Eloise Grey
Fine Ethical Clothing. Made in the United Kingdom. Fabrics Created with
Beauty and Respect. Organic Scottish Tweeds a Speciality.
Charming hand crafted garments will be treasured for ever. Designer, Eloise Grey, has produced a new collection of beautifully cut and made garments, all woven with stories to be passed on from generation to generation. These clothes hark back to a time when clothing was made to keep.
Best known for her tailored tweeds, Eloise’s latest work, The Garden Collection, introduces fine Belgian eco linen, Romanian hemp, hand woven Indian hand-block printed cotton with exquisite florals. All her work features fine dressmaking details such as French and bound seams, bound buttonholes and carefully sourced trimmings such as ceramic and tagua nut buttons.
Perfect for the British summer, this romantic and individual collection pays homage to mid-20th century writer, Vita Sackville-West. It is also a gentle nod to costume drama, India and Persephone books with garments named after other authors such as Katherine Mansfield and Noel Streatfield.
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS.
Vita Garden Coat.
For an understated and individual look. Finely finished seams and feature pockets.
Made from undyed Romanian hemp. An exquisite piece for a special occasion.
Hand-fired ceramic button.
Mansfield Blouse. Romantic feel floral print in muted tones of blue, pink, brown and heather. Ruched for a flattering silhouette. A choice of fine Belgian eco linen or hand-loom and block-printed cottons. Multi-seasonal.
Winker Shoes. Perfect for summer evenings. Made from the Isle of Mull Weaver’s ethical and organic tweeds. Introducing a partnership with artisan shoemakers CarréDucker. For both ladies and gentlemen. Comfortable and hardwearing.
Notes to Editors:
ABOUT ELOISE GREY.
Eloise Grey, based in the picturesque market town of Farnham founded her label with a trademark collection of ladies&rsuqo; coats and jackets made from the finest organic Scottish tweeds woven by Isle of Mull Weavers.
Showing great respect for traditional craftsmanship, Eloise’s work embodies a uniquely British tradition of style. She produces in the UK and sources materials from sustainable sources. Her fondness for mid 20th century writers influence her designs.
The summer collection launches at the Hepsibah Gallery, 112 Brackenbury Road, London W6 on 7th May and runs until 12th May (excluding Sunday) from 10-6pm.
The collection is available online at www.eloisegrey.com and at the showroom: Upstairs at Purity, 20 Downing Street, Farnham GU9 7PB. For further information and images, please email: contact@eloisegrey.com or call 07910 963737.
Prepare to be inspired when Eloise Grey launches her first luxury fashion boutique, Upstairs at Purity, and opens the doors for an official launch on Friday 2 October; an eco-fabulous evening in partnership with leading ethical fashion label, Makepiece.
As ethical and sustainable fashion gains style credentials, Eloise Grey’s concept store carves out a niche in the luxury sustainable fashion arena, and specialises in UK artisan- produced clothing for women and men.
She will be selling her own prize-winning organic tweed ladies’ clothing, alongside other fashion labels that match her exacting standards of sustainability with uncompromising style and fashion edge, including the contemporary knitwear label, Makepiece and the stunning eco-silk designs from Elena Garcia.
The evening will not only be a celebration of eco style, but Makepiece co-founder, Beate Kubitz, will give a free introduction to the issues driving fashion with a conscience and will demonstrate how you can select style with substance and choose clothes which you can wear with pride.
Based in Todmorden, co-founder Beate Kubitz is both business manager and farmer. She has a degree in Philosophy and ten years experience running campaigns and activities for organisations including Amnesty International. She keeps a small flock of 70 Shetland sheep for their coloured wool.
Knitwear designer Nicola Sherlock is a graduate in Fashion Knitwear Design from Nottingham Trent University. Her final collection was based around bringing organic and slow-food ethics into fashion. She worked in Nottingham and New York, before setting up Makepiece.
The complimentary Eco Chic Launch Evening at Upstairs at Purity will be held on Friday 2 October at 6-8pm. Please telephone 01252 820055 or email contact@eloisegrey.com to confirm your attendance. Upstairs at Purity is situated at 20 Downing Street, Farnham GU9 7PB.
ENDS
For further information, please contact: Kristine Nudds, Feel Good PR, Kristine@feelgoodpr.com, 07941 672226
Notes to Editor:
Eloise Grey: Upstairs at Purity
Eloise Grey will open her first shop in October 2009 in Farnham, Surrey. The concept store carves out a niche in the luxury sustainable fashion arena, and specialises in UK produced clothing for women and men. She will be selling her own prize-winning organic tweed ladies’ clothing, and also stock other fashion labels that match her exacting standards of sustainability with uncompromising style and fashion edge.
Many of her labels are made in the UK, often organic, artisan-produced materials, all of which contain a story and connection to the makers. In response to demand from customers Eloise Grey will also be introducing a capsule menswear collection. Eloise and the Isle of Mull Weavers, who produce her organic tweeds, were filmed for the BBC series, Tweed, showing from September 8, 2009 on BBC4.
Eloise works with designers who keep their design process on a human scale, that crosses counties rather than oceans, and which maintains a connection with the makers. Her customers want a product that delights them in a deeper way.
Purity specialises in organic and fair trade fashion labels such as People Tree, Kiyuchi, Komodo. Eloise is working in partnership with owner, Paula Beaumont, to create an exclusive luxury experience upstairs. The shop, at 20 Downing Street is on the main shopping thoroughfare of this wealthy town which offers many independent shops.
Farnham also has a strong connection with the applied arts with the Crafts Study Centre, New Ashgate Gallery and Farnham Maltings, one of the premiere arts centres of the South East.
Eloise’s ambition is to make this a hub for ethical fashion in this part of the South East. Customers come from the south London, the South coast and accessible for Surrey, West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire.
Contact Eloise Grey on contact@eloisegrey.com or 07910 96 3737
Behind the Makepiece label
Makepiece was founded in 2004 by Nicola Sherlock and Beate Kubitz to produce beautiful clothing that is sustainable, low-impact and eco-friendly. Makepiece produces knitwear from wool from its own sheep and sustainable natural fibre farmed in the UK (wool, alpaca, angora and mohair).
Learn more about:
Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers at www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk
ETHICAL DESIGNER ELOISE GREY has been selected to show at Estethica, the sustainable section of London Fashion Week for the first time in February 09. Eloise Grey is based in rural Surrey and launched her label in October 2007 with a capsule collection of coats. In February she will be showing jackets, coats and skirts, all exquisitely tailored in the UK. Eloise specialises ethical and organic tweeds woven by the prize-winning Isle of Mull Weavers.
Eloise says "My work evokes something very British and traditional. There is also a freshness which makes it stand out as something completely different from traditional country clothing. In fact, it’s urban and elegant combined with a warm rusticity which is interesting. I think it’s the artisan quality of the tweed and the making which is just what you don’t find anymore. So much is highly manufactured, and whilst it can be very fine, it’s not the same."
Described by leading sustainable lifestyle site TreeHugger as "the very antithesis of high street fashion" Eloise Grey seeks a more considered quality that embodies respect for the makers, the land, the art of weaving, tailoring and the process of trying and buying. It is a product whose time is in tune with the cycle of growth in the land and is treasured rather than lusted after guiltily. Wear your tweed year after year and hand it on. Eloise has sourced highly skilled outerwear makers based in the UK who ensure the quality and keep the skills alive.
RECALLING 1930s and 1940s, Eloise Grey’s designs takes inspiration from writers of the mid-20th century. This time, honouring her affection for Virago Modern Classics, she has named garments after writers such as Rebecca West and Antonia White.
In May 2008 Eloise won Land+Sea, Los Angeles-based International Design Awards’ competition which sought excellence in sustainable design, Eloise Grey was first place in the Fashion, Land category. She has also been selected for the highly competitive Crafts Council fair, Origin, at Somerset House in October 2008. Having started her business showing at exclusive events and art galleries, with a fine crafting bias, she is directing her attentions towards exporting and shops in response to interest.
THE TWEEDS are woven by Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers, at Ardalanish Organic Farm, Scotland. Aeneas and Minty Mackay, the owners, are pioneers of organic practices who are determined to sustain and develop the world-famous traditional weaving practices of the Hebrides. In undyed shades of rich brown, grey and cream, the low-maintenance fabrics are naturally water and dirt-resistant; their care has a low environmental impact. These tweeds won best textile in the Organic Industry awards in 2007.
Eloise Grey is represented by Mica Lamb at Agent For Change who specialise in luxury sustainable and ethical designers. Agent For Change will be previewing Eloise Grey’s work at The Hepsibah Gallery in Brackenbury Road, London W6 from 12th-19th February by appointment.
MEDIA: For more information and background, go to www.eloisegrey.com or contact Eloise Grey: contact@eloisegrey.com / 07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Download high-resolution images at http://www.eloisegrey.com/high-resolution-downloads_09.php or contact Eloise Grey on 07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Learn more about:
Estethica, at London Fashion Week
Agent For Change, at www.agent4change.co.uk
Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers at www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk
International Design Awards at: www.idesignawards.com
DESIGNER ELOISE GREY’s preview Autumn 2008 collection is now available for press to view. The jackets, coats and skirts are all exquisitely tailored in the UK in Britain’s first ethical and organic tweeds. A successful, prize-winning first collection of coats in 2007 has led to an expansion in her range. They are perfect for the discerning, environmentally aware lady who wants a garment that is elegant - and which embodies our indigenous weaving heritage.
ELOISE GREY seeks a more considered quality that embodies respect for the makers, the land, the art of weaving, tailoring and the process of trying and buying. It is a product whose time is in tune with the cycle of growth in the land and is treasured rather than lusted after guiltily. Wear your tweed year after year and hand it on.
RECALLING THE 1930s and 1940s, Eloise Grey takes inspiration from writers of the mid-20th century. This time, honouring her affection for Virago Modern Classics, she has named garments after writers such as Rebecca West and Antonia White. Her aesthetic combines warm rusticity with elegance and a most discrete urban edge.
WINNER OF LAND + SEA AWARD, Fashion, Los Angeles-based International Design Awards’ competition which sought excellence in sustainable design, Eloise Grey was first place in the Fashion, Land category in May 2008. Despite, and maybe because of her small scale and individual approach, her work has been picked up by trend-spotters. She has also been selected for the highly over-subscribed Crafts Council fair, Origin, at Somerset House in October 2008.
THE TWEEDS are woven by Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers, at Ardalanish Farm, Scotland. Aeneas and Minty Mackay, the owners, are pioneers of organic practices who are determined to sustain and develop the world-famous traditional weaving practices of the Hebrides. Their organic tweeds are the first Soil Association Certified wool textiles in the UK, and won Best Textile prize at the Organic Industry Awards in 2007. In undyed shades of rich brown, grey and cream, the low-maintenance fabrics are naturally water- and dirt-resistant; their care has a low environmental impact.
THE COLLECTION will be available from mid July 2008:
Online: at www.eloisegrey.com. Eloise Grey will be launching a full e-commerce site to coincide with the launch and will produce a charming catalogue.
Exclusive events: She regularly hires the Hepsibah Gallery in Brackenbury Road (London W6) for her London customers, and this year she will be at Origin, Somerset House. All the other shows are published and regularly updated at www.eloisegrey.com/2008.php.
In person: Customers are received in person at Eloise Grey’s design studio in Elstead, Surrey and by limited appointment in London and the South East.
For more Information, see the website, email contact@eloisegrey.com or telephone /07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Stockists: Luxury boutique: The Natural Store www.thenaturalstore.co.uk The Isle of Mull Weavers at Ardalanish Organic Farm, www.ardalanish.com Others to be confirmed.
MEDIA: For more information and background, go to www.eloisegrey.com or contact Eloise Grey: contact@eloisegrey.com / 07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Download high-resolution images at http://www.eloisegrey.com/high-resolution-downloads_08.php or contact Eloise Grey on 07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Learn more about Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers at www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk
DESIGNER ELOISE GREY based in Elstead, Surrey has won an International Design Award for her collection of ladies' coats in Britain's first ethical and organic tweed. Beautifully tailored in award-winning fabrics, they are perfect for the discerning, environmentally aware buyer garment that is unique, elegant - and which won't harm the planet.
The LAND + SEA COMPETITION is conceived by Los Angeles-based International Design Awards who sought excellence in 'Designs that Decrease Man's Carbon Footprint'. A global competition with work reviewed by top design editors, academics and strategists in the US and Europe. Eloise Grey won first prize in the Fashion: Land category.
ELOISE'S RESPONSE: I am completely overwhelmed as I only launched my label in October 07 and am simply wanting to create something beautiful and enduring with these very special organic tweeds. Given the quality of the competition and the judging panel I'm absolutely amazed to have won. This will be very important for my business. In addition, it shows a big mood-swing away from glossy glitzy showy and often throw-away style to something slower deeper and more crafted."
THE COLLECTION pays homage to the fine tailoring of the 1930s and 1940s, before mass production dominated clothing production, and is inspired by the work and images of some of the mid-20th Century's greatest literary names.
THE COLLECTION is available to view online at www.eloisegrey.com,
at the Natural Store www.thenaturalstore.co.uk and
in Mull at The Isle of Mull Weavers. Customers can also visit Eloise in person
at Eloise's Grey's design studio in Elstead, Surrey, and at a series of exclusive
events in the UK.
For more Information, see the website, email contact@eloisegrey.com or
telephone /07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
MEDIA:
For more information and background, go to www.eloisegrey.com
or contact Eloise Grey: contact@eloisegrey.com /
07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Download high-resolution images at
www.eloisegrey.com/high-resolution-downloads.php
or contact Eloise Grey on 07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
For more on the International Design Awards go to
http://www.idesignawards.com/
Learn more about Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers at www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk
November 2007
DESIGNER ELOISE GREY has launched a collection of coats in Britain’s first ethical and organic tweed. Beautifully tailored in award-winning fabrics, they are perfect for the discerning, environmentally aware buyer who wants to wrap up warm this winter in a coat that is unique, elegant - and which won’t harm the planet.
BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED, the collection pays homage to the fine tailoring of the 1930s and 1940s, before mass production dominated clothing production, and is inspired by the work and images of some of the mid-20th Century’s greatest literary names, such as Samuel Beckett, Nancy Mitford and Daphne du Maurier. It has already won plaudits on Conde Nast’s stylefinder.com
THE TWEEDS are woven by the Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers, at Ardalanish Organic Farm, Scotland. Aeneas and Minty Mackay, the owners, are pioneers of organic practice who are determined to sustain and develop the world-famous traditional weaving practices of the Hebrides. Their organic tweeds are the first Soil Association Certified wool textiles in the UK, won Best Textile prize at the Organic Industry Awards earlier this year. In undyed shades of rich brown, grey and cream, the low-maintenance fabrics are naturally water- and dirt-resistant; their care has a low environmental impact.
THE COLLECTION is available to view online at www.eloisegrey.com,
at the Natural Store www.thenaturalstore.co.uk and
in Mull at The Isle of Mull Weavers. Customers can also visit Eloise in person
at Eloise's Grey's design studio in Elstead, Surrey, and at a series of exclusive
events in the UK.
For more Information, see the website, email contact@eloisegrey.com or
telephone /07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
MEDIA:
For more information and background, go to www.eloisegrey.com
or contact Eloise Grey: contact@eloisegrey.com /
07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
Download high-resolution images at
www.eloisegrey.com/high-resolution-downloads.php
or contact Eloise Grey on 07910 96 3737 /01252 705169
For more on the International Design Awards go to
http://www.idesignawards.com/
Learn more about Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers at www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk
See News & Events page for past and upcoming shows
For more information and background, go to www.eloisegrey.com or contact Eloise Grey: contact@eloisegrey / 07910 96 3737 / 01252 705169
Download high-resolution images at www.eloisegrey.com/high-resolution-downloads or contact Eloise Grey on 07910 96 3737 / 01252 705169
Learn more about Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers at www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk