That New Thing

No Debutante favourites and Stokes Crofts fashion darlings That Thing have launched an Interiors range mixing local designers creations with other independents work to create an amazing and contemporary interiors range consisting of succulent plant pots in hand painted prints & geometric carved shapes with handmade soft furnishings, contrasting against industrial copper pieces & vintage inspired lamps, with That Thing's own branded mugs, retro crochet blankets & a few animal curiosities here & there. An eclectic range of items to suit any modern vintage home. 

No Debutante attended the That Thing Interiors launch party and didn't leave empty handed, I had a chat with That Thing's Joh Riddom about the range whilst clutching at my newly purchased brass cactus hanging pot.

How is everything going at the 'That Thing' headquarters? 

That Thing is coming back out of hibernation mode after an extended sale in January. We made room for our new Interiors section, which launched mid-February, and now it's all systems go as we head towards new collections and festival season! It's a busy environment, and there is always a lot going on.

What inspired you to start the 'That Thing' interiors range?

"It seemed a natural progression to add Interior Accessories to our repertoire. I've always had a big fascination for homewares and interior design, and there are some great designers in this field in Bristol. I also wanted to refresh the store in other ways, like incorporating an all new Men's section, and the mezzanine floor that was previously our Vintage clothing section lends itself perfectly to having both of these sections represented properly, in their own right." 

That Thing's new menswear section, No Debutante is obsessing over those 80s shirts and copper piping rails! 

Are all the designers featured in the interiors range local to Bristol?

We've got exactly 60 designers in-store at the moment, and have just started a campaign on social media to highlight this. By far most of them are Bristol based, only around a handful come from further afield. It's monumental for us - supporting local up and coming designers sits right at the core of our ethos, and it's something we're immensely proud of. We started out with around 7 brands, and look how we've grown!

Who are the designers chosen for the range and why did you choose them? 

I wanted to make sure the interiors sections works the same as the rest of the shop, so it's to the same format in effect: Local designers, a few own-brand things and choice vintage items. So far we've got Homecrush, Dakota Rae Dust, Priormade, Miss4ire, RB Knitwear, among others, and then also a few That Thing own brand items. It's an area I look forward to adding more designers too, so if anyone would like to get in contact and submit their range, then I'd love to hear from them! 

What is your favourite item from the range, if you can choose?

Ooooh! This is so unfair and hard! -it's really impossible to choose..! So, ok, let me choose a favourite vintage piece and designer item:
My favourite Vintage item - it would have to be our little leopard statue! It's so adorable, and part of me secretly hopes we never sell him haha..
My favourite designer item would have to be the cushions by Dakota Rae Dust. They're absolutely gorgeous, she applies a whole range of technique to the process including fabric appliqué, vinyl transfers, printed appliqué, and both machine and hand-stitching, making each cushion unique!

Looks like someone else has their eye on that little leopard statue Joh!

Who is your favourite interior designers/artist?
Being half Danish, I feel like I can champion Scandinavian design here...And my favourite store would have to be the danish interior design store HAY. (there's a branch in Bath) It features a multitude of the best up and coming designers from Scandinavia and around the world. It sets a benchmark in design, but there is plenty of room for playful colours and ethnic trends, and that's refreshing. It's this mix and daring to be different that I like about the store. One of my absolute favourites would be Louise Campbell. It's my dream to own one of her chairs!

What’s your favourite thing about Bristol?

Fashion, Food, Nightlife, and culture! We're so lucky to live in Bristol - a diverse city with so much choice all around. I love how Bristol is full of little pocket sized neighbourhoods, and each one is totally unique. From Stokes Croft to Hotwells, from Southville to Easton, from Gloucester Road to the waterfront and Cargo... New things pop up all the time and I feel that Bristol embraces change, which is good.

What's your current favourite record?

I like to listen to a lot of mixes, mainly house, disco and hiphop. Its impossible to pick a favourite! We've got Anderson Paak on repeat at the shop at the moment - dreamy!

What's your current obsession?

Ooooh.. Ha! All things 'That Thing'! It is such an absolutely privilege to have my own business, employ some fantastic people, support up and coming designers, and give back to the community! Yes, it can be stressful at times, and obstacles have come in the way of success in the past, but I dedicate my time fully to That Thing, and I always just want it to be the best it can be. It's on my mind most of my waking hours, and I'm excited about the future!

What’s next for That Thing? 

We're busy planning ahead and will shortly see the release of our next collection - SS17. We're super excited to show it off, and will be celebrating with an event in-store (details to be confirmed). In addition to that we'll be welcoming in a host of festival fashion designers in May, and again - this will be celebrated with an event in-store. Other than that we have some bigger party plans up our sleeve, and some exciting collaborations too - but we can't spill the beans just yet...!

Knitwear designer Rhea Burns from RB Knitwear with her handmade Flamingo cushion

Ooooh! Well, No Debutante looks forward to the big That Thing announcement whilst drooling over all the amazing interior items! Want!

All photography by No Debutante

All items available at 

That Thing, 45-47 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QP

thatthing.co

If you are having a fashion event or a have a new collection you would like No Debutante to promote??? Please get in touch!

Check out my work with Bristol 24/7 magazine under my name Emma Gorton-Ellicott

If you are interested in collaborating with No Debutante or getting featured on the No Debutante blog please contact me on nodebutanteblog.gmail.com

Keep up with No Debutantes OOTD posts, collabs and current fashion obsessions posted daily on all of the following. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr,  Pinterest all under the #nodebutante name.

Thanks for checking in Fashionistas xx

SHAKE YOUR THANG

Check out the latest collection of big, bright and beautiful earrings and rings from Bristol's own (and No Debutante fave) Tezla Designs. Mixing street style sass with a 90s colour pop Tezla create the most fantastic earrings ever, I have so many pairs of these beauts and after spreading the Tezla love among my friends too, they now have that Tezla bug. It's catching!

The latest collection features new geometric shapes including hexagons and triangles decorated with that 80s/90s vibe, Memphis inspired pattern work that has become Tezla's signature style. There are lovingly hand painted, bigger and bolder earrings with matching geometric rings now joining the collection. Tezla has also been experimenting with 3D designs creating colour, print and texture on one earring! What more could you want??  No Debutante is in love with this collection and I already own two items with many more on my wishlist! Wear your Tezla with street style sass and expect compliments from everyone. Nice one Tezla xxx

All jewellery by Tezla Designs

All Photographs sourced from Tezla Designs.

Also available from That Thing,  45-47 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QP

If you are having a fashion event or have a new collection you would like 

No Debutante to promote please get in touch!

Check out my work with Bristol 24/7 magazine under my name Emma Gorton-Ellicott

If you are interested in collaborating with No Debutante or getting featured on the No Debutante blog please contact me on nodebutanteblog.gmail.com

Keep up with No Debutante OOTD posts, collabs and current fashion obsessions posted daily on all of the following. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr,  Pinterest. all under the #nodebutante name.

Thanks for checking in Fashionistas xx

Woof Woof

Since the No Debutante blog has been promoting all things Bristol Fashion, I have been introduced to so many new Bristol fashion designers, that I am overwhelmed by how much is going on in our beautiful city, The great thing about fashion is it changes & there is always a new collection to inspire, to love and promote, Bristol fashion has now become a full time passion of mine, I could talk about it all day there is so much talent....so let's get started...

I'd like to introduce you to Laa Woof. 
This sparkly fabric hoarding Bristol based fashion designer creates festival fashion & party wear under the name Laa Woof from her studio at The Island, which is such a creative space in Bristol with so many interesting things coming out of there including No Debutante favourites Neat Frontage and Tezla Designs. The designer Laura Wood creates limited edition and bespoke customised creations that will make you stand out form the crowd in a clash attack of matching patterns, sparkly custom made catsuits, leggings, crop tops, skirts,bombers, hot pants and kimonos making all your sparkly dreams come true. No Debutante has fallen in love with the supercute Mermaid Kimono, holographic mermaid bombers (there's a theme building here...) amazing shimmering catsuits and sequin embellished mesh tops, I just want to be a shimmering mermaid but you knew that already! With kawaii graphics, fun anime influences, Manga styling and a love all of all things sparkly Laa Woof has definitely caught No Debutante's attention.

I asked Laura at Laa Woof a few questions, here's what she said......


What inspired you to start Laa Woof?

I have always been a hoarder of shiny things and since working in a fabric shop it grew out of control . I started making outfits for fancy dress parties, whilst teaching myself how to sew by taking clothes apart and recreated them using sparkly fabrics. Over the past 4 years my brand started to emerge  and became Laa Woof.

Where did the Laa Woof name come from?

I first started making animal hoods to sell and had to create a name for a market stall. So I brain stormed with some friends and we came up with Laa Woof which is a wordplay on my name.

Whats your favourite thing about Bristol?

The music scene has always been the biggest pull for me, when I was living in Brighton I would travel up each month for a night. Its great for gigs and dirty raves! I don’t go out as much as I used too, but it’s great to know when you are going out there’s always something on!


Do you think Bristol gets much fashion media attention?

I think Bristol receives more media attention for its music and graffiti. I would hope that with the ever growing talent there is here in Bristol, the fashion scene will get more limelight! I think as a community we should organise fashion show events to draw  attention here!

You offer custom orders, how does that work with Laa Woof?

Clients usually send me a message wanting something special. I gather as much information from them about the outfit and start collecting samples. I usually send photos of the fabrics I’ve found and some drawings of the garment. Once the client is happy I take payment and start creating !

There are a few festival style Fashion brands in Bristol, what makes Laa Woof unique?

Its great to have a big scene of amazing diverse designers here in Bristol !! Many of us share a love of all things sparkly and shiny!!

My influences and inspiration come from everywhere and are always feeding into my new designs.

I come from a fine art background so I think that practise is always relevant in my work. I enjoy the process of how I source the fabrics and piecing them together to  the overall construction of the garment.  A lot of my most recent pieces have involved creating patches and more time consuming methods, which are usually one offs or very limited editions ! Making them super special and unique to treasure and feel fabulous in !! .

Whats with the Panda obsession?

Pandas have always brought me much joy they are just so silly and cartoon like !! When I’m blue nothing makes me smile more than watching a baby Panda go down a slide on youtube!!! One of the 1st garments I made was a Panda onesie which I still love and and am actually wearing now as I write this!!!


Did you collaborate with a local designer to create your panda print?

Whist living in Brighton I commissioned a local artist David Waterhouse to come up my Panda Logo! His artwork was spot on and represented the fun I wanted to unleash in my brand.

One of my models  from a previous fashion show worked on my latest fabric print. Ebun was great I shared my ideas and she came up with a few mock ups until we settled on the chosen one!! I’m so in love with it!!

Favourite designers / artists?

I’m in love with Independent designers such as Lady Gonzalez and Arteporvo really amazing styles and inspiring ladies!

There are so many amazing designers emerging from Australia at the moment my favourites are  Di$count Universe who create incredible sequin designs and NixiKillick whose work is so fresh and vibrant using modern, futuristic elements in her pieces.

Current favourite record?

I'm absolutely hooked on Bonobo ‘Black Sands’ Album! It’s pretty much my soundtrack to sewing and life! Makes for a zen head, even whilst I’m having a sewing meltdown...sometimes...


Whats your favourite festival?

Balter Festival is a small and growing festival in wales! I’ve had a stall there shared with friends for the past few years and it’s been a great success each year. It has the best crowd and the right amount of muntiness!!! Amazing ska, punk and balkan bands and an incredible amount of electronic music !!!! Totally recommend going!!!

Current obsession?

MERMAIDS!! I find it to be an ongoing source of inspiration and creativity for me!! I melt every time I find iridescent sequins and shiny spandex.

There is an event in Brighton called March of the Mermaids, where thousands of people dress up as all things sea related, to raise awareness for sea conservation. It a create excuse to cover yourself in as much glitter as possible, channel your inner mermaid and sashay along the seafront for the day!!

Whats next for Laa Woof?

I have a few projects going on at the moment! One that's secret that I’m very excited about !!!

I really enjoyed having my first fabric design printed, can’t wait to design more. I would love to work with local designers to create new exclusive prints each year!

Am currently planning my festival circuit, I should be appearing at Balter Festival , Secret Garden Party, Boomtown, Shambala and Illusive!!

Keep ya eyes peeled for my summer collections and my stock appearing in That Thing over the festival season!

Check out the Laa Woof etsy shop

Follow Laa Woof Facebook


All clothing by Laa Woof

 MUA  Sophie Moore
 

Photographer & Direction Maka Iriek 

If you are having a fashion event or a have a new collection you would like
No Debutante to promote please get in touch!

If you are interested in collaborating with No Debutante or getting featured on the No Debutante blog please contact me on nodebutanteblog.gmail.com


Keep up with No Debutantes OOTD posts, collabs and current fashion obsessions posted daily on all of the following. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr,  Pinterest. all under the #nodebutante name.

Thanks for checking in Fashionistas xx