Journal

The Stanwells team gets around. We love to travel and find exciting new designer brands to introduce our customers to, so we’ve seen a lot of amazing places. But when it comes to relaxing in the sunshine we’ve each got our own dream destinations in mind for summer. If you need some ideas on where to go on holiday in 2018, take a look at our suggested dream destinations from the team here at Stanwells. Plus, we’ve also provided bonus tips on the must-take boutique fashion pieces to suit your trip, so you can enjoy the sunshine in designer style. Here’s where we’re jetting off to this year: Julia, Owner & Buyer Dream Destination: Oman Staying At: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Ever in the shadow of the glittering heights of tourist-magnet Dubai, UAE nextdoor neighbour Oman is a little-appreciated jewel in the Middle Eastern crown. This stunning, rugged country is more about culture and beautiful scenery than the glitz and glamour of its neighbours, and is packed with secluded and luxurious resorts where you can lose yourself in a good book and a few cocktails. The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort is perched atop Oman’s fabled Green Mountain with breathtaking views of the rocky canyons below. Sample a range of exotic and traditional Omani cuisine, stargaze from rooftop platforms, scale the canyon’s rugged walls and relax in pure luxury in the beautiful infinity pool and spa facilities – and all less than a two-hour drive from the bustling Omani capital city of Muscat. Julia Couldn’t Go Without: The Mes Demoiselles Matrioshka Dress. In the hot Middle Eastern sunshine you’ll need something light, airy and comfortable to while away your care-free days, and the Matrioshka dress is just the ticket. We love the gorgeous, earthy colours and exotic floral print, which will work perfectly against the breathtaking Omani mountain backdrop. Match it up with an oversized sun hat (another must-have for this destination) and a pair of chic designer sunglasses to complete your look. Alice, E-commerce Manager Dream Destination: The Maldives Staying At: The Four Seasons When you hear the word ‘Maldives’, the images of white sand beaches, crystal blue water and pure luxury come swimming into the mind’s eye, and for good reason. The Maldives is a total paradise, which is why it’s our eCommerce manager Alice’s ultimate dream destination for summer 2018. Home to a few world-firsts including the famous underwater restaurant, underwater spa and underwater nightclub, the Maldives is a collection of beautiful islands and resorts filled with nothing but immaculate scenery, delicious food and welcoming locals. Alice’s choice of resort is the Four Seasons – what else? A fittingly luxurious collection of resorts for such a paradisiacal location, the Four Seasons includes a choice of two island resorts, a luxury cruiser and a private island, so you can pick the ideal type of holiday for you. From snorkeling and kite surfing to mouthwatering BBQs and sea turtle conservation participation, you might be surprised at just how much there is to do in this idyllic, unspoiled part of the world. Alice Couldn’t Go Without: The Cecilie Smash top and matching Cecilie shorts. Lounging on pristine beaches and dining in exotic restaurants calls for breathable-yet-chic style, and these matching Cecilie pieces are the perfect fit. Made from super lightweight cotton and featuring the brand’s signature print, these summer must-haves will keep you cool and comfortable while creating a perfectly coordinated and stylish beachside look. Off the shoulder and high waisted styles are key spring summer trends, after all. Wear with your favourite pair of designer sandals to complete the look. Louise, Westbourne Store Manager & Buyer Dream Destination: Tanzania Staying At: Singita Faru Faru Lodge If you didn’t know it already, Tanzania is the home of safari. And, alongside the breathtaking wildlife spectacles, it’s also a place to enjoy fascinating cultures, idyllic beaches, luxurious accommodation and the company of very friendly people. And let’s not forget the unforgettable sight of Mt Kilimanjaro - beautiful to look at and an exciting challenge to climb, if you’re that way inclined. However you choose to experience Tanzania, you’ll be completely won over by its wild beauty and cultural charm. Louise’s choice of resort is the stunning Singita Faru Faru Lodge in Northern Tanzania. Positioned right along the renowned Serengeti migrationary route, staying here will fill your time in Tanzania with wonderful wildlife surprises, which you can admire close up or from your luxury poolside perch on the hillside. Faru Faru is about as remote as it gets, making it the perfect place for a total technology switch off and a reconnection with nature. Louise Couldn’t Go Without: The 120% Lino off the shoulder dress in blue. In the sizzling heat of the African sun you’ll need something fresh, airy and light to stay comfortable, and this stunning off the shoulder dress from 120% Lino is the perfect choice. We’re not sure there’s anything more elegant than the bardot style, and this delicate dress with its pretty tie cuff sleeves and lace hem detailing takes the look to new summer heights. Pair it with colourful statement jewellery and strappy sandals for an effortless luxury safari look for your Tanzania vacation. Wherever you spend your summer this year, make sure your holiday wardrobe is topped up with all the latest spring summer 2018 styles from our SS18 collection here at Stanwells.

Love Paris? How about New York? Now what if we told you you could find the spirit of both incredible cities in one place? You can, and that place is called IRO. The new season collection of IRO clothing has landed at Stanwells, and we’ve fallen head over heels. So much so that we simply had to name this lovely label as our next Brand of the Month. Get to Know IRO IRO Paris is a French label created by brothers and former music producers, Laurent and Arik Bitton. By combining bold New York style with high-end, French sartorial sophistication, the Bitton brothers have managed to pack their collections with vibrant personality and fresh ideas, all inspired by their love of architecture, music and design. Made especially for the experimental women of the world, IRO clothing rapidly rose to fame across the world with its head-turning reinventions of traditional shapes. Now a firm fashion favourite with women from Europe and America to Canada, Korea and Australia – not to mention the team here at Stanwells – IRO Paris has well and truly earned its place as our Brand of the Month. As always, we have picked out a few of our absolute favourite styles to show you, so you can dress up your wardrobe with the freshest of spring styles. Here they are, in no particular order: The Nanopo Jacket There’s something wonderfully retro about this dazzling jacket, don’t you think? Retro, yet somehow so very current. The IRO Nanopo Jacket is crafted from crisp white denim, a classic fashion staple for spring and summer, but the stars of the show are of course those stunning sparkle sequin sleeves. They transform this timeless jackets style into something entirely new, creating a piece that can be worn during sunny spring days and cool summer evenings. Layer it over your favourite summer dress and sparkly accessories for a casual, party-ready look that’s guaranteed to get people talking. The Berwyn Silk Top Spring just isn’t spring without a cami top, and this one has shot straight onto our favourites list for the new season. The IRO Berwyn silk top is everything you need from a new season essential; it’s light, floaty, elegant and versatile. Wear it under a jacket with white jeans for a casual summer daytime style, or pair it up with suit pants and heels for an elegant evening look that wouldn’t look out of place at any time of the year. The Berwyn top is made with 100% silk, so you’re getting pure luxury from the straps down to the hem, and that elegant tulle net trim adds an extra layer of chic Parisian style to this already stunning camisole top. The Ashville Biker Jacket We’re particularly fond of jackets this season, so we couldn’t resist showing you this one as well. Spring is prime motorcycle season so the biker jacket style is hot right now, and the IRO Ashville biker jacket is a stunning example of how great this look can be. The pale pastel blue colour is perfect for springtime, giving a lighter and more easygoing feel to the traditionally dark biker aesthetic, while the rest of the design holds true to the classic look. You can layer it over cami tops and denim during the day or wear it with your favourite dresses to create elegant summer evening styles. However you style it, the Ashville is a guaranteed breath of spring air for your wardrobe. And our SS18 fashion collection doesn’t stop there. You can view our full IRO clothing range here, and there’s plenty of stunning women’s designer footwear, women’s boutique clothing and accessories from a whole host of exciting designer brands to discover online and in store.

Spring is so close we could almost reach out and touch it, but is your wardrobe ready? This year’s SS18 catwalks were packed with so many stunning trends that it’s almost impossible to sum them all up, so we won’t try. Instead we have picked out some of our favourite SS18 trends to share with you, so you can get your wardrobe ready for the season ahead. Here are the top looks to look for in SS18: While those soft ice cream sundae pastels may not be a groundbreaking trend for spring time, there’s no denying they’re special. The SS18 catwalks were seriously pastel-pretty; Victoria Beckham showed head-to-toe violet, Hermés styled lemon sorbet suits, Tom Ford went pastel pink and we even got a sprinkle of pistachio green from the Sies Marjan collection. The best thing about pastels is that they’re so easy to style for spring, and you can layer several shades together for the ultimate on-trend effect. A post shared by TOM FORD (@tomford) on Sep 9, 2017 at 7:03am PDT Shop the pastel trend with our new season collection at Stanwells: A post shared by Alexander McQueen (@alexandermcqueen) on Dec 19, 2016 at 12:52pm PST The mac is back and it’s more fabulous than ever. The classic trench coat has been seeing a lot of catwalk action and has rocketed into the upper echelons of every SS18 trends list. So much more than just an outerwear necessity, the trench coat has been transformed into a style sensation by the big fashion houses, with embroidery, chopped-up lines and bright colours galore. A well-styled trench coat can become an outfit all on its own, especially when paired with chunky high heeled boots for a leggy, streamlined effect. If you love a good trench but you’re more of a traditionalist, there’s a great middle ground option: boutique designer trench coats. Our latest season collection features some fabulous classic trench designs with traditional lines and elegant colours that let you rock this spring trend without the catwalk price tag. Shop the trend at Stanwells: A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs) on Feb 19, 2018 at 1:15pm PST Sports-inspired fashion design is yet to tire, and this year’s SS18 catwalks have been teaming with athletic looks. Most notable was the Marc Jacobs collection, which combined luxury leather with retro sports styles reminiscent of brightly-coloured 80s. High top sneakers, bum bags, joggers, shell suits and sweaters are all well and truly back in fashion, and it’s one of the most enjoyable looks to wear. Athletic looks are great for transitioning from spring to summer, with so many lightweight layering options to choose from. And we’ve got great news, you can find a great selection of retro sport styles right here at Stanwells. Shop the trend: A post shared by Margaret Howell (@margarethowellltd) on Sep 17, 2017 at 6:39am PDT Spring fashion for women usually involves a pair of shorts or two, but SS18 trends are not showing just the traditional super short shorts of yesteryear. Instead the catwalks have been filled with the returning safari shorts, preppy shorts, gym shorts and even cycling shorts. So forget the mini skirts and dresses, it looks like you’ll be spending spring and summer in your shorts this year, which is great news if you’re a fan of the casual end of the wardrobe spectrum. Shop the trend with our collection of designer shorts here at Stanwells: A post shared by TOM FORD (@tomford) on Sep 10, 2017 at 6:37am PDT The polished, dark denim of circa 2000 fashion is back, with the likes of Tom Ford, Nina Ricci and Versus Versace showing a variety of outfits styled in this long absent denim shade. After quite the hiatus, the catwalks are welcoming this unexpected return and the trend is spreading like wildfire. So easy to wear for all of your off-duty looks, dark denim can be mixed and matched with practically anything, and it’s even acceptable to double-denim the look. However you want to style it, you can find a variety of dark denim jean styles right here at Stanwells, so you can kick off your season with one of the easiest-to-style SS18 trends. Sniffing out the hottest spring and summer trends for women is one of our favourite pastimes when the SS Season rolls around, and we’ve assembled a cracking collection for you to explore this year. Check out our entire New Arrivals collection and explore the latest boutique trends to land at the store.

We’re shaking things up a bit here at Stanwells this SS18 and introducing some hot new brands that we’re sure you will adore. After searching high and low for unique designers from across the world, we’ve come up with eight fabulous new collections for you to lust after all summer long. Smythe Abundant with exciting colour, chic silhouettes and exquisite tailoring it’s no wonder Smythe’s SS18 collection has been given the royal seal of approval by Kate and Meghan. Created in Canada by Andrea Lenczer and Christie Smythe in 2004, Smythe specialises in providing exceptionally luxurious outerwear that brings a sense of occasion to any outfit, be it formal or casual. Designed with the modern woman firmly in mind, these exquisite jackets blend classic masculine styles with modern feminine tailoring to create one of a kind, unique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Why not pair the stunning Duchess Blazer in Ivory, with its contrasting gold buttons, mixed length hem and oversized peak lapel with your favourite jeans for a look that will take you from day to evening with ease. If you’re looking for something with a playful edge, invest in the Long Notched Collar Blazer in Black and turn the sleeves up to reveal the vibrant floral lining which is sure to brighten up any outfit. Layer up over t-shirts, shirts, sweaters and trousers for an endless array of outfit combinations you’re guaranteed to love. Intropia Be enticed by the spirit of the Mediterranean which flows gracefully through each design in the Intropia SS18 collection. Re-branded in 2016, Intropia (formally Hoss Intropia) specialises in creating chic, fashion-forward designs with a bohemian twist. You can expect an abundance of dainty floral prints, crochet lace and ruffle trims crafted from lightweight fabrics in a relaxed silhouette. Embrace this whimsical European style by investing in the Rose Print Midi Dress, adorned with crochet lace trims, delicate ruffles and sweet tassels, this flowing midi-dress is guaranteed to keep you looking and feeling cool on even the hottest of days. Why not try pairing the Beige Floral Print Top with some light wash jeans on those cooler, breezy days that we’re so accustomed to here in sunny England? Slip on a pair of your favourite sandals and you’re good to go in a look that will take you from browsing the shops to a walk on the beach with ease. Donna IDA I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to know that the jean queen Donna IDA’s SS18 collection will finally be hitting both stores and appearing online soon. Keep your eyes peeled for her vibrant cashmere sweaters, delicate printed blouses and of course the star of the show, her gorgeous jeans which have been drawing people in since the launch of the brand back in 2012. Retro styling has been re-worked for the SS18 collection which is abundant with bold, bright colours, playful slogans and delicate prints. Make a statement in the Posh & Skinny Sweater, crafted from the softest vibrant blue cashmere with a metallic intarsia knit ‘Posh’ slogan adorning the front. For an edgy take on bohemian dressing, pair one of the stunning floral printed blouses with some cropped flare jeans and a Belstaff leather jacket. Belstaff Here to satisfy all of your outerwear needs, our carefully curated collection of Belstaff jackets and coats is bursting with contemporary silhouettes as well as the brand’s signature design elements that add luxurious elegance to each piece. From leather jackets to lightweight canvas trench coats, there is something for everyone in the Belstaff SS18 collection. Famous for its rich heritage steeped in motorcycle racing, Belstaff produces timeless designs that are sure to be on heavy rotation in your wardrobe all year long. Invest in the Marvingt Leather Jacket this season and ooze biker-chic no matter what outfit you pair it with. Perfect for adding a masculine edge to your favourite dresses and skirts, the Ackington Leather Boots are a must-have, with their contrasting red sole trim and oversized biker buckle which toughens up these classic lace front boots. Joie Dive into a world of laid-back luxe inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of Southern California with Joie’s SS18 collection. Drawing influence from vintage creations whilst maintaining a modern aesthetic, Joie clothing is understated and chic, dripping with ditsy prints, classic stripes and delicate lace trims. Created with travelling fashionistas in mind, the Joie girl is cool and casual maintaining a relaxed vibe whether she’s in London, Paris or sunny California. Mix and match the fabulous blouses in Joie’s SS18 collection with your favourite jeans, trainers and sunglasses for a busy day in the city or pack the lightweight tees up in your suitcase for an exotic getaway. Dhela Characterised by vivid colours, flowing fabrics and luxurious prints, Dhela clothing embraces femininity at its finest to create stunning resort wear for the globe trotting woman. Founded by renowned designer Daniella Helayel, famous for her work as founder and creative director of Issa, Dhela’s SS18 collection takes inspiration from Helayel’s Brazilian heritage and warmer climates. Fall in love with Dhela’s dazzling metallic prints featured on the Tricolour Long Pleat Skirt and the Tricolor Maxi Dress, both crafted with elegant flowing pleats which add texture and movement to these jaw droppingly fabulous designs. If you’re looking for something more versatile, why not invest in one of the vibrant printed shirt dresses as seen on the hit TV show Riviera? The Spacebug Long Sleeve Dress is bursting with bold, vibrant colours reminiscent of a tropical paradise and looks great dressed up with heels or worn casually with flat sandals and a floppy sun hat on warm summer days. Cecilie Created in Copenhagen in 2011, Cecilie is a unique and innovative brand derived from just two scarves and a characteristic print back in 2011 by creative director Cecilie Jorgensen. What started as a solution to a wardrobe crisis quickly developed into the quirky and forward-thinking brand that is Cecilie Copenhagen, with its vibrant colours and distinctive patterns. With SS18 marking the return of all manner of linear patterns, Cecilie’s collection is sure to tick all the right boxes bringing runway style to the streets. Why not contrast the unconventional elegance of a Cecilie dress with a rugged Belstaff biker jacket for a modern play on summer evening dressing. Offering something a little different for SS18, the Cecilie collection is extremely versatile and looks fabulous dressed down with flats or enhanced with a pair of mid block heels for the evening. Valerie Khalfon Best known for her luxurious holiday wear inspired by French haute couture, Valerie Khalfon concludes our tour of all the fabulous new brands that we have selected for you this SS18. The perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe, Valerie Khalfon’s pieces are abundant with vivid colours, luxurious lightweight fabrics and delicate lace embroidery that oozes femininity. Reflecting the ray of candy crush colours seen on the runway this season, Valerie Khalfon’s SS18 collection is full of bold blues, sunny yellows, pastel pinks and vivid greens. These ice cream shades are sure to inject some fun into your wardrobe and look fabulous with sun kissed skin and funky shades. ------------------------------------------- Eight fresh new brands later and we’ve come to the end of our jet-set tour of globally renowned designers. We can’t wait for you to feast your eyes on all of our new collections, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled on our ‘New Arrivals’ page on our website for the latest additions to our plethora of designer brands.

Welcome to biker-style paradise. The Belstaff SS18 collection has landed at Stanwells and it’s brought with it a fabulous slice of this historic brand’s rich and adventurous sporting heritage. Those of you who are familiar with Belstaff will know just how amazing it feels to wear one of their leather jackets. For those of you who aren’t, allow us to explain: Leather jackets from Belstaff have become synonymous with the world famous Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing event. The rugged, gruelling race was tough on the racers’ clothing, so something waterproof and just as tough was needed to withstand the strain. Meanwhile, the brains behind Belstaff had been perfecting their waterproof materials and clothing for years, with their products being sent to the frontlines of WW1. It wasn’t long before the motorcycle racers caught on, adopting the high quality leather jackets of Belstaff (known as Bellstaff until the 1930’s) for their big races. Motorcycling champion, Joseph ‘Joe’ Wright even became a Belstaff ambassador, cementing its image as the producer of clothing that is both rugged and cool. Belstaff went on to supply its iconic range of men’s and women’s Belstaff jackets to everyone from aviators and army personnel to world-famous A-list Hollywood celebrities and actors. And now we are proud to welcome a select range of fabulous Belstaff quilted jackets, leather jackets and footwear to see in the new season with edgy biker style. As always with our brand of the month we have selected a few of our favourite styles from the collection to show you today. So here they are, the very best of Belstaff: Belstaff Culmore Jacket For those early spring days when a slight winter’s chill is still clinging on, it can be hard to find a coat that provides just the right amount of warmth. Belstaff to the rescue! The Culmore quilted jacket is super lightweight, making it perfect for transitioning from season to season without the need for lots of layers. The adorable pastel pink shade is also bang on trend for SS18, where pastels are dominating the catwalks, so that’s another big win for the wardrobe. Easy to match up with practically any casual outfit, this gorgeous spring jacket works especially well with light-wash jeans and sport luxe trainers. Belstaff Marvingt Leather Jacket Heading into classic biker jacket territory now, the Marvingt is one of the most iconic women’s Belstaff jackets and a true bestseller. And let’s face it, it’s easy to see why. This work of sartorial art is crafted from the finest, buttery soft leather and comes complete with side zip pockets, padded elbows and expandable cuffs, all wrapped up in that traditional biker-chic cut. Perfect for cool spring days and weekend style, the Belstaff Marvingt works perfectly layered over a bright white T-shirt, skinny jeans and biker boots; you just can’t beat the classic looks. Belstaff Clonmore Canvas Jacket And now for something quite different. The Belstaff Clonmore canvas jacket is a true breath of fresh air for both the biker-chic look and spring coats overall. Where do we even begin? That crisp, light canvas, the flattering waist belt, the lightweight summery feel; the whole thing is just fabulous. The shortened trench coat style makes this jacket ideal for spring days and summer evenings, and looks beautiful when paired with casual jeans, a lightweight sweater and a colourful printed scarf. Belstaff Acklington Leather Boots We couldn’t end this post without drawing your attention to these beauties. The Belstaff Ackington leather boots are the perfect final touch to any biker-inspired outfit, bringing a modern, sophisticated twist to this classic style. We especially love that oversized statement buckle and the red trim, guaranteed to turn heads and start the compliments flowing. You can pair these modern biker beauties with everything from your favourite skinny jeans to casual day dresses for the edgiest of looks. These pieces may be our favourites, but we can’t deny we love every single thing in the collection! View the entire Belstaff SS18 collection here, or take a look at our complete range of women’s jackets for yet more spring summer style from the most exciting designer brands.

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.

Print-lovers, this one’s for you. Laura Orchant has landed at Stanwells with the most beautiful prints you will ever see, and we’re so excited to show you the new season collection. Laura Orchant is the queen of print design, famous for her collections of stunning luxury designer scarves that she designs by hand. Made using only the finest silks and super soft modal blends, Laura Orchant women’s printed scarves are unrivalled in their beauty and quality, and her new SS18 collection is steeped in both. Believe it or not, Laura’s thriving business actually began before she even left college. Together with her friend and business partner, Rebecca Lewis, Laura had drawn up a business plan for her scarf design venture during her final year studying fashion design at Ravensbourne College in London; an incredibly impressive feat, we think you’ll agree. Drawing her inspirations from the natural world around her, Laura begins by drawing her intricate designs by hand, before scanning and digitally manipulating them. Since launching her business, Laura has gone on to design some very special scarves, including a range for the Rolling Stones, and will soon be releasing a collection for Take That. Want to see something pretty? Here are our favourite picks from the new collection of Laura Orchant accessories here at Stanwells: The Athena’s Garden Scarf in Green Modal Blend Vivid greens and blues dazzle the eyes in this stunning scarf themed around Athena’s Garden. As the Goddess of Wisdom and the creator of the olive tree, this is how Laura Orchant imagines Athena’s Garden would look, with vibrant green leaves and vivid florals. Aside from the peacock-pretty colour scheme, this beautiful rectangular scarf is made with a super soft modal blend fabric, making it feel wonderful against the skin. Perfect for tying at the neck during the last few chilly evenings of spring and just as beautiful when used as a light shoulder wrap over the summer months, the Athena’s Garden scarf is one of our absolute favourites in this collection. The Dizzy Daisy Print Silk Scarf in Yellow Remember those seemingly endless summer days sitting in parks making daisy chains as children? Those sunny memories are all wrapped up in this gorgeous Dizzy Daisy silk scarf. Perfect for the new spring/summer season, this scarf is made from 100% pure silk, giving it a truly luxurious, lightweight feel. This is one of Laura Orchant’s many classic square scarf designs, easy to drape around the neck and add a burst of garden-inspired colour to any new season outfit. Butterfly Kiss Print Scarf in Pink Modal Blend This truly is summer in a scarf. The vibrant pinks, greens, blues and golden yellows of the Butterfly Kiss print scarf conjure up images of bright summer gardens, where the butterflies dance across the flowers on sunny afternoons. The soft, lightweight modal fabric blend is ideal for both the spring and summer months, and looks especially fabulous when contrasted with white or black outfits. Whether tied at the neck or draped over the shoulders, this stunning scarf is bound to attract admiring attention every time you wear it. We picked out these three beautiful scarves with great difficulty, as the entire Laura Orchant accessories collection is simply to die for. Laura’s creations are truly the height of luxury designer scarves; you won’t find designs like this from any other label. If you want to know more about this incredibly talented designer (and why wouldn’t you?) then watch this space. We’re running a special Q&A with the lovely lady herself very soon, where she’ll be telling us all about how she creates these wonderfully unique printed scarves. Until then, enjoy the collection!

Skiing season is here and everybody is heading to the slopes for downhill thrills and après-ski. But while most will be heading to ‘The Big 5’ – Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria and Germany – there’s a whole world of pristine slopes to explore beyond the mainstream destinations, and they’re all amazing. So pack up your equipment and your warm winter coats and jackets and give these alternative skiing season destinations a go in 2018: Åre, Sweden - Home of the saunas Image source: Wikimedia Commons If you love luxury as much as you love the mountains then Åre in Sweden needs to be top of your list this season. This pristine, soft-peaked alternative to the Alps is well-known for its relaxing hot tubs and saunas; the perfect way to unwind and socialise with your fellow skiers after a long day on the slopes. After you’ve enjoyed the outstanding ski opportunities and facilities, simply wash it all down with a glass or two of traditional Swedish schnapps and you’ve got yourself the perfect skiing experience without the crowds. Bansko, Bulgaria - A snowboarder’s paradise Image source: Wikimedia Commons If one of your party favours snowboards over skis, Bansko in Bulgaria is the place to be for ski season 2018. Hailed as the ‘New Andorra’, Bansko ski resort is nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Pirin mountains and boasts sweeping ski runs and an extensive snowboarding infrastructure. And, if you’re all about the après-ski, Bansko will not disappoint with its unique array of off-piste attractions. From its many mehanas (traditional Bulgarian taverns) with roaring fires and local food, to its dazzling casinos and lively bars, Bansko will easily keep you excited and entertained for the entire trip. Poiana Brasov, Romania - The best night skiing destination Image source: Wikimedia Commons If your ski skills are leaning towards the novice end of the slope, Romania’s exquisite Poiana Brasov is a great alternative to the slightly more intimidating mainstream resorts. Regarded as the best ski resort in Romania, Poiana Brasov is home to an impressive Olympic run, however it is generally more tailored to beginner and intermediate level skiers. But the real pull of this stunning resort is the night skiing opportunities, which offer truly spectacular moonlit views of the mountains while you zoom down the runs. Davraz, Turkey - The ultimate hidden treasure Image source: Wikimedia Commons Yes, Turkey! Who knew? Davraz is, after all, one of Europe’s best kept skiing secrets. Here you can enjoy all the snowy delights of the traditional ski resorts while also having access to the stunning Mediterranean coastline; so it’s two holidays in one. Complete with both beginner slopes and challenging black runs for experienced skiers, Davraz is nestled between three shimmering lakes and offers truly magical views. Be quick and visit before the word gets out, as Davraz is rapidly becoming popular with skiers the world over. What to Wear No matter where you go, you need to be ready for the snow. Sweden’s northerly location unsurprisingly means occasional icy winds, and all mountainous regions are prone to challenging weather, so you’ll need the best quality clothing to see you through. Luckily there are brands out there that combine the cold-weather practicalities with high end fashion, so you can tackle the slopes in style. If you’re looking for high-tech professional arctic gear with a stylish military aesthetic, Parajumpers is the brand for you. Inspired by the tough, courageous folk of the Alaskan 210th Rescue Squadron, Parajumpers coats are designed to withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining a classic outerwear style that you’d be proud to wear. If you’re looking for something a little more playful, Moose Knuckles is the home of super stylish men’s and women’s winter coats. Moose Knuckles parkas and bomber jackets are lined with luxurious feather and down to keep you snug and warm on the snowy slopes, even in the coldest temperatures. The super soft fur hood linings and playful pom pom details add an extra layer of fun to your sartorial ski ensemble, and the quality fabrics used by Moose Knuckles ensure you get a coat that will stand the test of time. And what about your feet? Stomping through deep snow for a week demands a sturdy pair of boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and Montelliana boots tick all the right boxes. Crafted from strong leather and lined with fur, these are the perfect footwear choice for all of your après-ski activities, and are just as ideal for lots of your outdoor adventures even after you leave the slopes. Now that you’re clued up and kitted out for skiing season, all that’s left to do is pick a resort and enjoy.

It's that time of year again, the Stanwells sale is in full swing with all AW17 stock reduced by up to 50% and all past seasons stock reduced by 70%. It's time for you to bag yourself a bargain and we've curated a small selection of our top 5 sale picks that shouldn't be missed! There is only one thing better than designer clothing and that's designer clothing at discounted prices. You can pick up the same luxurious goodies you've been longing for all season long for a fraction of the price, both in store and online in the Stanwells Winter sale. From super soft cashmere sweaters by Chinti & Parker to stunning suede over the knee boots by Ash, we've got something for everyone in our Winter sale and we're sure that you won't want to miss our top 5 sale picks. Alessandra Chamonix Georgette Racoon Coat in Military/Multi Was £1585.00 Now £1109.50 If you're looking for that special something to treat yourself to this Christmas, the Alessandra Chamonix Georgette coat was made for you. This glamorous jacket is a reinvention of the classic military parka, with shimmering beaded embellishment adorning the front and the cuffs and a luxurious fur lining and hood trim that's guaranteed to keep you toasty and stylish all winter long. From the city to the slopes, this versatile coat can be worn around town with your favourite jeans and sneakers or pair it with some Montelliana Boots for an Alpine chic look. With a £475 discount, what's not to love? Find your size here. Perseverance London Paisley Lace Ruffle Dress in Black Was £332.00 Now £166.00 Looking for something sophisticated yet modern this party season? Look no further than this intricate lace ruffle dress by Perseverance London which has 50% off in the Winter Sale. It's impossible not to fall in love with the vintage feel of this dress, with its high lace neckline, tiered ruffle skirt and long sheer sleeves giving a modern day take on classic Victorian style. Wear it with some barely there strappy heels and a sleek black clutch bag for a chic formal look this party season. Grab yours here. Brockenbow Charlotte Jeans in Cascade Was £240.00 Now £120.00 Make a style statement in these fabulous jeans by cool Parisian brand Brockenbow. Hand-finished in Paris, they are embellished with shimmering cascading beads that add a je ne sais quoi that you won't find anywhere else. These jeans are cut in the signature Brockenbow slim boyfriend 'Charlotte' style which adds a touch of unvarnished elegance, wear with a relaxed white t-shirt and an IRO biker jacket for a cool off-duty look. Treat yourself to these glittering jeans whilst they're 50% off in the Winter sale as we're sure they won't be available for long. Chinti & Parker Abstract Scalloped Cashmere Sweater Was £375.00 Now £262.50 Dress like a true fashionista in this playful scalloped sweater by cashmere queens Chinti & Parker. Crafted from the softest, most luxurious cashmere, this sweater strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. Get yours while there's 30% off in our Winter sale and you can use your amazing saving of over £100 to put towards some chic Citizens of Humanity jeans to wear with it. Take a look at it here. Ash Elisa-Baby Silk Over the Knee Boots Was £199.00 Now £139.30 Last but certainly not least we have the show stopping Ash over the knee boots, the prefect finishing touch to any outfit this Winter. Crafted from silky soft black suede, these boots work wonders at elongating your legs thanks to the mid-block heel and thigh skimming length. Style them like a true fashion guru by wearing them with the Sportmax Ali Black & White Wavy Skirt and a chic cream sweater for a look that will take you from day to evening with ease. With 30% off, they're undeniably hard to resist! If you've been inspired to shop till you drop by our top 5 sale picks, you can browse the rest of our sale items which are on show across the whole site right now. If you want to scroll through all our bargains in one easy place, head over to our sale room to get up to 70% off AW17 and past seasons collections.