Sophia from 'Girl in Menswear' wears our Strapped Howe bag on her blog today. The post is about the perfect white shirt and we couldn't think of a better wardrobe classic to wear it with.

If like us, you are a tomboy at heart, add the blog to your reading list and revel in the masculine style hints. On a rainy day like today you'll want to be getting comfy in those boyfriend jeans.

Shop the Navy Howe here.

Yesterday I went to drop an order to Triangle store, our newest stockist on Hackney's Chatsworth Rd. Forming the three points of the triangle are store collaborators Tori Mullan, Mary Wagstaff and Matthew Naylor; a visual merchandiser, ceramicist and graphic designer respectively.

Carrying a selection of design and lifestyle products with fashion accessories, the store is cemented by graphic, simple styles and pops of bright colours alongside steely blues, greys and naturals.

On my first visit to the shop I was struck by the wonderful product mix but also learnt there's more to the appeal of Triangle :

Location
Not as achingly cool or hectic as other parts of Hackney, Homerton has it's own thing going on. Importantly, there is a good balance of old and new businesses and a thriving Saturday street market...which led me to deduce- there's nothing you can't get on the Chatsworth Road!

Change
The Triangle team regularly update the store, sometimes redecorating and remerchandising on a weekly basis. With a local and loyal customer base they realise the the importance of change in ensuring repeat custom.

Nurture
On the side of small labels, the team understand the restrictions and difficulties faced. Mary spoke with me about helping one of her designers find a studio space, as well as collaborating on runs of product that would not otherwise have been possible. It's so refreshing to see a shop with a conscience!

Product knowledge
The passion of the trio instantly comes across as they tell you of pieces sourced on a trip to Holland, working with local designers met on Broadway Market and those that stood out at busy trade shows. I love a brand story, and the personal touch at Triangle ensures these stories are told.

If you find yourself in the Hackney area, be sure pay a visit to Triangle store. Currently carrying the M.Hulot Strapped Howe and Bronica triangle.

A

1. Clyde fold hat 2. Claire Gaudion fermain scarf 3. Rachel Comey city trench 4. Etnia Barcelona sunglasses 5. Grenson rose brogues 6. Humanoid Telma trousers 7. M.Hulot Howe bag 8. Folk zip back tee

Running your own design company often means that you have very little time to 'design' as time is taken up with general running, costing, production, marketing...the list goes on! On those days when I can actually spend time creating (and running your own business means you can create what YOU want) I literally fall in love with what I am working on, and there is nothing more joyful than selecting the colours.

Something very surprising to me has been discovering I love pink. I guess I always associated it with extreme girliness and naturally turned my back on it. But, the wonderful thing about working with leather is that is has an incredible depth of colour and pink and nude tones become something completely different, something more subtle and reminiscent of a raw unfinished skin. I was inspired by this photograph of Barbara Hepworth's studio, the faded pink artist's smock standing out, yet perfectly complementing the greys and muted tones of the rest.
Similarly to leather, ceramics always get me. Those slips, glazes and earthenware tones have such character and variation- I could stare and take them in forever. A couple of the images on the board are from an afternoon spent at the Victoria and Albert ceramics rooms which are well worth a visit.

The image of the smoking chimneys is taken from the book 'The Roma Journeys' by Joakim Eskildsen. The book saw Joakim travel to 7 different countries to document the lives of the Romas and the images are not only unique in their subject matter but also in the light and colour he captures. I often draw on this book for colour harmony and tones.

No doubt a few things will change before the new pieces are put into work, but while the thrill of the  palette is still fresh, I thought I would give you a hint and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I am.

A

This weekend we shot some of the new M.Hulot pieces that will be available for AW14. I'm really excited to add some new colourways to already loved pieces and some brand new styles as well. Watch this space come August/September time!

We shot at The Victoria Stakes, my local, just at the bottom of Muswell Hill which has the most beautiful, light filled dining room. I thought you would like to see these outtakes to get a flavour of things to come. The last photo shows our little team, Nic modelling on the left, me in the centre, and our faithful photographer, Chris Homer.

A.