I have a bit of a habit of falling in love with brands after researching them at University; after studying Reiss and Mulberry, I became so obsessed with the brands that I then did everything in my power to get jobs at the companies in my second and third years at uni! After studying Monsoon at the end of our second year, I realised that this company, which I had not known much about before, has at its heart a hand -crafted and ethical heritage which it weaves into its vibrant collections.
With all the press at the moment about animal cruelty it’s a relief to hear that Monsoon are one of the founding members of the Ethical Trading Initiative, and they also support artisan industries in India, as well as many charities.
Having already a glowing opinion of the brand, I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for next season – here are my favourite pieces which will be hitting the shops soon!
The collection was globally inspired, and refuted a trio of Moroccan, Turkish and Persian heritage looks. Accessorize continue to show some summer holiday staple accessories, the kind of bracelets you can imagine picking up in an exotic market place, hand crafted by the local craftsmen.
The resort collection is punctuated with bright gemstones and shots of yellow, infuse into a traditional navy and white naval palette – oh how I wish I could have ‘borrowed’ a few key pieces for my trip to the Caribbean!
{ The Accessorize summery display made me long for the warmer months! }
{ This shimmering statement camera bag was a firm favourite amongst us bloggers! }
{ Some classic colourful Monsoon detailing }
I’ve featured some of her pieces on the blog before, so I was delighted to see that Pippa Small has exclusively designed some pieces, hand made by local artisans in Afghanistan with profits going to the Monsoon trust; and the pieces are Fab.U.Lous!
{ Pippa Small for Monsoon }
For Spring Summer 2014, Accessorize is joining forces with the inspirational Forkan brothers; creators of Gandys Flip Flops. The brothers lost their parents in the Boxing Day tsunami in Sri Lanka nearly 10 years ago, and Rob and Paul’s brand statement is ‘Orphans for Orphans’. Peter Simon, Monsoon’s founder, invited them to collaborate for the new season, and also visited them in Sri Lanka, so see some of the Charity Projects that they support.
After a delicious breakfast of fresh warm croissants and coffee, we were re-fuelled in time to be shown the Monsoon SS14 collection;
Monsoon is renowned for its dazzling embellishments and the new collection, and contemporary silhouettes are key in these luxurious pieces. As well as delicate stones, the lace and fringing adds a fresh feel, with a ‘Great Gatsby-esque’ hint of opulence.
Artisan techniques such as embellishment and appliqué bring an elegant touch of difference to each piece, but with silk basic core pieces as well, this collection is extremely wearable.
The occasion wear collection celebrates the Maharani Indian heritage craftsmanship, and the decadent yet delicate pieces are sure to become future heirlooms in our wardrobes.
The more everyday Fusion range features core pieces in the brands heritage prints, from tribal to paisley, and following the success of the collection last year, they have featured more fringing and quilting detail in the garments.
Some pieces which I spotted in the Press Pack which I didn’t photograph at the event include the Detroit stone rings, the Portland cutwork bag and the Athena textured jacket – can the lovely folk at Monsoon please put my name to the top of the waiting list for these fab pieces ; )
