Search
A New Year marks new beginnings and January feels full of possibilities, hopes and dreams. But there's no need to rush.
The dark winter days make the mind wonder, while we embrace being indoors and appreciate what we have and how far we have come. This is a special moment to reflect beyond afresh resolutions and we feel truly fortunate to have enjoyed some wonderful highlights.
From a joyous milestone and sunny scenes, to exclusive collaborations and new creations, we share our favourite and treasured memories of 2016:
Bonjour Maison & Objet
We began our year with an inspiring trip to Paris in January, where we attended Maison & Object.
It’s one of the world’s must-visit exhibitions for the interiors industry; brimming with trends and innovative products all set to make an impact. We came back from our visit feeling uplifted and fuelled with notions, ready for a brilliantly busy year ahead.
Scents (and Smiles!) | Our First-ever Laundry Collection
February saw us launch our first-ever Laundry Collection and we haven’t looked back since – we simply adore it for many reasons. Our range has been meticulously developed using ethically safe ingredients that are both kind to the skin (hypoallergenic) and on the environment.
We hoped for our Laundry Liquid, Fabric Softener and Linen Water to be as eco-friendly as possible, and so each is made in the UK with naturally derived raw materials whilst our packaging is 100% biodegradable. Delicately fragranced with essential oils with notes of Bergamot infused with meadow flowers, vanilla and patchouli – et voila!
For the Table | New Italian
Our Italian collection has been dearly received since its launch, and so in early 2016 we extended the range with three new colourways: Steel Stripe, Vintage Grey Stripe and Hay Stripe.
Pre-washed for extra softness, its traditional stripe brings an element of rustic charm whilst taking its cue from the rolling Tuscan Hills. Now available in runners, napkins and tablecloths, there’s just something deeply delightful about our Italian collection that we hope you enjoy just as much as us.
A Collaboration with Conran
With heritage spanning over 50 years, The Conran Shop has always been a brand that we have admired and so we were thrilled to be given the opportunity to collaborate on an exclusive linen collection.
April was an exciting month with the launch of our Selvedge Collection including placemats, napkins and tea towels in three vibrant colourways into The Conran Shop stores in the UK as well as Japan – yes, Japan! We’re currently working on new designs alongside their talented team for 2017, which we can’t wait to reveal.
Our Exclusive Clothing Collection
Hurrah! The launch of our first-ever pure linen clothing collection for women and children was a particularly special moment for us during 2016. Our Creative Director Larissa Cairns was passionate about creating simple and pared-down linen pieces, each utterly elegant and well-cut to complement all shapes and sizes.
The result is a truly timeless array of tops, dresses, tailored trousers and jumpsuits as well as nightwear that are not part of fleeting trends but, instead, serve as classic wardrobe staples that will last for years to come – for both little and large. Every design is expertly sewn here in London using the highest quality Belgian linen; a true European work of art.
Capturing Moments
We tend to organise a few photography shoots each year to capture our latest products and provide new, seasonal inspiration. We found the perfect location in London that complemented our simple, understated aesthetic for our autumn/winter imaginings.
Here, we were joined by two fluffy companions, Ozzy and Hendrix, to photograph our new Linen Dog Bed. Little darling’s Cleo and Jasmine also joined us for their second shoot with us since our the launch of our clothing collection, whom made our Christmas photography that even more magical.
Picturesque Provence
In August, we moved our HQ to the picturesque French countryside for a wonderful week in Provence. For those who know, Provence is not simply a geographical area but more importantly a state of mind; a place where one can escape from gray routine into the joys of a simple, slowed life.
One of the many joys of Provence is also the constant stream of satisfaction to the senses. A soft yet clear light illuminates the extraordinary contrast of nature, whilst the balmy air is softer and scented with wild Rosemary as well as a subtle scent of lavender. Needless to say it was an easy decision for us to shoot our spring/summer ’17 collection here, and what a perfect backdrop it provided us with.
Celebrating 10 Beautiful Years
Ageing gracefully is always something we have admired here at The Linen Works. Last year marked a pleasing milestone for us as we celebrated 10 cherished years in business; a decade of pared-back, timeless linen creations that lend themselves perfectly to a natural lived-in home and slowed pace of life.
Hosted in the stunning surroundings of Somerset House, we held a special luncheon to rejoice and reflect on how we came to be. Joined by a handful of key press at the Salon at Spring Restaurant for a delicious 3-course lunch, it is undoubtedly one of the prettiest of private dining areas in London.
Makers for Selfridges
2016 was rounded off with the anticipated arrival of our exclusive partnership with Selfridges & Co. Launched to celebrate the quality and craftsmanship of small, British independent brands, Selfridges invited us to join a carefully selected group of eight artisan makers to create a limited edition item for the range.
Our Patterned Linen Tea Towel forms part of the department store’s first-ever collection of own-brand kitchen and homeware. Featuring an understated repeat dot design, it pays homage to Selfridges’ signature yellow hue. You can find it in store at Selfridges and online – hooray!
Wishing you all a memorable 2017.
The Linen Works Team