Blog Modules

Uncategorized

Champagnes and Chateaux introduces online retail with launch of new ecommerce website platform

by IJL •

UK independent wine merchant, Champagnes and Châteaux, has launched a new eCommerce website platform within their existing website. The platform, Woocommerce, is a widely used eCommerce system and is mobile and tablet friendly.

Christophe Galez, Managing Director at Champagnes and Châteaux, said “We gave our website a total relook in 2016 with the idea of selling online to consumers in the future. In order to be relevant and competitive we need to be where the consumer is. We want them to be able to enjoy our wines at our restaurant customers and repeat that experience at home. We are very proud of our new online shop. It is vibrant, informative, fun and easy to navigate. This website is one with which any business, including the bigger online traders, would be delighted.”

The website was created and branded by creative company, me&you, formerly Hansell Design & Marketing.

The first 5 online customers will receive a bottle of Champagne Thiénot Blanc de Blancs in a gift box, which was launched in May this year.

For more information click here: https://champagnesandchateaux.co.uk/wine-shop/

Interviews, Products

IJL Inspired – Interview with Faye Clarke, founder of Ma’s House

by IJL •

This year we had the pleasure of meeting Faye Clarke, the designer behind Ma’s House – a new label created by the freelance fashion and textile graduate – and showcasing her fabulous new collection on the IJL catwalk. The label unveiled it’s new unique smart labelling system for the blind and visually impaired. This consists of computer chips within clothing labels which, using the app on a mobile phone, give a verbal description of the garments appearance, size and washing instructions. The second part of the labelling system is a quick colour indication label using braille for ease of dressing.

We caught up with Faye to talk about the fascinating collection, her inspiration and what’s next for Ma’s House.

Tell us a little about your collection

My collection is a smart phone interactive fashion collection, verbally communicating WW1 poetry via an app on your phone. It looks at deconstructing structured military dress inspired uniforms through peace and remembrance florals and pattern cutting techniques.

Where did your inspiration come from?

My inspiration for the collection came from my internship at Company of Makers in Portsmouth working with military uniform, deconstructing it to make something new and personalised for the client. Company of Makers “…design and make products inspired by the British military’s influence on pop culture.” And their purpose behind making these products (personalised cushions, bags and aprons using ex/serving, donated or sourced uniforms) is to “… help fund making work shops for ex-service personal and their families who are struggling with life on civvy street.”

Tell us more about the technology used in your collection and how it can help make shopping and fashion more accessible to all

For the last few years I have been working on a smart labelling system initially for the visually impaired but hopefully in the future for other disabilities which help with the issues of identification of clothing and washing. I wanted to create greater independence of choice when choosing clothing and lesser reliance on friends and family, these labels verbally communicate to the user core essentials of garment requirements via an app on your phone.

Why did you choose to incorporate the poppy and military influences?

Within my work I want to incorporate meaning, purpose and a story to all elements of it. So using military influence and remembrance florals and poetry came hand in hand. What I did was to create a further personal touch was to hand draw all my textile designs first then manipulate them into digital textiles. Then I introduced 3d embroidered and laser cut flowers which hold the scannable technology with the poetry on.

What is next for Ma’s House?

At the moment I am studying a masters in research at the University of Portsmouth based on this subject of visual impairment and the issues of identification of clothing. Once I graduate I will be working on my business of initially creating children’s wear aimed at both abled and disabled children with the smart labels inside them and later on broadening into adult clothing.

Follow Faye and her work on Instagram at @mas_houseltd

Blog, Education, Industry, News

Goldsmiths’ company diamond mounting apprentices top the medals table at Worldskills UK Live 2018

by IJL •

In an impressive display of talent and maturity, three young Goldsmiths’ Company apprentices have excelled in the Fine Jewellery Making category at the nation’s largest skills and careers event, World Skills UK Live 2018. The event, held at the NEC, Birmingham from 15-17 November, brought together the UK’s most talented young tradespeople and the next generation of skilled professionals.

Almost 500 young apprentices, exponents of 55 disciplines – as diverse as Aircraft Maintenance, 3D Game Design, Cabinet Making, Plumbing, Beauty Therapy and Cyber Security – took part in the National Finals. Jewellery Making category finalists included apprentices as well as students from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University. In order to reach the Finals, all involved had to attend and go through open selection events in London and Birmingham earlier this year.

The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme’s Matt Gough at Graff Diamonds was awarded Gold, Luiz Goncalves at The London Works received Silver, and Amelia Mackie at E C One won bronze this weekend. Finalists were tested in a temporary workshop environment and were scored on their jewellery making ability to saw a piece out, solder, make to specific dimensions, surface finish and complete on time.

The Goldsmiths’ Company has been a long-standing sponsor of WorldSkills and the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme is today administered by the Goldsmiths’ Centre. The apprentices’ collective win at World Skills UK Live is a significant achievement and a true reflection of the considerable skills gained during their apprenticeship training at the bench of their respective Masters.

This year, the Goldsmiths’ Centre worked with the National Association of Jewellers to create a stand that drew on various parts of the industry to ultimately bring awareness to the opportunities available to young people.

Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: “The Goldsmiths’ Centre was delighted to have the opportunity to work with the NAJ to create an interpretation space which allowed attendees of the WorldSkills finals to gain further insight into the diversity of career opportunities within our industry. The stand featured CW Sellors, Weston Beamor, CooksonGold and Hockley Mint and Birmingham School of Jewellery. These companies offered attendees the opportunity to enter a jewellery design competition, which included the manufacturing of the winning design, as well as practical skills and expertise such as wax carving, CAD design and 3D printing”

The Goldsmiths’ Centre continues to uphold the long-standing traditions of the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme by providing additional training and the opportunity to pursue vocational qualifications. For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org

Blog, Industry, News, People, Trends

Natalie Perry adds EC One as Newest Stockist

by IJL •

Contemporary ethical jewellery designer, Natalie Perry has partnered with jewellery boutique, EC One – the designer’s first bricks and mortar stockist in London. The boutique based in London’s iconic Exmouth Market has a collection of 12 pieces from the signature Floral Fragments collection in both 9ct and 18ct Fairtrade Gold, which includes delicate everyday hoop earrings, layering necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Natalie Perry

Co-founder and owner of EC One, Alison Skeates said: “I’m thrilled to add Natalie’s beautiful jewellery to our edit of guest designers. The delicate and unique style of her collection coupled with Natalie’s responsible and transparent ethos is really inspiring and adds integrity to her pieces.”

Designer, Natalie Perry said: “EC One has long been one of my favourite jewellery boutiques and I’ve always admired their support for new designers and the UK jewellery industry as a whole, so of course, I’m delighted to be included within their original curation of designers. The collection features easily wearable, every day pieces which offers customers a unique take on staple jewellery items such as diamond studs, bracelets and pendants.”

The collection is now available in store and online at www.econe.co.uk from £260 – £1,015.

Uncategorized

Champagnes and Chateaux introduces online retail with launch of new ecommerce website platform

by IJL •

UK independent wine merchant, Champagnes and Châteaux, has launched a new eCommerce website platform within their existing website. The platform, Woocommerce, is a widely used eCommerce system and is mobile and tablet friendly.

Christophe Galez, Managing Director at Champagnes and Châteaux, said “We gave our website a total relook in 2016 with the idea of selling online to consumers in the future. In order to be relevant and competitive we need to be where the consumer is. We want them to be able to enjoy our wines at our restaurant customers and repeat that experience at home. We are very proud of our new online shop. It is vibrant, informative, fun and easy to navigate. This website is one with which any business, including the bigger online traders, would be delighted.”

The website was created and branded by creative company, me&you, formerly Hansell Design & Marketing.

The first 5 online customers will receive a bottle of Champagne Thiénot Blanc de Blancs in a gift box, which was launched in May this year.

For more information click here: https://champagnesandchateaux.co.uk/wine-shop/

Interviews, Products

IJL Inspired – Interview with Faye Clarke, founder of Ma’s House

by IJL •

This year we had the pleasure of meeting Faye Clarke, the designer behind Ma’s House – a new label created by the freelance fashion and textile graduate – and showcasing her fabulous new collection on the IJL catwalk. The label unveiled it’s new unique smart labelling system for the blind and visually impaired. This consists of computer chips within clothing labels which, using the app on a mobile phone, give a verbal description of the garments appearance, size and washing instructions. The second part of the labelling system is a quick colour indication label using braille for ease of dressing.

We caught up with Faye to talk about the fascinating collection, her inspiration and what’s next for Ma’s House.

Tell us a little about your collection

My collection is a smart phone interactive fashion collection, verbally communicating WW1 poetry via an app on your phone. It looks at deconstructing structured military dress inspired uniforms through peace and remembrance florals and pattern cutting techniques.

Where did your inspiration come from?

My inspiration for the collection came from my internship at Company of Makers in Portsmouth working with military uniform, deconstructing it to make something new and personalised for the client. Company of Makers “…design and make products inspired by the British military’s influence on pop culture.” And their purpose behind making these products (personalised cushions, bags and aprons using ex/serving, donated or sourced uniforms) is to “… help fund making work shops for ex-service personal and their families who are struggling with life on civvy street.”

Tell us more about the technology used in your collection and how it can help make shopping and fashion more accessible to all

For the last few years I have been working on a smart labelling system initially for the visually impaired but hopefully in the future for other disabilities which help with the issues of identification of clothing and washing. I wanted to create greater independence of choice when choosing clothing and lesser reliance on friends and family, these labels verbally communicate to the user core essentials of garment requirements via an app on your phone.

Why did you choose to incorporate the poppy and military influences?

Within my work I want to incorporate meaning, purpose and a story to all elements of it. So using military influence and remembrance florals and poetry came hand in hand. What I did was to create a further personal touch was to hand draw all my textile designs first then manipulate them into digital textiles. Then I introduced 3d embroidered and laser cut flowers which hold the scannable technology with the poetry on.

What is next for Ma’s House?

At the moment I am studying a masters in research at the University of Portsmouth based on this subject of visual impairment and the issues of identification of clothing. Once I graduate I will be working on my business of initially creating children’s wear aimed at both abled and disabled children with the smart labels inside them and later on broadening into adult clothing.

Follow Faye and her work on Instagram at @mas_houseltd

Blog, Education, Industry, News

Goldsmiths’ company diamond mounting apprentices top the medals table at Worldskills UK Live 2018

by IJL •

In an impressive display of talent and maturity, three young Goldsmiths’ Company apprentices have excelled in the Fine Jewellery Making category at the nation’s largest skills and careers event, World Skills UK Live 2018. The event, held at the NEC, Birmingham from 15-17 November, brought together the UK’s most talented young tradespeople and the next generation of skilled professionals.

Almost 500 young apprentices, exponents of 55 disciplines – as diverse as Aircraft Maintenance, 3D Game Design, Cabinet Making, Plumbing, Beauty Therapy and Cyber Security – took part in the National Finals. Jewellery Making category finalists included apprentices as well as students from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University. In order to reach the Finals, all involved had to attend and go through open selection events in London and Birmingham earlier this year.

The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme’s Matt Gough at Graff Diamonds was awarded Gold, Luiz Goncalves at The London Works received Silver, and Amelia Mackie at E C One won bronze this weekend. Finalists were tested in a temporary workshop environment and were scored on their jewellery making ability to saw a piece out, solder, make to specific dimensions, surface finish and complete on time.

The Goldsmiths’ Company has been a long-standing sponsor of WorldSkills and the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme is today administered by the Goldsmiths’ Centre. The apprentices’ collective win at World Skills UK Live is a significant achievement and a true reflection of the considerable skills gained during their apprenticeship training at the bench of their respective Masters.

This year, the Goldsmiths’ Centre worked with the National Association of Jewellers to create a stand that drew on various parts of the industry to ultimately bring awareness to the opportunities available to young people.

Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: “The Goldsmiths’ Centre was delighted to have the opportunity to work with the NAJ to create an interpretation space which allowed attendees of the WorldSkills finals to gain further insight into the diversity of career opportunities within our industry. The stand featured CW Sellors, Weston Beamor, CooksonGold and Hockley Mint and Birmingham School of Jewellery. These companies offered attendees the opportunity to enter a jewellery design competition, which included the manufacturing of the winning design, as well as practical skills and expertise such as wax carving, CAD design and 3D printing”

The Goldsmiths’ Centre continues to uphold the long-standing traditions of the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme by providing additional training and the opportunity to pursue vocational qualifications. For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org

Blog, Industry, News, People, Trends

Natalie Perry adds EC One as Newest Stockist

by IJL •

Contemporary ethical jewellery designer, Natalie Perry has partnered with jewellery boutique, EC One – the designer’s first bricks and mortar stockist in London. The boutique based in London’s iconic Exmouth Market has a collection of 12 pieces from the signature Floral Fragments collection in both 9ct and 18ct Fairtrade Gold, which includes delicate everyday hoop earrings, layering necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Natalie Perry

Co-founder and owner of EC One, Alison Skeates said: “I’m thrilled to add Natalie’s beautiful jewellery to our edit of guest designers. The delicate and unique style of her collection coupled with Natalie’s responsible and transparent ethos is really inspiring and adds integrity to her pieces.”

Designer, Natalie Perry said: “EC One has long been one of my favourite jewellery boutiques and I’ve always admired their support for new designers and the UK jewellery industry as a whole, so of course, I’m delighted to be included within their original curation of designers. The collection features easily wearable, every day pieces which offers customers a unique take on staple jewellery items such as diamond studs, bracelets and pendants.”

The collection is now available in store and online at www.econe.co.uk from £260 – £1,015.