Style - Party season

Chrismas with M & M

Shop Unique - Brand Feature - C.Nicol

Madia & Matilda curated selection of brands, SHop UNique features brands who share our passion and ethos. We interviewed Cathleen Nicol founder & designer of C.Nicol

                                 Madia & Matilda interviewed Cathleen Nicol on her luxury
                                            sustainable bags. Find out more below.



 Can you tell me a little more about the brand? 

C.Nicol is a contemporary, luxury British accessories brand led by Scotland-born founder and designer, Cathleen Nicol.

C.Nicol bags offer clean clean, functional shapes and use colour and textured materials to bring something unique to the finished look of each bag. Most of the components used are sourced from the UK and every bag is cut and sewn in London.

2015 is C.Nicol’s first year in business and we now have stockists in the UK and Middle East. In 2016 we will have a presence in the Far East too.

How do you make your bags?

It starts with a sketch, then a paper prototype and then we fine-tune the pattern pieces. A leather sample is produced and when we are happy with it, we go into full production at the factory in London.

 What are the bags made from? Components? Why did you choose this material?

The first collection of bags was made from British leather and Scottish salmon skin. I often wondered what happened to all the skins from the salmon used for the food industry in Scotland and after some time, I found a supplier that sourced their skins for dyeing from Scottish and Irish organic salmon farms.

 The second collection was made from British leather and some French goatskin and I source most of my metal fittings from a shop in London. The goatskin has a beautiful iridescent finish and texture. The British leather has a lovely grain and is firm but pliable which is what I was really looking for.

The leather tanneries where we source our skins all have pretty robust environmental practices and policies. A large amount of water is used in the tanning process and so using companies that we environmentally conscious in their day to day practice in terms of economical water usage and limitation to damage on the environment was important.

The lining for each collection is designed by a different British artist or illustrator and is printed in London on a silky monroe satin fabric.

What inspires you? 

I find inspiration in everything. Inspiration for the theme of my collections comes mostly from different aspects of nature. In terms of design and functionality of my bags, inspiration comes from watching how women hold and carry their bags – I love people watching!

Where do you make the product and what does sustainability or making a quality British product mean to you?

Every C.Nicol bags are made in a small factory in Hackney, London. For me, producing in the UK means quality, reliability and support for the economy of my home country. It also enables a level of communication throughout the production period that I may not be able to achieve if I partnered with a factory overseas.

Where you would you wear your bags to?

I wear my bags shopping at the weekend, to work meetings and also to go out with my girlfriends at night. I feel the collection has a variety of styles and colours that suit most occasions.

Favourite place to relax?

At home with my children at the weekend.

In the future what styles do you plan to make next?

We have a large tote bag and another style of clutch bag in the plans for summer 2016.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Idyllic Nailsworth

Nailsworth

An area renowned for its award winning restaurants, cafes, boutiques and idyllic views. The beautiful scenic town of Nailsworth, set in the heart of the Cotswold's, near where we currently reside.

We have  assembled our list of favourite places to visit.

The Canteen.

Situated in the heart of Nailsworth, but out of the way of the hustle and bustle, The Canteen is perfect for a quick getaway. From cappuccinos to an array of various treats (it’s a must to sample one those) to healthy salads, The Canteen offers it all. Located next to Domestic Science, you can have a catch up with friends then have a little peak at the amazing nik naks and furniture you will find in Domestic Science.

 For more information visit http://thecanteennailsworth.co.uk

Domestic Science.

If you’re looking for something a little different, vintage furnishings for your home or for a birthday, anniversary or a gift then Domestic Science can offer all this. If you are stuck for ideas, what you think you may never find may well be in there. Even things you didn’t even know about that existed (happened to me…). They are also a stockist of the Annie Sloane Chalk Paint for any budding DIY’ers out there.

For more information visit https://domscihome.wordpress.com

Williams Food Hall.

 Williams Food Hall dates back to 1975 by William and Rae Beeston and is responsible for putting Nailsworth on the map for foodies like myself, even Jack Straw said ‘I’ve been told I must stop by William’s Kitchen’ Offering fresh fish, delicatessen, restaurant and catering, William’s does it all, and does it well. Now owned by Ed and Helen Playne since 2014, it really is a must see if you are passing through Nailsworth.

For more information visit http://www.williamsfoodhall.co.uk

The Old Fleece.

 As part of The Food Club which offers membership and discount on selected Cotswolds pubs. The Old Fleece is a charming 250-year old coaching inn, located between Stroud and Nailsworth was built ‘in the heyday of the Stroud wool industry’. Attentive staff, great hearty food and amazing cookies, a visit is a must (also ideally situated opposite Madia & Matilda…) To find out more about how you can join The Food Club, visit www.food-club.co.uk and

http://www.food-club.com/pubs/the-old-fleece/

Hobbs House Bakery.

A family business established back in the 1920’s, Hobbs House is always busy and when you go inside, you will understand why! There award-winning bread is all baked fresh and can even be delivered to your door. They offer a fabulous breakfast and lunchtime menu, in their café, upstairs. For afterwards, you must pick up a treat either it be a brownie or bakewell tart, they offer some very tasty treats it is quite hard to walk by empty handed. To top it offer they offer a range of courses, visit www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk for more info.

Woodchester Mansion.

 Woodchester Mansion is totally unique; this is because it is unfinished. However a walk around the ground unveils hundreds of years of history and it really is a great place for a family walk or for dog walkers. You can choose how long you walk for and each walk will take you past various attractions. Each season is so different so whenever you walk is always magical. In  1750 Frederick Prince of Wales stayed there and in 1788 King George III visited.

For the full history, visit www.woodchestermansion.org.uk/History

Mother Goose

 Wool and craft emporium, specialising in craft supplies, kits for knitting, crochet, sewing, needle felting and peg dolls. An abundance of yarns, felting wool, felt, doll, squares of materials, buttons, and ribbons. 

If you share a passion for hand craft you can find it all here, in 10a Market Street, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire http://www.mothergooseonline.co.uk/contact-us.html

Herringbone

 The refined and stylish Herringbone fabric shop, has carefully curated a collection of stylish fabrics, all arranged with colour palette set to inspire. Dressmaking patterns & quality haberdashery. Including small independant branded products and trims; such as Merchant & Mills, By Hand London, Colette, Sew Liberated, Sew Over It, Salme, Liesl + co, Grainline Studio, DIY Couture & Oliver+s.

For those sewing bees, Herringbone is the place to visit for all sewing needs.

http://herringboneshop.co.uk/

This is just a few of the wonders which the little town of Nailsworth, has to offer. With so much more to be discovered, why not find out for yourself.


Green Spirit Organic Fruit and Veg shop

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

5 key sustainable looks for this summer.

Today we thought we would pick out, our 5 key sustainable looks for this summer.

1)  The sheen on the navy boxy top with a slight copper coloured undertone marries well with the pleated pastel candy striped midlength skirt, with knee length slits up the sides for that summer airy feel.  Excellent for a walk in the park or a day shopping with the girls, the skirts blue and white will pick up on the vibrant blue of a summer sky complete with fluffy white clouds. Perfect for an English summers day.

2) A tapered culoutte for this seasons summer trend has come our way paired with a muted coloured gathered crop in floral. Recycled from vintage curtains, ideally paired with a wide brimmed summer hat to keep your bare strapless shoulders safe, and some chunky tan sandles for that on trend 70’s vibe. Less, hold the socks!

 3) For a more shaped sturdy aesthetic on top, this cherry red crop most suites an A-C cup, but more sizes can look good too. The hews on the upcycled patches, on the inside of the pockets, pick up the deep cherry colour of the stiff cotton top. Excellent colours for complimenting for a tan or darker skin, proving perfect for that holiday in the sun.

4) This high necked rose petal top has been synched in by this sky blue corduroy upcycled mini skirt . a sweet 16 pastel look for the retro 90’s teen. The shimmering panels on both sides of this top have ‘Clueless’ written all over it. Strut your stuff in those middy heels in town or that party, don’t forget that pink bubble gum ladies!

5) Mint green summer queen, this outfit is flirty fun and playful with its loose shorts and lavender blue flowers print. Its an outfit for the slightly can’t-quite-sit-still type, however with a French chic aesthetic with the slight shimmer and sheen as you walk down in the summer sun. Paired with cotton white socks and a vintage leather satchel take this summer by storm and be free sweet summer queen.

All these items and more available on Madia & Matilda - see website below.

Written by Ella Clifton Gould & Shalize Nicholas
Photography - Lucy Rooney 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Style with Conscience

Our sustainable clothing label, was asked to join the Green Organisation to present the Awards for this year’s event; held at the Empire Casino for the Green Apple Awards. Showing our Resort 16 collection on our team of beautiful models. 

An awards, which recognize the hard work and dedication to green and environmental causes or business schemes.

The Green Apple Environment Awards were launched in 1994 by The Green Organisation and have become well established as one of the most popular environmental campaigns in the world. Their awards are now in their twenty-second year and well established as one of the major environmental recognition schemes, both in the UK and internationally.

In addition to this we have opened a pop up shop in Strouds merrywalks shopping center, starting out as a one month appearance but then extended into two. Not only do we stock Madia & Matilda clothing we also believe in sporting local businesses an enterprises, such as Kastali bespoke storage solutions, Nicola cook handbags, haberdashery and twist lampshades and Sheri's attic antics. Everything is made to order with an alteration service along side, in keeping with our ecofriendly ethos - making your unloved garments loved. Pop in and find us on the highstreet.

37 kingstreet,
Stroud
GL5 3DA

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Beyond Indulgence - London Chelsea - Belgrave - Knightsbridge

Visits to London, sees us in Chelsea at an exclusive members only club Grace the epitome of calm tranquility and well-being. 

http://www.gracebelgravia.com/

  

   

 A stones throw away is the Chelsea Flower show
near Sloane square and the Saatchi Gallery. For those who like a arts and culture.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show

http://www.saatchigallery.com/

Then cross town at Buckingham Palace a worthwhile visit, if you'd like the real tourist trip.


https://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show



Sincerely Madia & Matilda

The Great Outdoors

Last summer we did a Photoshoot with the wonderful Emily Conroy and as we got chatting we found we had similar views, than just the great outdoors of the Cotswold's.

Here's what Emily had to say:

Job role

Equine Pr and Marketing

What this entails

Managing social Media, interviews and editorials

University

Studied at the Royal Agricultural University 

Hobbies

Horse Ridding

Music

House , 80's , Taylor swift 

Where do you like to go shopping?

Shops all over the Country, Like shopping in Oxford 

What style of clothing do you normally go for?

I love big coats and checked shirts and love finding unique pieces

Do you find it difficult to shop for clothes?

I'm quite tall so, sometimes I find it hard to find clothes that fit

What do you like about Madia & Matilda?

The Materials; the patterns; the colours and there ethos. I love that the upcycled clothes have a whole other life as something else before

Do you feel more clothes should be sustainable?

Absolutely, sustainability needs to be a part of our future (in all aspects/industries) Resources are scarce, yet many use them like they are unlimited. People need to be educated and awareness needs to increase. 

It is an investment to our future and it applies to pretty much everything around us for example food, I feel fashion gets slightly over looked.  

Madia & Matilda produce such beautiful clothes, they are a real inspiration

What is your staple item of clothing within your wardrobe?

I live in an ancient Barbour wax jacket, I picked up in a charity shop for £5 about 6 years ago. It's great in the winter with a turtle neck jumper but looks really nice over a cute dress in spring! I couldn't live without it!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

We are Sustainable fashion - #Making Better Choices

Impact of Fast Fashion

Those quick buys from the online stores to the high street stores, where prices are cheap and quality possibly matches this too. We all keep topping our warping wardrobes up with clothes we may only wear a few times. 

This creates a huge amount of wastage, approximately 350,000 pounds (£140 million) of clothing and textiles are improperly discarded per year per person! Just imagine the amount we all throw across the world. 

Due to fast fashion, the demand for man-made fibres has doubled in the last 25 years. This means a higher amount of harmful chemicals are being distributed into our world everyday just in production, these chemicals are then transferred onto our skin when we wear the clothing, and finally when we throw them are harming the environment in landfills. 

Over consumption

Clothing is getting cheaper and cheaper by the day, and we all love it! We think ‘perfect, saving myself some money AND look amazing!’ Although weigh up what you spend and how much you buy… are you actually saving? Fast fashion is addictive; spend less, buy more! Just imagine the wastage it causes. 

Why not buy timeless pieces that are great quality, always in fashion AND friendly to our environment? It’s WIN, WIN, WIN! 

This is the future of fashion. Living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Friendly Fibres

By using fibres that are sustainable and eco friendly, we are preventing harmful chemicals being distributed into our atmosphere and water at production, and preventing harmful chemicals being then transferred onto our skin when we wear them. 

Sustainable fibres can include;

- Organic cotton 

- Recycled Polyester

- Hemp 

- Seacell

- Wool

- Ramie

- Linen

Our Mission

At Madia & Matilda, we join the movement to a sustainable world. Looking good doesn’t have to damage the precious world we live in. We use sustainable fibres, alongside recycled clothing and end of material rolls from fashion rolls, that otherwise would have been wasted. 

Madia & Matilda: we are sustainable fashion #Making Better Choices

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Madia & Matilda 

Sustainable Clothing 

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