Way back when, when I first started Mibbing, when 'The Mibber' didn't exist in it's current form but that of 'What She Saw'. I discovered Stella & Alf. It was in the olden days, I like to think back to the early days and remind myself of how hard it used to be to discover the good MIB, the REALLY good MIB (ok, so it was probably just over a year ago - I may be exageratttttting).
And that it was. I was instantly smitten with their aesthetic. The kind of effortless simplicity which is often reserved for super hip tumblr posts. Timeless and stylish. And since, the introduction of The Twenty, has added another string to their bow. If they couldn't get any better they have an ethos that makes guilt-free shopping possible.
I asked Co-Founder, Paris, to answer a few question to help us to get to know Stella & Alf a little more. And tease us about upcoming pieces!
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WHAT LED YOU TO START STELLA & ALF?
Well both my parents are architects, I think just made it seem really natural for me to design, and has definitely influenced the type of brand I wanted to create. I studied Fashion Design at The University of Westminster, and throughout my studies and various internships, I found that I was always happiest in the design studio creating simple pieces, always with a focus on longevity and provenance.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MANUFACTURE IN BRITAIN?
I was always drawn to brands who were very open about the creative process, and who gave a clear insight into how they operated. We are a teenie-tiny brand and whilst this meant it was a natural way to start up (to start very small, close to home, and do everything in-house) I very quickly became really interested in supporting British made products, and this has become integral to what Stella+Alf does.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
I find this question really tricky, I think as a designer, much of what you create is the result of a culmination of so many experiences and influences. Having said that, much of what I design is based on feedback from our customers, and I absolutely LOVE Pinterest for keeping inspiring images all in one place.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
Launching The Twenty, I get a buzz every time we launch a new piece, the reaction is always fresh and inspiring.
YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS HONEST DESIGNS, TELL ME A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR ETHOS AND SUSTAINABLE CREDENTIALS?
I mulled over the word "honest" for a long time. For me it communicates not only the simplicity in terms of the design of our pieces, but also indicates how transparently our products are made- like I said, pretty much every process is carried out in our little studio in Lincolnshire, and that is so crucial to what I feel S+A should be.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE STELLA & ALF?
Our three key principles say it all- Honest Design, Beautiful Fabrics, Made in Britain.
WHO IS THE S+A CUSTOMER?
When I design a product, I imagine how my Mum, Grandma and little sisters would wear the same piece respectively, if it's relevant to them all, that's how I know a garment embodies what I'm trying to achieve.
WHERE DO YOU SEE S+A IN FIVE YEARS?
Hopefully doing more of the same- promoting British-made,small scale, handmade products, and meeting some great people on the way.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM? PAST OR PRESENT.
Can I say future? I'm so excited for our new stripes to be released, and we have some gorgeous snuggly knits for winter.
I LOVE HOW YOUR "The Twenty" COLLECTION HAS MADE STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE MIB FASHION ACCESSIBLE, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE IT?
ANY SNEAK PEEKS AT THE NEXT ITEM?
ANY SNEAK PEEKS AT THE NEXT ITEM?
The Twenty is really about making British-made fashion accessible, whilst also maintaining the luxury- gorgeous fabrics, and only twenty of each piece made. Next up - lots of stripes, some gorgeous textures for winter, and some branching out into new territory (ominous I know, but top secret!)
INSERT SOMETHING INSPIRING:
It's always the S+A story, the reason behind the name-
Alf was a trawler man from Lincolnshire. Stella lived on his street.
They married on the 1st November 1958.
They had children. Nieces, nephews, grandchildren.
A ginormous dog.
They worked hard, laughed harder.
Held hands, hugged big, shared sweets, smiled lots.
They were part of a generation who didn’t just wear clothes once, for one season, simply because they were in fashion.
Their clothes were selected and saved for.
Worn, repaired and recycled. Grafted in, worked in.
Cherished, loved, laughed in, lived in.
Paid for in units of time well spent.
They kept their feet on the ground and their imaginations in the clouds.
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Andrea x
