Journal

Smythe co-founders Andrea Lenczner (right) & Christie Smythe (left) For those of you who have been keeping up to date with our 'new arrivals' section, you'll know that Canadian brand Smythe has returned to Stanwells with a bang for AW18, with power blazers and modern tailoring that you won't find anywhere else. We've been lucky enough to chat with co-founders Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe to delve deeper into the world of sartorial elegance they have created.... Hi Andrea & Christie, thank you so much for taking the time to give us an insight into the world of Smythe. Let’s start at the beginning - what inspired you to launch Smythe back in 2004? A: We first launched SMYTHE because we couldn’t find a casual, yet novel, blazer. In other words, the equivalent to a men’s sports jacket. We talked about how the blazer was a transformative piece of clothing that pulled together a whole look. Back in the early 2000s, if you wanted to wear a blazer with a pair of jeans or over a dress, it came as part of a suit. What were both of your backgrounds before you set up Smythe? A: After my MBA, I started my career as a banker but quickly realized it was not my passion. It took me a while, but I eventually left finance to break into the fashion industry (my true love) and eventually became a buyer at Holt Renfrew, a high-end department store, here in Canada. C: I took a more traditional path into the fashion business. I studied Fashion and Merchandising at Parsons School of Design in New York. After my degree, I worked in product development in the NYC design offices of The Gap. A: Before starting SMYTHE we both had incredible experience in different areas of the fashion industry. We had always discussed a creative venture and when the time was right, we went for it! How did you settle on the name ‘SMYTHE’ seeing as there have been 2 of you from the very beginning? C: When we were considering our branding we thought “SMYTHE” sounded sartorial and British. We knew tailoring would play a big role in our collection and we liked the association. Andrea never had an ego about using my last name. Did you ever imagine that your designs would gain a cult-status following with the likes of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton sporting the brand on a regular basis? C: It is such an honour that all kinds of women choose to buy and wear our pieces. Whether that’s to a Royal appearance, a red carpet premiere, boardroom meeting or the school drop off-line, its all flattering given all the choice out there. How do you see Smythe evolving over the next few years? C: We will continue to develop a full collection including, knits, dresses, bottoms, suiting, outerwear... A: We keep working to surprise our customers. Stay tuned! Are there any other designers out there that influence or inspire you and your creations? A: Influence is so hard to pin down. It comes from everywhere and is not always conscious. We are inspired by nature, friends, vintage, lifestyle and most importantly, textiles. We are definitely inspired by the Designer world and follow fashion closely. As a contemporary brand we see it as our duty to filter out the zeitgeist and perhaps make it a touch more relatable. Do you have a favourite piece from the new AW18 collection and if so, what makes it so special? C: I love the A-Line Multi Sweater that is hand knit by the Augden women’s collective in Bolivia. I also love the Buff Leopard Coat, it’s such a beautiful peachy shade for a leopard print. A: The Pull-on Pant with the above mentioned knit. I will be wearing it for all my crazy fall travel days. They're so polished yet comfortable. What do you recommend pairing the ever-popular Duchess Blazer with for a smart/casual everyday look? A: The Duchess Blazer remains one of our best-selling styles. We think it resonates with the customer because it is so versatile and can be worn so many ways. Different people wear it differently. The most current merchandising would be belted with a fanny pack over a bike short! C: I wear mine over a t-shirt and high waisted jeans A: I wear mine over a flowy loose dress and ankle boots. This season they will be cowboy boots. How would you describe your own personal style in 3 words? C: Classic, “East-coast”, (not too) Preppy A: Modern, progressive, (not too) Polished. Finally, what are your aspirations for the Smythe label over the next five years? A: World domination! Thank you so much to Andrea & Christie for chatting with us and we look forward to seeing what Smythe comes up with next! Take a look at the fabulous Smythe collection here...

Exciting news everyone, we’ve been chatting to Laura Orchant, one of the most talented luxury scarf designers we’ve ever had the the pleasure of meeting. Those of you who’ve been by our blog recently may have already seen that the new Laura Orchant SS18 scarves collection appeared in our January Brand of the Month spot – and well-deserved it was, too. But, ever since these beautiful scarves arrived at the store, we’ve been dying to ask Laura some one-on-one questions about her work – so we did. So without further ado, here’s what this lovely lady had to say: #1 - Hi Laura, wonderful to be chatting to you. So let’s start at the very beginning of the Laura Orchant story: When did you first realise you had a talent for drawing? From a very young age I have always loved to draw! You’d catch me doodling on every piece of paper I could get my hands on, and I’m still doing it today! # 2 - We heard you created your business plan while still studying – that is no mean feat! How did you fit your plans in around your college work? I was fortunate to have a great relationship with Rebecca, my business partner. I began speaking with her, and when we realised we had similar ambitions we were able to support each other and start materialising a plan together. # 3 - And what gave you the idea to focus on scarves? I have always had a love of scarves! My grandmother was a collector and I used to dress up in as many scarves as I could possibly wear as a child, so the appreciation was always there. Then, while studying fashion I realised my true love of print design, so I started to apply my work in a way that could stay timeless and yet be playful, exciting and rejuvenating to this wardrobe classic. #4 - Are there any designers out there who have influenced you along the way? I love Emilio Pucci and Dolce and Gabbana for their bold design style, as well as Elie Saab. I truly appreciate so many designers in all their individuality, and I get really inspired by even the smallest details. #5 - Speaking of inspiration – where in particular do you find most of yours? As I mentioned above, it can be anything, from the smallest leaf to the structure of a building. I find the mundane is often interesting and unexpected, so I have been drawing from all sorts of unnoticeables recently and am loving what I’m seeing! #6 - When it’s time for you to begin a new season collection, where do you start? Could you give us a little insight into your incredible creative process? There really is no rhyme or reason – it is quite hard for me to put into words but I’ll do my best. I usually start by looking through my design archives, going to an exhibition or visiting a show. I tend to take a lot of photos, collect books and jot ideas down all the time, so really it’s about sitting down with a pencil and paper and sketching. From there I get my colour ideas and medium inspiration to play around with and create. #7 - What is your favourite stage of the design and production process? I love to draw! That is a true passion of mine. But I also love choosing fabrics in Italy to reflect the designs, seeing my ideas come to life, and seeing the collection worn by someone and how it could transform someone’s confidence – can I say all of the above? It is not without a lot of hard work, but it does have its rewards. I am involved in all aspects of the business, including negotiating, printing, and meeting like minded people. There is a real joy from walking away from a potential client who is equally as excited for the prints as I am, knowing you have made a difference – however small it might be. #8 - We hear you’re going to be working with Universal Music to produce a range of Take That scarves this year following the success of your Rolling Stones range back in 2016; how exciting! What will this project involve? In this project I have been working on a subtle play on the famous Take That logo, creating a hypnotising 3D effect. Take That and their fans are very passionate about the band, so it was a real honour to be asked to come up with a range of designs that would do justice to the logo and, most importantly, please the band and their fans. The launch of the scarves has been timed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, and fans are awaiting news of a 25th anniversary tour, the line-up of which has still not been confirmed and is causing a frenzy of speculation. Exciting stuff! #9 - You currently have an exciting resort wear collection in the pipeline; what made you decide to expand into clothing? Did it present many new challenges compared to scarf design? Scarves will always be at the core of Laura Orchant , as this allows an entire complex print to be showcased in a simple form. However, because the prints are so vibrant and playful, I felt resort wear including kimonos and ponchos are a natural fit for the designs and the organic next step for us. Quality is something really important to me, so every piece we create is carefully considered. I like to find shapes that will be flattering, fashionable and bold, ensuring we can print and produce everything to the highest standards. #10 - Do you have a favourite piece from the current SS18 collection now on sale at Stanwells? The supernova is a really magical print that I enjoyed creating. It feels new and exciting in terms of design, but still keeping the Laura Orchant essence of style. #11 - Excellent choice, we love that one too! So what’s next for the Laura Orchant brand? Do you have any new products or ventures in the pipeline? This year we have a few exciting collaborations in the pipeline as well as a focus on our international markets with new partners in Canada and the US. #12 - That sounds exciting! And last but not least, we have to ask – who is your ultimate style icon? I would have to say Audrey Hepburn. She always appeared so beautiful and classy, and there was an effortless elegance pouring from her as if she was just made that way. My Grandma had a similar demeanour, a timeless classic of a lady if you like. Thanks so much Laura for taking the time to chat to us, we’re so excited to have the new Laura Orchant SS18 collection here at Stanwells! Take a look at the full Laura Orchant scarves collection here.