How to: Care for me. Wear Me. Love me. Mend Me.

Caring for your clothes

Inspired by the Cheltenham Literature Festival, we've picked out five of our favourite fashion care and sustainability books for you.

Wardrobe Wisdom, by Alicia Healey
Trained at Buckingham Palace, Alicia Healey has worked as a lady's maid and high-profile wardrobe consultant across the globe. In this book, she shares her top tips for decluttering your closet and looking after investment items so they'll last you a life time.
Buy the book here.

Laundry: The Home Comforts Book of Caring for Clothes and Linens

Laundering queen Cheryl Mendelson shares her love of housekeeping. With extensive knowledge of how to care for almost every fabric, from hand washing and removing stains to storing fabrics and garments, Mendelson shares the indispensable guide to caring for clothes at home.

Buy the book here.

Clothing Care Basics: Tips for Fabric Care, Clothing Storage, and Saving Money by Keeping Your Favorite Clothes Looking Good Longer

Explaining some of the basic terms used in clothes laundering, Julie Gallagher teaches you the basics so you'll never turn another white shirt pink or shrink your favourite jumper.

Buy the book here.

Clothing Cultures - Certified made in the UK
Madia & Matilda is now published in Clothing Cultures. This journal explores the issues in the production and consumption of clothes within the fashion industry.
Buy the journal here.

The Sustainable Fashion Handbook

An in-depth and comprehensive guide to sustainable fashion, from the impact fast fashion is having on our environment to eco-fashion and sustainable designers, this book will change your outlook on the fashion industry.

Buy the book here.











Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Kiera Court - In questions

Kiera Court

Meet Kiera Court, Singer Songwriter & self-professed dog lover, as she tells us about her collaboration with Madia & Matilda

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I'm a musician and songwriter based in London. In my spare time I like to wear nice suits, drink coffee and am actually have the cool capacity to cut my own fringe. With scissors. I could probably even cut it with pliers if they were to hand. I also really like dogs, but who doesn't?

Kiera is wearing the  Amelia - Dress

How long have you been Singing  for? 

I've been singing for a while - I don't have an exact date, but all I know is that I love it. I just love sounds.

Kiera's Dog Alfred wears Slate Dog lead from our Shop Unique Selection

Is there anything specific that inspired your Madia & Matilda photoshoot?

Mainly my dog. He's my rock and very photogenic - I wouldn't be surprised if he got scouted for Premier Pooch Models (does this exist?) or something. Madia & Matilda feels kind of homely - solid and sustainable like a friend you can always rely on and true to its roots. I didn't want to go too over the top with the shoot and portray the sense of honesty I feel Madia & Matilda conveys in the photos. 

Which is your favourite Madia & Matilda piece of our Summer 18 collection? 

I love the Henny cotton skirt. It's so light and breezy. I could gallop around London in that, hoping on and off the tube without have to groan at the tight constraint of jeans, or unbuttoning of a trouser. It's very classy and would look great in the day with a crisp shirt, blouse or in the evening with a cami top.

Beauty secrets... 

My hair is so big because it is FULL of secrets. 

Seriously though, I don't I have any specific routine as such at the moment. All I do is make sure I'm clean and well hydrated (like a plant). I try to drink a lot of water. A decent amount of sleep is essential too. I think the key to looking beautiful though is feeling it - a warm energy transforms a face and radiates around you. Everyone's perception of beauty is different and remembering that will get you far.

I don't wear a lot of make-up, and when I do, it varies from either dark eyes or bold lips. One or the other. Like boobs or bum.

 Kiera wears Jenna Cropped Trouser

If you can take us to your hometown for a day, where will you take us to? 

I was born in Chelmsford, Essex. If I were to take you there, we would most certainly not go out at night unless it were to the Bassment (get it) bar for some blues, jazz and just genuine good music. Hylands House would potentially be on the cards. That's where I walk my dog sometimes, and my dog comes first. We'd have to hit up A canteen in town though as they do gorgeous brunches. 

Follow you at... 

You can follow me at @kieracourtt on Instagram and Twitter 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kieracourtt 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kieracourtt 

Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kieracourtmusic

Watch me on Youtube: www.youtube.com/kieracourt

Read me on Medium: www.medium.com/@kieracourtt 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

QUIZ! Finding Your Personal Style

Simple As ABC? 

A few people out there have it all figured out: career, culinary prowess and crazy good dress sense. But what if you don't have a built-in clothing compass? What if you're still in the land of 'Can I wear black and navy together?' Take our quiz to find out which core pieces you should invest in as building blocks to your wardrobe.

Jasmine jumpsuit... Fresh out of the studio for Spring!

Our Felicity dress... Cute and Summery!

Send us a message on our website to let us know what you think of our quiz, 

we'd love to hear your results!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Women and Empowerment

Women

This week we're talking about women and empowerment! The issues of social equality, including economic, marital and historical, have been debated for hundreds of years. Many books have been written about women and their place in society. So what's the latest?

Well, it's become a bit of a free-for-all. Thanks to the internet we can share our views far and wide under the protection of the UK Human Rights act of 1998, which says that "everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions". But the overwhelming feeling at the moment is, of course, that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities in every area of society. This in itself might not seem too difficult in theory. However, another aspect of this feeling is that women and men deserve equal respect and be treated as equals. In practise this has been shown to be slightly more tricky.


    Photo credit -Tonight Josephine 

Anyway. We're not here to discuss politics (or are we?). We're focusing on women in power, women in business and women who don't give a flying squirrel what anybody thinks of them while they get on with their lives.

Allow us to introduce Serena, Michelle, Emma and Suki!

Photo credit - Stuff.co.nz

Serena Williams

A powerhouse of epic proportion and a keen advocate for equal pay and rights for women and people of colour, Williams has for a long time been kicking ass. This happens on the court and off it, and for this reason she totally belongs on this list. 

In an essay called 'How Black Women Can Close the Pay Gap', Williams acknowledged that "growing up, I was told I couldn't accomplish my dreams because I was a woman and, more so, because of the colour of my skin". She goes on to speak about the "cycles of poverty, discrimination and sexism" endemic to Western society today, and urges that reversing this will take "dedicated action" by "all of us", including men and women "of all colours, races and creeds". Click here for the full essay.

Photo credit - Newsweek

Michelle Obama

What an inspiration! She's been ranked as the 13th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes, but this doesn't begin to describe Michelle Obama's enormous efforts to do good in the world. She's unafraid to address the challenging, complex issues faced by society today, and especially by women and girls.

In her speech during Campaign Week 2016, just before Donald Trump was elected President, she mentioned her work with Let Girls Learn, saying "I wanted [the girls present] to understand that the measure of any society is how it treats its women and girls". Let Girls Learn is an education initiative "led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)" and created by Michelle. To read the full transcript of her New Hampshire speech, which emphasises the importance of women's autonomy and power today, click here. 

Photo credit - wikipedia

Emma Thompson

This legend of British cinema has won basically every award going, including two Oscars, two Golden Globes and three BAFTAs. She has no time for sexist rubbish, and certainly no problem talking about it. Thompson has been quick to defend and applaud the women who have spoken out against Harvey Weinstein in the recent scandal, saying "I spent my 20s trying to get old men’s tongues out of my mouth". It's a gruesome image that fits an equally horrifying situation. 

Alongside her vow to "always speak up" on such issues, Thompson has dedicated a lot of effort and money to foundations such as the Refugee Council and the Helen Bamber Foundation. The former charity works with refugees and other people seeking asylum in the UK, offering "practical support and advice". More about the Refugee Council here. The Helen Bamber Foundation works with "people who have experienced extreme human cruelty, such as torture and human trafficking". More about their work here.


Suki Waterhouse 
Avid fan of Madia & Matilda, actress and model now turned singer Suki Waterhouse is a multifaceted wonder woman, with own accessories label as well. The label, co-created with best friend and business partner, Poppy Jamie, provides proof that when the sisterhood comes together, great things can be created! Find out more about their work here. We hope to see Suki in some of our designs in the future. 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

New In This Autumn  

Pick up some seasonal style staples and accessories for this Bank Holiday 

Whether you're chasing the sunset, celebrating with friends at a festival, or planning a sunny getaway, we've got a few style ideas and destinations... 

This stunning rose gold bar necklace was hand-crafted by artisan jewellery-making company Lily Flo. The contemporary design makes the necklace perfect for any occasion, from day events to evening events. In a nutshell, this is your Bank Holiday statement piece!

If you've never been to Three Cliffs Bay, don't leave it any longer! This glorious, tucked away beach is a delightful combo of the rugged Welsh coast and a golden stretch of sunny sand (if you catch it in good weather). Pack a picnic, prosecco, a few dogs and a wetsuit, and enjoy a Bank Holiday treat. 

  Sincerely, Madia & Matilda

Muse of the Autumn Season

As we transition in to the autumn season, we thought we share our muses for the season; Caroline Issa, who is an fan of Madia & Matilda and our sustainable clothing ethos.

CEO and Editor of Tank, Because magazine Caroline Issa exudes classic feminine style, that the Madia & Matilda woman portrays. Always, making a statement in the front row or street style blogs, Caroline style is understated and sartorial.



We have hand selected, work style we feel Caroline Issa would approve of; to transition into the autumn season. 

1. Effortless everyday staple - Shan Blouse worn with the Phoebe skirt, in a fitted silhouette  with a contrast elasticated waist band. A great selection if you are planning on going for drinks after work.

2. A less conventional classic Work shirt - Adian has embroidered flowers or for a classic work shirt the Carrie - Chiffon Blouse as seen worn with the Eduora skirt a midi Length pleated skirt.

3.  Floral beauty - River Top a cap sleeve, pleated top; worn with a smart crop trouser Zara is perfect for running from meeting to meeting!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Style - Wedding Season

Celebrate those unforgettable moments.

In the June weather, dancing from sunrise to sunset in our Dina Dress or for a fun time in our candyfloss coloured Stone Dress 

In need of a small clutch bag that sets off your outfit why not check out our curated brands selection here

The best dressed guest.

in a sustainable number, without upstaging the bride, go full romance with the Sage skirt or if your a good vibes gal you may like our Carly Dress keeping the look refined with a gold bracelet.

For those who love a sheer number, the Akeyla dress or the Levanna dress are sophisticated and polished for the wedding of the century.

Sheer is back and were all over it!

Nothing says wedding season, than a delicate lace or sheer dress, classic refined style that is timeless and needs no introduction.  

The longer the better, (like our Akeyla dress) just because it's spring does not mean we need show too much skin; even though we are losing the coat and opting for a lighter fabric.

 Paired with a necklace (Lily flo jewellery) or heels, you'll make a statement that set you apart form the crowd, with out upstaging the bride; like our Muse Bella Hadid. 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

4 Years of M & M - BIRTHDAY

Thanks for shopping! Following and supporting us over the years! Madia & Matilda turned 4 this week and we thought we'd share our appreciation by adding free UK delivery for the rest of the Month.

Having accomplished so much through development and working or collaborating with most influential businesses around and an education team who are shaping the future of fashion and  presenting  in Empire Casino, St Martin's in Fields and for London fashion week we feel ultimately #blessed for the fantastic opportunities we have had on our journey so far.

Shalize Nicholas, started the brand with the vision of making a difference in fashion contributing to a less wasteful world and we are grateful to have grown, with a new HQ and shop this year and the development of ShopUnique; which adheres to our principles, a

of other sustainable sustainable solutions. Handmade, local production and local crafts, sustainable materials or upcycling. We are now in working in conjunction with Thread Count a sustainable initiative from the University of Gloucestershire

 for Sustainable Fashion.

Going forwards, we look forward to what is to come and hope that you will be with us all the way! 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Youtube

#madiamatilda 

@Madia & Matilda 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda