Behind the Collection...

The journey to this collection began back in the depths of a second winter lockdown. I had just received a long-awaited collection of GOTS cotton swaddles, bibs and blankets and I was bitterly disappointed. Without going into detail, I knew what premium cotton looked and felt like, and this just wasn't it. 

I ransacked my daughter's room and found the most sublime cotton blanket she had received as a gift at birth - and it was made in Portugal. I'd heard about the quality of Portuguese textiles, but I had no idea where to start, trapped in my home, unable to leave my suburb let alone the country. So onto google I dived. 

Long days, late nights, countless samples and zoom calls. This is how it went for months until I finally found my dream manufacturer located just outside of Porto, Portugal. 

My designer was also serendipitously found online. On Instagram in fact. Lucie Demoyencourt is an artist based out of South Africa who creates the most exquisite handmade ceramic shells for wall display. Lucie interpreted her designs into a textile print that I instantly fell in love with, and designed the collection around.

I worked with Lucie and my new manufacturers over email and zoom until I was finally able to jump on a plane and visit the factory in person last year.

With a three-month-old strapped to my chest, I made the trip to Porto solo. I explored the city's cobblestone laneways, sampled its famous salted fish, and admired its artisanal goods. A magical city I'll recommend to anyone who asks.

Baby P and I spent our days at the factory, finishing our samples, visiting the embroidery department, and then the quilting department, and then the finishing department and so on. It was a cup filling week I savoured intensively after two years of inspiration sucking social distancing rules. 

And so here it is. A collection I poured my heart and soul into. Determined to create something I would want to receive if it were me in the delivery suite. Pieces I would keep and treasure like heirlooms. I hope you love it. 

Anna x