dialogue, which is so important for us as human beings.
A MASSIVE thanks to every one of you who participated! You have all no doubt inspired an audience!
Mama b have released their styling guide for SS19 and as usual it's an inspiring array of casual, easy garments pieced together with relaxed styling in the richest, vibrant colour palette, which combined develops a fresh and unique collection, set to be a huge success for the creative family design team.
Explore the collection in the SlideShow Lookbook below, and then create your very own WISH LIST in preparation of next weeks delivery!
Want first refusal when the collection arrives?
Fill out the form below for VIP access to your favourite pieces as they arrive!
Fill out the form below for VIP access to your favourite pieces as they arrive!
PARIS 2018. A Tale of two Shoppers...
Highlight of our buying Season year on year is without a doubt the hugely anticipated Paris buying trip, featuring our favourite collection, Rundholz.
Separated into three floors for the three diverse sub-collections, the trip is always a rollercoaster of emotions as we agonise over which pieces to choose, after the initial elation and awe as each piece is revealed.
With a combined collection of over 800 pieces, needless to say we can't possibly order everything, so we go through the rails meticulously to discover our absolute must-have items.
Sharing the excitement with our team is always on our agenda as we meander between the floors, and so we Facetime the girls back in store to gauge their reactions to the Season's picks. This always goes down very well at Arabella HQ!
As ever, we are sworn to secrecy until the SS18 collection is officially released to the public so we can't share too much of what you can expect. However, what we can share are a few sneaky teasers to hopefully get your taste buds going...
BLACK LABEL.
Separated into three floors for the three diverse sub-collections, the trip is always a rollercoaster of emotions as we agonise over which pieces to choose, after the initial elation and awe as each piece is revealed.
With a combined collection of over 800 pieces, needless to say we can't possibly order everything, so we go through the rails meticulously to discover our absolute must-have items.
Sharing the excitement with our team is always on our agenda as we meander between the floors, and so we Facetime the girls back in store to gauge their reactions to the Season's picks. This always goes down very well at Arabella HQ!
As ever, we are sworn to secrecy until the SS18 collection is officially released to the public so we can't share too much of what you can expect. However, what we can share are a few sneaky teasers to hopefully get your taste buds going...
BLACK LABEL.
Good enough to eat, the black label collection features candy-cane colours and pretty details on the grundgy, edgy theme we know and love. Featuring frills, checks and plenty of new takes on classic Rundholz shapes and styles, this is a collection that is sure to be very popular!
DIP.
DIP.
A different theme entirely runs through the DIP collection, although as ever, Rundholz has designed the collections to cross over should you wish to mix and match your look.
With a nod to the Regency period, travel back to the Jane Austin era with the SS19 DIP Collection. Featuring textures and styling of grandure, using fabrics that complement the design, the collection is made less pretty and more grundgy with a clever colour palette of greys and taupes inspired by the three materials; coal, carbon and umbra.
MAINLINE.
Psychedelic and monochrome are the keys words for the Mainline SS19 with a definite nod to the sixties and eighties. Sharp tailoring and unusual fabrics complete the theme. Definitely not a collection for the faint hearted this Season! Bold is beautiful next year!
With a nod to the Regency period, travel back to the Jane Austin era with the SS19 DIP Collection. Featuring textures and styling of grandure, using fabrics that complement the design, the collection is made less pretty and more grundgy with a clever colour palette of greys and taupes inspired by the three materials; coal, carbon and umbra.
MAINLINE.
Psychedelic and monochrome are the keys words for the Mainline SS19 with a definite nod to the sixties and eighties. Sharp tailoring and unusual fabrics complete the theme. Definitely not a collection for the faint hearted this Season! Bold is beautiful next year!
Staying Out Of Trouble?
Of course, all work and no play is not how us Arabella girls like to live, so Mumma Val and I decided that a bit of sightseeing and relaxation would definitely not go amiss amidst our hectic buying schedule.
Here's a snap-shot of the fun we had, and the trouble we got up to...
Always staying true to our motto, that we must grow old disgracefully!
Here's a snap-shot of the fun we had, and the trouble we got up to...
Always staying true to our motto, that we must grow old disgracefully!
This March, Val and Jade embarked on their bi-anual journey to Paris, to view and place their order for the RUNDHOLZ AW18/19 Collection.
Until now, we have been sworn to secrecy on the treasures that were discovered but FINALLY we are able to share with you the best of what the collection has to offer.
First, check out our video montage to get a flavour of the collection...
Until now, we have been sworn to secrecy on the treasures that were discovered but FINALLY we are able to share with you the best of what the collection has to offer.
First, check out our video montage to get a flavour of the collection...
Graphic, comic book prints, luxurious textures and a grungy palette are the key design features for the collection, with a combination of fabrics including Goat fur, faux fur, virgin wool as well as the staple heavy cotton.
As usual, we have bought from all three collections, MAINLINE, DIP and BLACK LABEL, and true to form, they each convey their own unique take on the seasons collective theme.
Black label features a strong use of the comic style print, a new addition to the brand which we haven't seen before. Representative of the anime/manga trend, originating from Japan during World War II, the print is a bold statement made wearable with the clever use of a subtle Earthy colour palette.
This Season, Black label has adapted a favourite faux fur, reminiscent of that we've seen before, to incorporate a dual tone effect which is both luxurious but also kind on the pocket. The black/green faux fur can be seen used in both accessory pieces, scarves or shawls, or also in a more striking capacity used in statement full coats and jackets. We're confident that this will be a key look for the winter ahead.
Heavy cottons and a slightly brighter colour palette are the emphasis of the Dip collection, with an aviation theme shaping the story for the collection. Quirky jumpers and jackets will be staple pieces finished with the stunning goat fur and virgin wool combination scarves. The vibrant tan/mustard brown (we're yet to learn the official name for this tone) is incredibly attractive, and a real draw to the collection as a whole. A very welcome change to the often limiting dark palette that Winter so often encourages.
Mainline too embraces this new shade, and a particular favourite is the goat fur coat. At a price that, let's be honest, is making our eyes water a little, this utterly delicious jacket will be the envy of most of us this Christmas, but at around £4000 each, they will not be on everybody's Christmas list!
If £4000 (YIKES) is slightly out of your price range, fear not, the goat fur has been used in various scarves which will dress up the Winter looks magnificently. And for those of you that aren't feeling the furs there are other statement looks in the Mainline capsule, including an amazing foiled velvet, featured on some bold, androgynous silhouettes, ideal for the party Season.
If after this taster, you (like me) are dying to get up close and personal with these lust-worthy pieces, sit tight, delivery from Germany commences on the 15th July!
And so, the countdown begins!
As usual, we have bought from all three collections, MAINLINE, DIP and BLACK LABEL, and true to form, they each convey their own unique take on the seasons collective theme.
Black label features a strong use of the comic style print, a new addition to the brand which we haven't seen before. Representative of the anime/manga trend, originating from Japan during World War II, the print is a bold statement made wearable with the clever use of a subtle Earthy colour palette.
This Season, Black label has adapted a favourite faux fur, reminiscent of that we've seen before, to incorporate a dual tone effect which is both luxurious but also kind on the pocket. The black/green faux fur can be seen used in both accessory pieces, scarves or shawls, or also in a more striking capacity used in statement full coats and jackets. We're confident that this will be a key look for the winter ahead.
Heavy cottons and a slightly brighter colour palette are the emphasis of the Dip collection, with an aviation theme shaping the story for the collection. Quirky jumpers and jackets will be staple pieces finished with the stunning goat fur and virgin wool combination scarves. The vibrant tan/mustard brown (we're yet to learn the official name for this tone) is incredibly attractive, and a real draw to the collection as a whole. A very welcome change to the often limiting dark palette that Winter so often encourages.
Mainline too embraces this new shade, and a particular favourite is the goat fur coat. At a price that, let's be honest, is making our eyes water a little, this utterly delicious jacket will be the envy of most of us this Christmas, but at around £4000 each, they will not be on everybody's Christmas list!
If £4000 (YIKES) is slightly out of your price range, fear not, the goat fur has been used in various scarves which will dress up the Winter looks magnificently. And for those of you that aren't feeling the furs there are other statement looks in the Mainline capsule, including an amazing foiled velvet, featured on some bold, androgynous silhouettes, ideal for the party Season.
If after this taster, you (like me) are dying to get up close and personal with these lust-worthy pieces, sit tight, delivery from Germany commences on the 15th July!
And so, the countdown begins!
The Elemente Clemente AW19/19 Collection...
Here's A Taster Of What's To Come...
Be Inspired...
Check Out The Looks From The Rundholz Runway Show...AW18/19
ARABELLA
FASHION, LIFESTYLE, CONCEPT STORE