NPB SS24: Tutta Bella!
It all started last year in Puglia… Italy is such a great source of inspiration and our week spent at ‘the heel’ was truly that
There were so many beautiful towns to visit, we packed in- Brindisi, Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Grottaglie, Ceglie and Polignano! All stunning and with their own distinct personalities and a photo opportunity around every corner!
I hope you like the new fabrics, some of them were bought in Apulian markets and shops, some I’ve had for while, some newly sourced. All are joyful, vintage and in very limited supply
Please register your interest if there’s anything you love, I can post swatches and also advise on garment availability and suitability
THE STORY
The NPB Summer Collection 2024: Tutta Bella, ‘All Beautiful’ is inspired by holidays in Italy- pastel painted villages and delicious gelato
Think 1960’s Italian movies and holiday destinations, from the Amalfi coast to the lakes, from Roman Holiday to La Dolce Vita
The colours are zingy and cheerful, like ice cream flavours- Lemon, Pistachio and Neapolitan - they are enough to make your mouth water!
From tie strap summer dresses to a statement puff sleeve blouse, a versatile skirt and top co-ord to cute pair of shorts - there’s lots of choice for special made for you “Tutta Bella” pieces
Whether you’ll be supping on an Aperol Spritz in Capri or Clapham this Summer, I hope this collection will bring you some sunshine…
The Unisex Shirt
For years I’ve had requests from guys wanting a bit of NPB and it’s finally here…
This open collar shirt has short sleeves and side slits and is available in a selection of fab vintage prints. An easy style statement for the blokes (and us girls too!)
The first collection of unisex shirts is launching at the @artistsopenhse event NEXT WEEKEND! 13/14 May, 11-6pm / 8 Holmdene Avenue SE24
Please come!
The AW/22 TOP NIGHT
These events are a great excuse to get some of the NPB community together and for you to get first dibs on the new collection and some one of a kind pieces. I'll also have a collection of my knot bags (great Xmax gifts). Plus special Top Night discounts!
Pop in for a browse or stay for a drink, I'd really love to see you.
For those who can't get out on a Thursday evening, I am introducing 'The Morning After! I will also be open from 10-12 on Friday 4th Nov
Do bring friends but please RSVP via the button below to get on the guest list for Top Night or to book in for The Morning After
The New Sleeve!
For the new season I have taken the Puff Sleeve a step further! I have lengthened it and added a stretch ribbed cuff that can be comfortably pushed up to give a puffier sleeve or worn at the wrist for warmth. The new longer puff sleeve is available for tops as well as frocks with fabric and cuff options
Shown here in Hilma and Bloomsbury fabrics, part of the Modernist Collection, (the ribbed hem is optional)
The Modernist Collection
I’m excited to introduce some new fantastic vintage fabric finds to the collection!
With abstract, painterly prints in rich colours and beautiful textures, they are reminiscent of early-mid 20th Century art works, I am therefore dedicating this new season to the Modernist movement. I have named the fabrics in a tribute to female artists who were trailblazers of their time, I’ve been enjoying researching these incredible women and will be sharing their stories over the coming weeks.
Sign up to my newsletter HERE or follow my INSTAGRAM account to hear more!
These fabrics are available for Made to Order pieces: simply choose a fabric and a garment and get in touch. We’ll discuss details and I’ll make your clothes! I’m always here to answer any questions so please do get in touch
Here is sneaky peek of some new season highlights:
The Return of Top Night!
You’re invited!
Yes, it’s finally back. The NPB clothing party where you can try on the new pieces, discuss a made to order garment, browse the rail, grab some bargains and have a glass of bubbly!
It’s always a relaxed vibe with a lovely bunch of people, come alone or with friends but please make sure to RSVP to get on the guest list!
THE BAGS
Introducing a new collection of roomy, lightweight shoulder bags!
With a slouchy, relaxed silhouette and adjustable tie straps, these comfy bags can be worn over the shoulder, across the body or tied with a shorter length and hand held. They feature a contrast lining and could be used inside out if that takes your fancy!
All fabrics are vintage and each bag is one of a kind
THE REVERSIBLE COLLECTION
I’m all about making clothes work for you, getting the most out of every purchase and finding new ways to style them up.
So what if you had two garments in one?
Double the possibilities!
Introducing the Reversible Collection: two waistcoat designs and two hat designs in a wide range of fabric combinations
See shop for items in stock or get in touch for Made to Order
THE WOOLS
I’m really excited to bring you a collection of gorgeous vintage wools! Perfect for The Coat, The Jacket and The NEW! Cropped Jacket.
See individual garment and fabric pages for more info or get in touch to discuss a made to order piece!
Fast vs SLOW
Recently I found myself sheltering from torrential rain in a well known high street store. They had a sale on and I was shocked at the volume of ‘leftover’ clothing and depressed at the thought of where it would all end up. It made me appreciate my lovely customers all the more - those who put in the extra effort to shop small and slow rather than fast and furious.
Rather than grabbing an armful of discounted clothes, they come to my studio to discuss the best garments for them, ones that will give longevity. It’s a more considered purchase. Rather than an impersonal exchange at the till, far removed from the factory where the clothes are made, it’s meeting with the designer, the maker, the source. Or rather than a quick click and buy online, we have a discussion over email - it’s a more personal and rewarding connection.
Here are some wonderful messages from customers who put in that extra effort and will hopefully enjoy their NPB pieces for a long time to come. Happy customers is what it’s about for me- not selling mountains of clothes that won’t be cherished.
A/W 19
Warm tones and fabulous vintage prints for AW19! Also, the new Funnel Neck design can be added to The Original Top, The Neat Top, The Shift Dress, The Belted / Batwing or Party Frocks!
Lots of gorgeous, vintage fabrics available for ready to wear and made to order pieces
Sign up for the mailing list to keep up to date with NPB news!
Next Top Night: Thursday November 14th from 8pm / see Events
TREASURE HUNTING!
I often describe my fabric buying sessions as ‘Treasure Hunting’
It’s increasingly hard to source unused, still on the roll, gorgeous, high quality vintage fabrics, so when I find them, they feel like rare treasures!
Also, by sourcing fabrics already in existence, I am avoiding any harmful manufacturing and reducing waste, which makes them even more precious
Watch this space or follow me on Instagram for new additions to the fabric collection or get in touch with any requests. Swatches can be sent out on request.
THE FABRICS
I source rare vintage fabrics - fabrics still on the roll that have been left forgotten. I search them out and give them life, and in doing so, I avoid the use of newly manufactured fabrics - a process that can be very damaging to the environment
I’ve always loved vintage, not only for it’s uniqueness but for it’s longevity and quality. I love that my customers feel special in their NPB as well as confident that they won’t see everyone else wearing these beautiful prints!
Each fabric is very limited- sometimes there’s only enough for a couple of garments, sometimes I manage to score a whole roll- but when they’re gone, they’re gone forever...
I’m always happy to post out swatches so you can feel the fabrics before placing an order- or pop along to the studio to have a look!
SLOW DOWN!
What’s the rush? There’s been a lot of talk recently about the true cost of ‘fast’ fashion. The churn ‘em out cheap and chuck ‘em away approach to buying clothes is damaging the planet and it’s time we all took a deep breath and slowed down.
So, what is ‘slow’ fashion?
Slow fashion is the antidote; it’s choosing quality over quantity. It’s about not getting sucked into the constant pressure to buy the ever changing latest trends. It’s about transparency, giving consideration to where our clothes come from and asking ‘who made my clothes’ (as urged by fashionrevolution.org) and it’s about caring for them to make them last season after season. 'Slow' garments are well made, timeless and environmentally conscious.
Slow fashion can’t compete with the cheap prices of fast fashion but it can on individuality and quality.
As Kate Collings writes for whowhatwear.uk: ‘Slow fashion is about consuming and creating fashion consciously and with integrity’ (see link to article below)
And finally, this great quote from Livia Firth:
‘Fast fashion is like fast food. After the sugar rush, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth’