Peter WilsonHouse of Hackney (HOH) was founded in London in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Javvy M Royle and Frieda Gormley. Starting out as an interior designer, the duo’s quest was ‘to take the beige out of interiors’ (something I know too well having recently persuaded my Mother to choose the new sofa in claret rather than what can only be described as an insipid shade of yellow). Their emphasis is simple: quality, design and Made in England.
After what some of us describe as a decade of bland minimalism, HOH captured the zeitgeist from the very start with its debut collection. Applying the omnipotent style of homeware and furnishings to clothing and tailoring, the collection featured bold and eye-catching prints which are both steeped in tradition but are ‘non-conformist for a modern statement’.
If all of that wasn’t enough, 2013 sees the addition of accessories and menswear (yippee!) to the flagship store, housed in Shoreditch, East London. However, as the menswear collection is still in its infancy, some of our favourites like Liberty, ASOS and Urban Outfitters only feature items from the brand’s womenswear collections. But fear not, it’s only a matter of time before the menswear collection extends to other stores and sites (if we keep our fingers, and toes, crossed).
The Top Half
Many of the menswear items reflect the current interior design styles. These sweatshirts come from the brand’s Poppium collection. So whether you’re going to be at the Cenotaph on November 11th, or simply love the Wizard of Oz, this print is great for all occasions (many department stores, such as Debenhams, are supporting the Royal British Legion by selling a range of paper poppies and poppy brooches right now!)
Arguably the brand’s signature print, Palmeral, the leafy print not only comes in cushions but in t-shirts too! We just love the white-green and midnight green prints – which one if your favourite?
The Bottom Half
I love a pair of trousers that are stylish and comfy. It’s just as well that HOH has the aforementioned prerequisites covered then, isn’t it? From the Daisy and Mey Meh collections, these jogging trousers are quite simply beautiful. From the floral to the carpet print, these should go on your shopping list come next pay day (admittedly they are a tad pricey) as, for us, they are simply irresistible.
House and Home
For some of us, it simply takes a cup of tea (for me it’s coffee, but let’s not split hairs) and a comfy cushion to make us relax and forget about the day gone by. Again, HOH has this covered with its range of stunning fine bone china mugs and luxury cushions (covered in the brand’s finest prints and fabrics). Not only is your wardrobe going to get a makeover, it seems so is your kitchen and lounge, too. How bad can that be? Plus, it’s never too early to starting thinking about Christmas present ideas.
Lasting Words
While the design house is still in its infancy, if we are to compare it, par example, to similar stores like Liberty (est. 1875), we think that this brand will have a long and lasting history in the world of both interior design and fashion. It has already, since its establishment a mere three years ago, splashed onto the fashion spectrum with its unique designs. This achievement is a rare feat as the designs are traditional yet simultaneously modern. Kudos, guys!