Organic And Fair Trade Homeware

Voxpop - Which overseas retail brand would you like to see come to the UK?

‘I used to like Anthropologie when you could only shop at it in the US, and now some of its magic has gone because it’s over here too. Years ago driving through France I happened upon a sports shop called Athletes Foot… but maybe not them. And then there was the hilarious Sisters Chicken and Biscuits in Columbus, Ohio that I used to frequent… maybe not them either. So I guess it would have to be Agip, the Italian petrol brand, with its six-legged fire-breathing dog logo. When I was a kid my parents would drive to southern Italy (in three days) and we’d stop at their service stations in the midsummer heat and have great pasta, gelato and espresso. I’m sure the car ran better afterwards…’

‘We travel worldwide to see the best of everything so my list is not one but four: United Arrows in Tokyo, Eataly in New York, Merci in Paris and Illums Bolighus in Copenhagen - all stores with a point of view and great, great product. Design is not obviously apparent in any of these brands, but subtly supportive of the total experience.’

‘Trader Joe’s would bring some much needed competition to Britain’s top grocers. TJ’s is much that they are not; authentically local and seasonal;organic and fairtrade without the patronising sanctimony; a jolly shop full of character, and cheap too. Ask yourself when, just because it was cheap, you last left Sainsbury’s with a smile on your face!? Crate And Barrel, George Segal’s concept is as good today as it was 50 years ago. A concept that has successfully survived changing homewares styles as a result of superb merchandising and innovation. A genuine bringer of ideas to several generations of homemakers.’

‘I confess I’m not much of a shopper. But then my closest retail mecca is Croydon, so perhaps not entirely surprising (particularly this week!) When I’m in the mood though, I’m drawn to independent specialist stores. So Boekie Woekie – the artist-run shop in Amsterdam – would be very welcome.

Mumo » Blog Archive - Luxury Briefing

Ethan K: Skin deep

LIKE the most tempting, jewel-like, sugar-coated sweeties in the unreachable jar on the top shelf, Ethan Koh’s handbags are objects you can’t help wanting to pick up, go out with (to the BAFTAs, maybe, rather than the local fleapit), and which induce just a hint of guilt because you know that, somehow, you shouldn’t really have one.

A new luxury interiors brand has launched its first ethical homewares collection. Mumo, which started life as a supplier of ethical fabrics to the fashion industry, sources organic and fairtrade textiles from Brazil.

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