T I M EL E SS LU X U RY LI N EN
Escape
E A R LY S U M M E R ‘17
On the Cover: Linen Runner Arles Navy Stripe £32 Linen Napkin Arles Navy Stripe £12.90
“So much of who we are is where we have been.” WILLIAM LANGEWIESCHE
Introduction It could be argued that the cleverest among us accept life as a series of turns, instead of a constant uphill trudge. A notion sometimes hard to live by, yet autobiographical experiences, wild curiosity and the turns I have taken influence my work, and that comes through no matter what I do. It is these very lived moments that inspire me to continue creating collections or simply adding new elements to much-loved classics by seeing them with new eyes. The idea of this book is to entice you to explore more. Of course, we long for you to enjoy your beautiful linen, but we also want you to relish the stories of the people behind it, presenting a group of worldly minds that draw on life’s experiences and share diverse perspective in their work. It’s a book full of quiet moments and stories; best read with a cup of tea. LARISSA CAIRNS, C R E AT I V E DI R E C TOR
Features T R AV E L N O T E S
Join us behind the scenes on a picturesque voyage to the charming Provenรงal countryside in the sunny South of France. IN THE KITCHEN
Simple, easy-to-make dishes that allow more time to spend idling with friends and family on warmer days. We share a few of our favourite recipes, filled with fresh flavours and inspired by our travels. FA L L I N G I N L OV E W I T H F L A X
Artisans in Europe have been working on the complexity and craftsmanship needed to transform the flax plant into linen for centuries. We take a moment to interview expert flax farmers to truly appreciate the linen craft. T H E A RT OF SL OW L I V I NG
Slow living is a lifestyle emphasising slower approaches to aspects of everyday life. Here, we learn how to embrace this philosophy and enjoy wholehearted moments.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Travel Notes
From Picturesque Provence It is hard to imagine a more breathtaking retreat for The Linen Works’ team. Last summer, we moved our HQ to a beautiful villa in Luberon; but before our inescapable return to London, this idyllic setting provided us with the perfect backdrop for our new early summer 2017 collection.
Day 1: Landscape One of the many joys of Provence is the constant stream of satisfaction to the senses. A delicate yet clear light illuminates the extraordinary contrast of nature. The balmy air is softer and scented with wild rosemary that’s complemented by the sweet, deep aroma of lavender. As for taste, Provence is inimitable; fig trees burst with succulent fruit perfectly ripened under the sun and are savoured with the freshest of rosé wines - all amid the sounds of cicadas. It’s no wonder that we are overwhelmed with joy to be spending this week in such a garden of earthly delights. For those who are unfamiliar, Provence is not just simply a geographical area but, more importantly, a state of mind; it’s a place where one can escape from grey routine into another gayer, brighter world. For it’s the case that each of us, at some point, needs to elude to where days are warm and long, and where many of life’s small pleasures can be enjoyed in abundance.
Our stone house with wooden shutters at the windows, heavy rustic beams and textured, limewash walls has many little hidden terraces, each shaded by fig trees and surrounded by pretty terracotta pots. Our closest neighbours are the medieval village of Bonnieux just five minutes’ drive away - a place redolent of the delights of a simple summer life. Day 4: Eat We have now been at The Linen Works’ weeklong headquarters in the South of France for four days, and each of us has found our own favourite balconies and courtyards to work our days. Shaded little spots with a warm, soft breeze passing through where peace is only disturbed by the offer of yet another cup of flavoursome tea - some things will never change! Our kitchen window looks south across sunkissed vineyards towards the ruined town of Gordes, a medieval village with white and grey stone houses that cling tightly to the base of cliffs.
BEHIND THE SCENES
“When summer finally arrives, the one guarantee is that your wardrobe will start to crave a little linen.”
We visited Gordes yesterday, when a late afternoon never felt quite so endearing, to gather fresh ingredients for the recipes that follow in this book. It seems local shops in countryside Provence are filled with distinctive ingredients: wild mushrooms, garlic, ‘Pistol’ basil sauce and baskets brimming with fresh figs that collectively make the food from this part of France so memorable. Looking through recipe books, the use of olive oil instead of jugs of buttery cream is certainly noticeable when compared with other regions of France, as is the emphasis on vegetables instead of meat. It is now early evening and once again we sit admiring the views from our veranda to be wakened only by the crack-crack of a competitive game of pétanque.
Day 6: Sartorial Thoughts When summer finally arrives – or you’ve found yourself transplanted onto sunny shores – the one guarantee is that your wardrobe will start to crave a little linen. The promise of warmer weather always entices me to slip into cool, light linen. Of course, I have a long passion for French-style and so simple, pared-down linen pieces were the golden rule when packing my suitcase for this week in Provence. It was all about the timeless, well-cut, and classic looks. Despite its reputation for creasing fast, linen is a summer staple for good reason. The subtly thicker weave means it looks more polished than basic cotton and has an easy-chic style that makes you look effortlessly put together. Larissa Cairns
In the detail
Welcoming our New Fringe Bed Linen Made with our most popular Classic White pure, European linen, each thread is then individually pulled by hand to create a romantic fringe around the edge of the bedding.
Linen Duvet Cover Fringe Classic White from £265 | Linen Pillowcase Housewife Fringe Classic White £42 | Linen Pillowcase Housewife Square Fringe Classic White £47
E A R LY S U M M E R S C E N E S F RO M P ROV E N C E
Top Left: Linen Runner Arles Navy Stripe £32 | Linen Placemat Arles Navy Stripe £17.50 | Linen Napkin Arles Navy Stripe £12.90 Top Right: Linen Pillowcase Oxford Picardie Ecru £37.50 | Linen Pillowcase Housewife Classic White £30 | Linen Flat Sheet Classic White from £100 Bottom Left: Linen Runner Italian Stripe Hay from £44 | Linen Napkin Italian Stripe Hay £16 Bottom Right: Linen Mini Cushion Cover Ecru £14 | Main: Linen Nightie White £165 Linen Cushion Cover Piped (80x80cm) Dove Grey and White £82 | Feather Filled Cushion Pad (80x80cm) £33
Selection of Linen Cushion Covers from £14 Linen Soft Jacquard Throw Silver £320
E A R LY S U M M E R S C E N E S F RO M P ROV E N C E
Tr awling through French Brocantes
How do you sum up an inimitable sense of style? And is French style, after all, so inimitable? Perfect imperfections seem to capture the essence of the French approach to creating a home – the chemistry that happens when a look is pulled together with a certain nonchalance underscored by enormous confidence. It describes a tolerance, even reverence, for pieces that show their age; a feeling for things that are as beautiful as they are useful. It suggests the self-assurance that effortlessly combines old and new, embraces personal quirks, indulges refined preferences and rejects the sterility of soulless designs. The idea that things, houses or people should aspire to perfection is rendered redundant when trawling through French brocantes, it is an idea we have captured in our Linen Arles Collection. Inspired by the brocantes in the market towns of Provence, the traditional stripe has a simplistic aesthetic that lauds history and storytelling over sterility. If you too long for the thrills of discovering unusual, one-off pieces and combining the unexpected, here is some of our best advice: – Language skills are helpful if hunting abroad however, bargaining down by writing on a notepad also works – Take a calculator to establish exact prices and note the conversion rate beforehand
– Use a camera to take photographs of things you might pass but want to come back to later. This is because you might just stumble into something utterly seductive that will change your entire shopping list – Carry a tape measure to ensure that you avoid coming home with a white elephant – Before travelling, make notes of your room dimensions – Remember to consider the cost of transporting your purchases home Places to discover and useful terminology: – Les Puces are Parisian flea markets held at Places George Brassens, Porte de Montreuil and Saint-Ouen – Friperie sells antique beds and table linen – Dépôt-vente are warehouses full of furniture and accessories – Brocantes and Vide-greniers are usually fairs held only for a few days
Top Left: Linen Runner Arles Charcoal Stripe £32 Linen Cushion Cover Arles Charcoal Stripe £28 Top Right: Linen Hand Towel Arles in Charcoal Stripe, Raspberry Stripe and Navy Stripe £16 Bottom Left: Linen Cushion Cover Arles in Navy Stripe and Charcoal Stripe £28 Bottom Right: Linen Runner Arles Raspberry Stripe £32 Linen Napkin Arles Raspberry Stripe £12.90
R ecreate the Look Simple stripes and delicate fringe details with muted shades of off-white and grey.
Linen Cushion Cover Italian Stripe Vintage Grey £28
Linen Cushion Cover Piped Dove Grey £45
Linen Napkin Charcoal £8.50
Linen Placemat Fringe Off-White £20
Wanderlust: A Playlist Whole Wide World Bahamas The 59th Street Bridge Song Simon & Garfunkel Walk On The Wild Side Lou Reed We’ll Meet Again Johnny Cash Let Her Go Passenger A Horse With No Name America Summer Breeze Seal And The Crofts
Listen to this playlist online | search goo.gl/fe65oS
Our New Limited Edition
Introducing Lario R eversible Stripe Bed Linen This one-of-a-kind collection draws on a charming dose of design inspiration from the fabric’s Italian cultural roots – Lake Como (Lago di Como) which is locally known as ‘Lario’. Presenting a delicate ticking-style pattern for an understated take on a stripe, ‘Lario’ shares influences from breathtaking lake shores and idyllic cliffside scenes. Its muted tonal palette is as equally pleasing, with perfectly mixed shades of breezy, washed blues juxtaposed against off-white to create a simple, laid-back look.
NEW LIMITED EDITION
“I wanted to create timeless linen that captures more permanently the genuine beauty of this northern Italian lake, rimmed by the snow-crowned mountains of the Alps, with its quiet historic villas surrounded by olives and figs and mulberry trees, and of course all of the good old Italianisms.� L A R I S S A C A I R N S , C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
NEW LIMITED EDITION
Limited Edition Linen Duvet Cover Off-White/Navy Stripe (Reverse: Off-White/Pale Grey Stripe) from £400 Limited Edition Linen Pillowcase Housewife Off-White/Navy Stripe £48 | Limited Edition Linen Pillowcase Housewife Off-White/Pale Grey Stripe £48 Limited Edition Linen Flat Sheet Small Criss-cross Pale Grey from £220 | Linen Fitted Sheet Classic White from £80 Selection of four Linen Cushion Covers (45x45cm) £35 each available in Small Criss-cross Navy; Small Criss-cross Pale Grey; Large Criss-cross Navy; Large Criss-cross Pale Grey
In the Kitchen Every brush of the hand and every dab at the mouth, there is something wonderfully pleasing about the use of linen in the kitchen. Here, we share our favourite recipes inspired by our recent travels.
Linen Hand Towel Duck Egg ÂŁ12
IN THE KITCHEN
Tartines Sucrées et Salées
INGR EDIENTS
1 Ripe Fig · Handful of Walnuts · 20g Goat’s Cheese · 1 Avocado 1 Grapefruit · 90g Prosciutto · 1 Pear · 1 Peach · 25g Brie · Bread of Choice Fresh Black Pepper · Kosher Salt · Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Bread Since it is the bread that gives the tartine its structure, it is best to opt for one that can stand up to the weight of the topping. The most preferred breads used are a baked baguette cut from stem to stern, sourdough or a tight-grained country bread. Simply toast or grill lightly before you add your toppings. Goat’s Cheese, Fig and Walnuts Cut a fig into evenly thin slices and place on your bread. Crumble and sprinkle goat’s cheese on top of the fig, followed by a handful of walnuts. Place under a grill for a few minutes until the goat’s cheese is melted and delectably golden. Avocado and Grapefruit Slice an avocado into two and remove the pit, ready to use half on your tartine. Cut out the segments from a quarter of a grapefruit and arrange both on your bread, placing the avocado first with the grapefruit on top. Garnish with a little salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Prosciutto and Pear Brush your toasted bread with a little extra virgin olive oil before thinly slicing half a pear. To test if a pear is ripe, apply gentle pressure near the stem end. If it gives slightly, it’s most likely ready to be eaten. Top with pear and a layer of sweet, Italian prosciutto. Peach and Brie Juicy and fragrant, peaches are an ideal topping for those with a sweet tooth. Following the line of the dimple, cut around the fruit with a sharp knife, then twist each half apart and slice into thin sections. Add a generous topping of brie. Insight The word tartine derives from the French verb tartiner, meaning to spread
IN THE KITCHEN
Fig, Prosciutto & Goat’s Cheese Salad with Arugula
INGR EDIENTS
5 Cups of Baby Arugula · Gourmet Medley Salad Leaves · 4 Ripe Figs 2oz Thinly Sliced Prosciutto · Handful of Walnuts · 80g Goat’s Cheese · 1tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar · 1 Freshly Squeezed Orange · 1 tbsp Honey · Fresh Black Pepper · Kosher Salt
The Salad First, wash the arugula and salad leaves, dabbing them with a clean tea towel or until they are dry and lay out in a large platter. Toast walnuts in a dry frying pan until golden. Set aside. Ripe figs are delightfully rich and sweet with a soft, smooth texture when they are fresh and ready. Unripe figs can feel rubbery, dry, and lack sweetness. Examine the colour of your figs, as they tend to change from green to brown and purple as they mature. Slice four ripe figs into quarters, gently tear the prosciutto into smaller pieces and arrange both on top of the leaves, then crumble the goat’s cheese over the salad and scatter a handful of the roasted walnuts. You can also enjoy this salad by roasting the figs with balsamic vinegar and honey, serving them warm – they taste incredible.
The Dressing Making the dressing is simple. Mix the balsamic vinegar with the honey, olive oil and orange juice and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before you serve. Insight Arugula, also known as rocket, is a cool season plant with an aromatic scent and rich nutty flavour
Linen Napkin Parisian Blue £8.50
TASTE LOR EM IPSUM
IN THE KITCHEN
Baked Pistachio & Lemon Polenta Cake
INGR EDIENTS
75g Polenta · 3 Eggs · 225g Caster Sugar · 225g Unsalted Butter · 1 tsp Baking Powder Juice of 4 Lemons · 90g Peeled Almonds · 90g Pistachios · 100g Icing Sugar · Edible Flowers
Preheat the oven to 160°C, fan 140°C, gas 3. Line the bottom of a 20cm springform pan with baking parchment. First, toast the almonds and pistachios in the oven, keeping a close eye on them every few minutes until golden. Then, place the nuts in a food processor until finely ground down, or crush them with a pestle and mortar. By hand, cream the butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon until pale and beat in one egg at a time, adding the almonds and pistachios as you go before stirring in the juices of two lemons. Mix the baking powder and polenta together then gently fold into the batter until the ingredients are fully combined. Pour into your prepared cake tin and smooth the top to ensure even baking throughout. Bake slowly for 30 minutes at 160°C, before increasing your oven temperature to 180°C for another 20-30 minutes. Insert a knife into the centre of the cake to see if it is baked all the way through, placing it back in the oven if need be until the knife is drawn without any mixture visible. Allow your cake to cool in its spring form
pan for 15 minutes. Then, remove the outer ring and lay your cake on a cooling rack, leaving it to stand for 2-3 hours at room temperature ahead of decoration. For the icing, sift 100g of icing sugar into a bowl and stir in the juice of one lemon. If you desire a light drizzling that will absorb further into the cake, add a little more lemon juice or a tablespoon of water and taste. For a thicker coating, simply add extra icing sugar until you are happy. Before the frosting hardens, sprinkle with pistachios and edible flowers to decorate. Zest a lemon over the cake and grate one or two pistachios on top for a hint of colour and added interest. Flaked almonds or candied orange peel also make delectable finishing touches. Insight An Italian store cupboard staple, polenta has its roots in northern Italy. It is made by grinding corn into flour, or meal Linen Napkin Fringe Off-White £16.50
IN THE KITCHEN
From Top Left, Clockwise: Linen Hand Towel White; Duck Egg; Charcoal; Dove Grey £12 Main: Linen Children’s Cross Over Apron Charcoal and Duck Egg £38
R ecreate the Look The menu needn’t be elaborate, just the simple enjoyment of the company of friends and family and a table laid with relaxed linen.
Linen Tablecloth Hemstitch Parisian Blue from £95
Linen Bread Bag Dove Grey £25
Linen Napkin Parisian Blue £8.50
Linen Napkin Dove Grey £8.50
Photo S. RandĂŠ/Terre de Lin
Learning the Linen Craft
Falling in Love with Flax Artisans in Europe have been working on the complexity and craftsmanship needed to transform the flax plant into linen for centuries. From field to fibre, from yarn to fabric, the making of linen tells a fascinating story, with skills and expertise passed down from generation to generation.
FA L L I N G I N L OV E W I T H F L A X
We take a moment to speak with Terre de Lin, one of the finest company’s in Europe specialising in the cultivation and processing of seed-to-fibre textile flax and whom contribute to the beauty of luxury linen such as ours. Its 650 member farmers and 220 employees share the same passion for linen, working across Haute-Normandie; a region in France where 50% of the world’s overall production takes place. A new flax season brings wonderful opportunities for the linen industry. How do you start the process of growing flax, and when is the best time to begin? Linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibres that grow inside the stalks of the flax plant. Growing quality flax requires expert know-how. To support sustainable and quality agriculture, the farmer tends to only sow flax on the same plot every 6-7 years. Flax thrives in specific conditions, rich and moist soils as well as climates alternating between rain and sunshine. Good preparation of the soil is also indispensable, so that the flax plant’s roots entrench deep enough into the ground; these roots usually grow as deep as the plant is high. The decision on time of when seeds are sown very much depends on the weather conditions. Usually the process of sowing seeds starts from mid-March to the beginning of April, the idea being to sow in cool and dry soils so that the plant will grow slowly. The seed is sown at a depth of 2cm to allow a successful amount of moisture to be absorbed for effective germination. How long does it take for the first plants to become visible after sowing? What happens next? The first plants usually become visible after a few days. Flax culture is a short cycle, 100 days only when the flax will have reached a height of approximately one metre. In June, depending on the temperatures along the cycle, the plant flowers. This period is one of the riskiest: heavy rains can cause lodging which is where the stems can fall under the rainfalls, bringing diseases and having significant consequences in terms of both quality and yield. A flax flower lasts only a single day, attracting many people to the fields every year. By mid-June, the fields turn blue for a couple of days, after which the flowers disappear. After the blooming period, each plant develops multiple seed pods and the first flaxseed appears; these contain the seeds used for future harvests. Flax then progressively turns from green to yellow. It is then mature enough to be pulled, usually taking place in the second half of July. What does ‘pulling’ of the flax mean? When flax is harvested, it is pulled rather than cut: a specialist machine extracts the flax plant stems from the soil roots. It would be impossible to cut a full field instead of pull, as the fibre is incredibly strong; this
is one of the notable advantages of flax fibres. Once complete the flax is laid on the ground in parallel rows, ready for retting. Ten days after pulling, Terre de Lin use specialist equipment to ecapsulate the seeds. This type of seed harvesting requires a lot of reactivity and know-how from the farmers, contributing to the quality of seeds. Describe the retting process, why is it important? Retting is a critical operation, influencing the quality and quantity of each farmer’s harvest. It is the process of leaving flax in the field after it’s pulled so that it is exposed to micro-organisms and moisture; this facilitates a natural deconstruction of pectins and loosening of the fibres which are bound to the woody stems. During this two to six-week process, the plant is subjected to dew, rain and sunshine. The weather is, once again, key to obtaining the perfect fibre; the more it rains, the quicker the flax is ready for the next step. If the period is too long, the fibres will start to rot, causing a decrease in tensile strength. This step is very delicate and requires the farmer to assess what the optimal retting is for his flax. The best retted fibres lead to the finest quality linen thus the know-how of the farmer is of prime importance. When the retting is considered as ideal, the farmer makes the decision to harvest. Now that the flax is ready to harvest, what is the method? How do you decide if the flax is of the finest quality to produce luxury linen fabric? The flax is harvested by customised machines that pick up the retted flax plants and tie them together in large bales that adorn the fields for a short time. The farmer will then collect the bales and store them in his farm. Later, he will take the bales to one of the six Terre de Lin scutching mills to extract the fibre from the straw: this process is known as scutching. The quality of the fibre is assessed after scutching based on a specific classification method taking into account five criteria: strength, fineness, colour, nature, homogeneity. The finest fabrics often require the finest fibres to make the finest yarns. The choice of the fibre is usually made together with the spinner. Long flax fibres are often regarded as the noble part of the plant. The retting stage will have an influence on the ratio of long fibres versus short fibres after scutching. Short fibres are, in fact, longer fibres that break during scutching. These are known as tows and are a by-product of this process, usually used in dry spinning to produce low count yarns. Of course, making a very thin shirt will require extremely thin, long fibres but there are also very high value and luxury fabrics produced using premium quality tows, especially in the home textile industry. terredelin.com In the next issue: Processing the fibre
COMPILED BY MELANIE BAR NES
The Art of Slow Living
T H E A RT OF SL OW L I V I NG
“I like to embrace the humble beauty of everyday life in the simplest of forms; where dawdling moments are slowly cherished and traditions are born and treasured, lasting for generations.” Folks have been embracing the art of ‘slow living’ for centuries, but the term as we know it today is being utilised far and wide ever more. Used to define a way of life that offers a humble approach to the hustle and bustle of the twenty-first century, it encourages an unhurried pace; valuing a more mindful outlook, with the aim of being present and whole. It all started in 1986 with the concept of ‘slow food’. When a fast food establishment tried to open an outlet near The Spanish Steps in Rome, local residents, politicians, and officials opposed the idea. This single event prompted Carlo Petrini to found ‘The Slow Food Movement’ as an alternative to convenience nourishment. Its aim was to defend traditions, celebrate the pleasure of food, and highlight the emotive connection between where our food comes from, our planet, and how it ends on our plate. Over the last thirty years, notions behind ‘The Slow Food Movement’ have tiptoed into mainstream culture. With working weeks seeming longer, schedules more rigorous, and society appearing busier than ever before, it makes perfect sense that there is some sort of resistance against this; naturally bringing the concept of ‘slow living’ to the fore. Unsurprisingly it is easy to get swept away with a demanding day, time can pass in a bit of a blur and we often fail to feel like we were really there for any of it. By embracing a slower pace, one is consciously yearning for more from each and every day. To me, the art of ‘slow living’ is in finding the time to be wholly present with ourselves and others, allowing space to linger over the small but often the most memorable moments. Essentially, it’s that glorious feeling you have during a trip when you realise that you are truly relaxed and are breathing a little deeper than before; ‘slow living’ is about revisiting that sense of calm as much as possible in everyday life. Once you start thinking of time as a commodity, it’s incredible how it changes what you decide to plan to spend your hours on. ‘Less is more’ is a good mantra, not just in terms of the doings you arrange for yourself and loved ones, but for your belongings and at home too. For me, I find that I am more content if there are less possessions in sight, it keeps me composed
and allows me to focus in on what truly matters. By de-cluttering, naturally it’s easier to keep on top of things at home. Plus, there are fewer distractions as, after all, a simple home makes for a simple life. I really do believe that everyone can hold a part of slow living, you simply should establish how to weave it into your current lifestyle. Pick one thing to concentrate on and start there, and when you are ready, move on to something else that you’d like to simplify. With a few easy adjustments, you too can slow down and find more treasured moments and newly born family traditions in your days. Like with anything, it is important to discover your own comfortable rhythm. There is a common misconception that you have to do everything slowly if you are an advocate of ‘slow living’ and that you avoid stress all together in your routine. This of course can feel a little daunting, which is why I recommend turning your attention to living more slowly in small doses and eventually it will begin to feel effortless. If I can mindfully tackle any difficult moments in my week by being open and calm then that’s a pretty fulfilling start – a light-hearted attitude can go a long way. Melanie has written an e-book ‘The Slow Living Retreat’ with advice on how to slow down and reconnect with yourself; you can download your free copy at geoffreyandgrace.com
Melanie Barnes, mother behind UK lifestyle blog Geoffrey and Grace, is a writer and photographer embracing a wholehearted and creative approach to everyday life.
Linen Tablecloth Hemstitch Dove Grey from £95 Linen Runner Italian Stripe Natural from £44 Linen Napkin Dove Grey £8.50 Linen Children’s Cross Over Apron Charcoal £38
T H E A RT OF SL OW L I V I NG
Laid-back Linens
Above: NEW Linen Short Pyjamas White £140 | Linen Scarf Thick Petrol £35 | Linen Short Sleeve Top Oatmeal £80 Linen Range Towel Pale Grey £25 | Linen Cushion Cover Arles Navy Stripe £28 | Linen Throw Soft Jacquard Blue Grey £320 Linen Hand Stamped Bread Bag Dove Grey £25 | Linen Hand Stamped Laundry Bag Dove Grey £30 | Linen Lavender Bag Parisian Blue £5 Left: NEW Linen Short Sleeve Dress £95 | Linen Scarf Thick Petrol £35
Latest additions to our
Parisian Blue Collection “When we stumbled across the most striking, ornate door one afternoon in Paris, we knew instantaneously that it would translate into a beautiful linen collection. Painted in a deep, resonant blue, it was the perfect inspiration for our now notable Parisian Blue collection.” L A R IS SA C A I R NS , C R E AT I V E DI R E C TOR
Above: NEW Linen Bath Robe Parisian Blue £165 Right: NEW Linen Waffle Bath Towel Parisian Blue £55
Linen Duvet Cover Parisian Blue from £150 Linen Flat Sheet Parisian Blue and Classic White from £100 Linen Pillowcase Housewife Parisian Blue £30 Linen Cushion Cover Mini Parisian Blue £14
The Secrets of Styling
C OM PI L E D BY A L I BROW N
Nestling down and curling up comfortably between sumptuous sheets is one of life’s simple pleasures. A delightfully inviting slumber can bring a satisfying sense of poise and repose after long days, allowing one to drift peacefully and seek refuge in the land of nod. Some say that bed-makers are often more content during their days, yet a picture-perfect bed needn’t be free from crumples nor wrinkles. Imperfect beauty is the chemistry that happens when a look is pulled together in an effortless way; it’s precisely the irregularities that make it all the more desirable. Imperfection and linen are so intrinsically linked – the beauty of this natural textile in the bedroom, as with any room, is that it is not perfect and so styling a bed should be adopted with a comparable approach. Rest easy and follow these insightful tips from stylist Ali Brown, whom recently created the most stunning bedroom scenes at The Linen Works’ latest photography shoot. “Thoughtful bedding efforts can make all the difference; a few carefully considered purchases generally mean that your bedding will last longer and offer timeless appeal in abundance. Blissfully soft with a dreamy texture, linen bedding will always remain a perennial favourite of mine. To dress your bed, it’s best to first lay the foundations and start with the bottom layer. A fitted sheet will serve well for a neater aesthetic and straight lines. I’m always drawn to a white sheet, as it offers a fresh and crisp look that is a good neutral base to build upon. Next, lay your flat sheet with the finished side facing into the mattress; this ensures that it is the right way up when turned down. Choose a white flat sheet for a seamless finish, or mix and match with barely-there neutrals like Picardie Ecru or Toulon Dove Grey for added interest. Make sure that you have left enough flat sheet available at the head of the bed to be able to fold over your duvet. Tucking the sheet underneath the mattress with crisp hospital corner folds at the bottom will help to avoid any unwanted movement. A duvet cover provides a wonderful focal point for your bedroom. This doesn’t mean that pattern or bold pairings are obligatory; simple, understated yet luxurious designs can make just as much impact. Instead, select unassuming bedding with delicate details like mother-of-pearl buttoning. A good rule of thumb is to have a few different duvet covers so that you can rotate them as you desire. Opting for a complementary colour palette will allow you to create charming combinations from season-to-season. Linen is breathable and regulates body temperature amongst other benefits, so it is a great option for all year round.
Once you have placed your duvet inside its cover, loosely manoeuvre into a desirable position. What I adore about linen bedding is that it takes minimal fuss to make it look beautiful. For a sophisticated look, ensure a little more structure when styling and iron crisp once laundered. Those that prefer a more laid-back feel should embrace the relaxed aesthetic of linen and create movement for a lived-in style that looks pleasingly inviting for weekend idling. Your pillow arrangement depends upon your visual preferences; perfectly aligned Oxford Pillowcases stacked on top of one another lend themselves well to a formal setting while Housewife Pillowcases, without a border, offer a casual, pared-back appearance. If you decide to mix and match both styles, I personally prefer sitting the Housewife Pillowcase in front of the Oxford design. Don’t be afraid to play around with their positioning and plumpness as well as bearing in mind the practicality of your pillows, as different sizes will also influence. A mini cushion is always a welcome addition when propped at the fore of a cushion arrangement. Once all elements are in position, continue to dress your bed by adding a further layer of softness and decorative interest. A lightweight, hand-woven linen throw makes for a tactile finishing touch that can be as practical as it is striking on warmer days when only a little covering is necessary. Of course, more than one throw layered at the foot of the bed can also work and will bring equal delight – just ensure you pair pieces that share similar textures and tones to help balance out a room and bring a unified feel.” alibrownstylist.com Ali Brown is a Londonbased Interiors and Food Props stylist. Having worked on notable projects for the past sixteen years, including twelve years at Homes & Gardens magazine, she now works as a freelance stylist.
Linen Duvet Cover Parisian Blue from £150 Linen Flat Sheet Picardie Ecru from £100 Linen Fitted Sheet Classic White from £80 Linen Pillowcase Housewife Picardie Ecru and Classic White £30 | Linen Throw Hand Loom Soft Grey £495
A Dream of Trees by Mary Oliver
There is a thing in me that dreamed of trees, A quiet house, some green and modest acres A little way from every troubling town, A little way from factories, schools, laments. I would have time, I thought, and time to spare, With only streams and birds for company, To build out of my life a few wild stanzas. And then it came to me, that so was death, A little way away from everywhere. There is a thing in me still dreams of trees. But let it go. Homesick for moderation, Half the world’s artists shrink or fall away. If any find solution, let him tell it. Meanwhile I bend my heart toward lamentation Where, as the times implore our true involvement, The blades of every crisis point the way. I would it were not so, but so it is. Who ever made music of a mild day?
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Celebrating
10 Beautiful Years of The Linen Works
Ageing gracefully is a proposition we embrace with full hearts at The Linen Works. Just as linen looks and feels better as it ages, the passage of time affords us experience and wisdom to make notable strides towards newly treasured opportunities. The old informs the new to produce something truly special; timehonoured, traditional methods are used to make luxurious, enduring linen. This year The Linen Works celebrated 10 cherished years of business. We marked the occasion with a special luncheon in the glorious surroundings of London’s idyllic Spring restaurant at Somerset House. It was beautiful and understated, a combination we seek to capture in the creation of our beloved linen. And it was here, seated at an elongated table perfectly laid with classic linen and surrounded by friends and advocates of our creations, that we took time to truly reflect on our journey. We are incredibly proud of where we started all those years ago. Our vision was to curate a timeless collection of pure European linen homewares, with each pared-back piece designed as much for its beauty as its practicality.
The same ethos underpins how we run our business today. We are committed as ever to only sourcing the finest flax from Europe for homeware that is soft and natural. Every element from our labels to our packaging follows this approach, whilst a commitment to little impact on the environment is welcomingly supported at every step of the way. From a select few products, our linen collections have grown to find a place in every room in the home. We have developed our first eco-friendly Laundry Collection, comprising of Laundry Liquid, Fabric Softener and Linen Water. Made in the UK, it contains naturally derived raw materials, is biodegradable and hypoallergenic and is exempt from chlorine, optical brighteners, synthetic perfumes or phosphates. We created new additions for our muchloved Italian Linen collection, adding three new colourways that instantly transport us to the sunny Tuscan hills and the slow, simple pleasures of Italian life. Our very first clothing collection was the realisation of a long held dream for our Creative Director, Larissa Cairns. The result is elegant,
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“We are incredibly proud of where we started all those years ago. Our vision was to curate a timeless collection of pure European linen homewares, with each pared-back piece designed as much for its beauty as its practicality.”
simple pieces that are well-cut and complementary for all shapes and sizes; designs that surpass fleeting trends to become classic wardrobe staples. These were soon followed by a collection for the little people in our lives: a range of childrenswear in timeless styles that are wonderful for special occasions and robust enough to allow children to be children. We find that the best journeys are undertaken in the company of like-minded adventurers. Over the course of a decade, we have enjoyed meeting so many new people, many of whom we first knew as loyal customers and who have become dear friends. Our customers are, and will always be, at the heart of all that we do. The Linen Works is a closeknit team and our followers are very much part of our family, sharing our passion for life’s simple and often most rewarding pleasures. Friendships have also developed into collaborations with exceptional retailers who share our appreciation of quality craftsmanship. We designed our Selvedge Collection exclusively for The Conran Shop, a brand that has a 50-year heritage perfectly suited to our own longing to make beautiful products that last for generations. We were honoured to be included in the ‘Makers for Selfridges’ collection at Selfridges & Co,
launched to celebrate the quality and artistry of British independent brands. We were one of just 12 makers invited to create a limited edition for the range – we designed a Patterned Tea Towel with a nod to Selfridge’s iconic yellow. As The Linen Works moves into its second decade, we remain connected to the natural world and our desire for a natural, lived-in home. We also find ourselves continually inspired by the pure linen we adore and its seeming imperfections: every crease and fold is a tribute to its natural provenance and strength garnered over time. This is very much how we seek to grow as a business, ever mindful of lessons learned and how they may renew our dedication to make longlasting, considered pieces that can be enjoyed slowly and will become a cherished part of your family’s story. It is, thus, the journey that counts, rather than the destination. Our 10th anniversary is such a wonderful landmark to reach but our voyage is very much ongoing. We move forward with this message in our hearts and our eyes wide with wonder at what the future will bring. Linen Wrap Dress Oatmeal £205 Linen Tablecloth Hemstitch White from £95 Linen Napkin Dove Grey £8.50 Linen Shoe Bag Dove Grey £25
R ecreate the Look Layer simple pieces for a timeless look on balmy days and nights.
From Top Left, Clockwise: Linen Button Top White £135 | NEW Linen Kimono Black £110 Linen Wide Leg Trousers White £195 | Linen Scarf Thick Stone £35
TIMELESS SARTOR IAL
From Top Left, Clockwise: NEW Linen Sleeveless Shirt Dress Oatmeal £155 | Linen Button Top White £135 and Linen Scarf Thick Stone £35 Linen Short Sleeve Top White £80 and Linen Scarf Spring Meadow £30 | Linen Twist Back Dress White £205 Main: NEW Linen Sleeveless Shirt Dress Oatmeal £155 and Linen Scarf Thick Stone £35
What to Pack for a Sunny Escape These timeless, well-cut pieces are classic sunshine staples for good reason.
T R AV E L E S S E N T I A L S
“The promise of warmer weather and sun-kissed shores always entices me to slip into cool, light linen with an easy-chic style. Our clothing collection is made from the purest Belgian linen and is hand-sewn in London.” L A R IS SA C A I R NS , C R E AT I V E DI R E C TOR
Above: Linen Button Top Flax £135 | Linen Jumpsuit Black £325 | Linen Twist Back Dress White £205 Linen Shirt White £180 | Linen Shorts Oatmeal £170 | Linen Scarf Spring Cherry Blossom £30 Left: Linen Night Dress White £220 | Linen Cushion Cover Piped (60x60cm) Dove Grey £55 | Linen Mini Cushion Cover Ecru £14
Our Laundry Collection Our eco-friendly Laundry Collection is made in the UK with naturally derived raw materials and is biodegradable and hypoallergenic; exempt from chlorine, optical brighteners, synthetic perfumes or phosphates. Only a small amount is needed for laundering and spritzing clothes with a fragrance of essential oils including notes of Bergamot infused with meadow flowers, vanilla and patchouli.
Laundry Liquid £15 | Fabric Softener £12 | Linen Water £9.95
C ON TAC T US
0203 744 1020 | customercare@thelinenworks.co.uk thelinenworks.co.uk DELI V ERY
£2.80 UK Mainland | Free 30-Day Returns. STOCKISTS
Find us in Harrods, Selfridges & Co and Liberty London. For a full list of over 90 UK and International stockists visit our website. GIFT WR APPING
Make gifting extra special with our Luxury Gift Wrapping Service for £5. PE R S ONA L ISAT ION
Add a personal touch to your purchase with our bespoke Hand Stamping and Monogramming Services from £8. FOL L OW US
thelinenworks.co.uk Offer code is valid until midnight on Sunday 6th August 2017 at thelinenworks.co.uk. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The luxury villa, Maison Julien in Bonnieux, was rented via Emotional Escapes.