Lou Lou Chats with Sam Brightmore from 'Bottega'

Today's 'Lou Lou Chats' is with one of my favourite and most stylish friends on Twitter, Sam from 'Bottega'. I first bonded with Sam over a mutual love of all things 'Chanel'. She later turned out to be my Fashion Fairy Godmother when she lent me clothes for my 'Red' magazine photoshoot. Sam runs her own boutique and cafe ('The Birdcage) in Cheshire. Well when I say 'boutique', I think that that is a massive understatement. 'Bottega' is a veritable emporium of all things lovely and stylish, from clothing and accessories to gifts and gorgeous items for your home. I was so pleased when Sam agreed to answer some questions for my blog. So here she is, the super-stylish and lovely, Sam Brightmore.

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Describe 'Bottega' in three words.

Eclectic. Escapist. Indulgent

Please tell us more about yourself.

I’m a workaholic but genuinely love my job. The only thing more important to me is my partner and parents and my 3 children who all share my passion for art, fashion and travel.  My friends are also really important to me. They ground me and are hugely supportive. I’m also lucky to have some firm friends in retail with whom I can bounce ideas off. My ideal day would be breakfast in Paris with a croissant and the perfect coffee in the sunshine, followed by an afternoon shopping in New York’s Barneys, Henri Bendel and ABC Carpet & Home on Broadway; with a trip to the Frick or The Guggenheim. My perfect  evening would obviously be at the Blue Marlin Ibiza, watching the sunset with a Mojito in hand listening to Balearic beats.

Sam on a recent trip to New York

How would you describe your personal style?

Hugely eclectic, I’m a fashion chameleon and actually quite fickle! I love everything from strong and quite masculine tailoring to bohemian chilled out. I am never girly and feel quite ridiculous in overly feminine looks. I will always ‘edge’ an oufit. I call it ‘Glunge’ - Glamour meets Grunge! I am also a total jeans girl, and day or evening outfits always revolve around them. I own too many pairs! Fashion is my enjoyment so I’m playful with it.  It reflects my mood.

Why did you decide to open 'Bottega'?

I saw a gap in the market for a concept store, and was frustrated at not being able to find unusual items either for design projects whilst working as an interior designer, or for myself.  I was also constantly disappointed with the North’s lack of bridge brands in fashion. I couldn’t add to my wardrobe without going to London, something I love but couldn’t do at the drop of a hat. Having worked in some of London’s most eclectic & unusual stores such as 'Liberty' & the 'General Trading Company', everywhere seemed quite pedestrian in comparison!

What has the highlight been since opening the boutique?

The most recent highlight has to have been being nominated for Mary Portas’ & The Daily Telegraph’s Best Small Shops in Britain, where we have been shortlisted as one of the top three in the Womens’ fashion category. We were also very happy to be thought of as one of the top 50 boutiques outside of London by Stella Magazine.

Is there a typical 'Bottega' customer?

No, there really isn’t. We cater for women aged 16 to 60 and beyond. We have always believed 'Bottega' ''has a style for everyone. We buy pieces that appeal to different people in different ways and that can work for anyone. However, I would say that our customer appreciates the service level and the next level we always go to.

What are your most popular pieces in 'Bottega'?

There isn’t really a ‘one’ piece that sells more than others. We sell capsule wardrobes to clients, so everything is worn to its optimum and complements other pieces. We don’t believe in throw away fashion, but a commitment to a long and fulfilling wardrobe life. We don’t sell anything too basic...basics can get lost in the store...there has to be a real twist to most items we buy. It has to be remarkable! Even a tee needs to have something about it!

What new brands are you stocking for S/S12?

We are very excited about our new S/S 12 brands. My personal favourite is 'Elizabeth and James'.  I love the neon colours, floral prints and edgy but feminine styling. We have also started stocking 'Victoria Beckham Denim' which has had a massive response, and we have virtually sold out with clients coming back to buy in a second colour. We have yet to have a client who has tried and not bought!

'Elizabeth and James' S/S '12 - I love the vibrant print and the candy pink jeans.

'Elizabeth and James' S/S '12 - I love the combination of mixed prints in this look.

 Looking back, is there anything that you would have done differently?

No, I’m really happy with where 'Bottega' is now, how it’s grown and translated from its origin, which was a tiny village in the middle of nowhere with absolutely no footfall. We quickly gained a reputation for offering something different, and those clients that found us in those very early days are still very much with us and are firm friends. It’s been really hard and there have been struggles, but I’m pleased with how I’ve got here today. I guess even inspite of the relocation in Sept ’10 and huge refit costs, we are still here and I guess that has to mean something.

What advice would you give to people who are looking to open their own business?

First and foremost you have to be very realistic about the time you are able to give to it....It is not and nor will it ever be a 9-5 job. It is your baby. It is the first thing and last thing I think about every day. In addition to that you must be passionate about what you are doing because as well as time, it takes incredible energy and so much drive to keep moving forwards. I never switch off from it and there are times that I feel as if I step away, I will lose my foothold. It’s a huge step and everything has to come secondary to it. If you aren’t prepared to put in the long hours then don’t even consider it!

What is in the pipeline for 'Bottega' in 2012?

2012 is going to be an exciting year for 'Bottega'. We are collaborating with Cleo B, the shoe designer in April for a fashion show being held at Cleo’s family home, Bolesworth Castle also in Cheshire, and not too far from Tarporley. Think Studio 54 meets Ibiza - it’s going to be a hot ticket to an excellent party. It is strictly invitation only and we are very excited about it. The 'Bottega' website will also be going live in 2012 and will be in an editorial style, highlighting all areas of the store; cafe menus; press and events. Finally I will have a forum from which to blog!

Sam and Alicia from 'Bottega' at an Olivia Rubin show

What motivates you?

My passion for my job, the desire to find under the radar brands and seeing 'Bottega' flourish with the clients. I really get a buzz from the faith and trust that our clients have in us. They truly respect and appreciate our opinions, and seek our advice on more than just fashion decisions. We are so much more than just a store. We literally have been here through some of the worst times in our clients’ lives, whether it be divorce, illness or bereavement. That sounds trite but it is so true, and there’s nothing nicer than hearing how that outfit picked them up off the floor! 'Bottega' is like a little haven, and a lot like therapy for many!

Top tip?

The mantra that I live by is "Do unto others as you would be done by." I also think it's nice to be nice.

Dermalogica facial at Liberty

I recently visited the new Dermalogica spa at Liberty in London. I was lucky enough to win the treatment via a RT giveaway on Twitter, way back in the Autumn. However, for various reasons I was unable to get up to London before Christmas, so had to wait until January to claim my prize. It was quite lucky that I did, as the longer wait meant that by the time I paid the lovely Dermalogica ladies a visit, Dermalogica had got its own permanent space in the Liberty treatment rooms.

My 'Face Map'

I got to Liberty slightly early, so had a wander around the store. I haven't been there for years, so couldn't wait to take a look at all the designer loveliness inside. What I love about the store, is that in addition to stocking major designer labels, it also stocks pieces from smaller designers. Liberty manages to stay true to its heritage and design roots, whilst still remaining fashion forward.

I managed to resist making any major purchases, and restricted myself to some quirky cards from the Stationery Hall, and a top by 'Whyred', which was in the Sale section for £38 (60% off).

Typically, the day before the event, I saw a few tweets by someone who had had a bad reaction to their Dermalogica facial, which made me slightly nervous, but then I reasoned that different people can react to the same range in very different ways.

My beauty therapist was called Jadine, and she made sure that she took the time to ascertain exactly what my skin needs were before starting the treatment. A key part of a Dermalogica facial is the 'Face Mapping' process, where the different areas of the face are analysed (see the diagram above). My 'face mapping' showed that despite having oily/combination skin, areas of my skin were still slightly dehydrated, and that I had areas with breakouts.

The Dermalogica Treatment Room

The treatment room was a really relaxing space, all decked out in white. However, it managed to avoid looking too clinical. I was so relaxed that I nearly fell asleep during my treatment. Although that might have had something to do with my very early start from Cardiff that morning!

My treatment involved thorough cleansing; exfoliation; the application of a face mask, moisturiser and treatment boosters. The facial also involved some extraction where needed, which ensured that my skin was looking its best. In the past I have had a few facials that seemed to involve applying lots of lovely lotions and potions to my face to give it that 'glow', but that perhaps weren't the most effective at really dealing with the needs of my skin.

After my treatment I was given samples of the products used on my skin so that I could try them for a few days to see if I liked them. I was going straight to meet with a friend afterwards, so Jadine applied Dermalogica's treatment foundation. I hadn't heard of the product before, but I really liked how it felt on my skin and the coverage it gave. She also gave me some samples of that to try.

I really enjoyed my treatment and definitely felt that my skin looked better. I forgot to take my camera up to London, so didn't get any good pictures of my skin to be able to show you the results. If I lived up in London then I would definitely consider booking another treatment there. 

Lou Lou Chats with Richard Weston

For me, one of the standout stories on BBC2's 'Britain's Next Big Thing', was that of Professor Richard Weston. Just in case you didn't catch the programme, it gave budding product designers and craftspeople the opportunity to pitch for well-known companies such as Liberty and Boots. Richard Weston pitched his designs to the Buying Team from Liberty, one of the country's most prestigious department stores. I was immediately struck by his absolutely stunning over-sized scarves, and I remember my Twitter timeline being full of equally impressed people. And there was also a bit of real-life interest, as it turns out that Professor Weston works for Cardiff University like me, and also lives in the same village. As I find Richard's combination of careers really intriguing, I asked him if he would be willing to answer some question for my blog. I was delighted when he agreed. Almost, if not more than when I finally got to purchase one of his scarves a few weeks ago!

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The ‘Independent on Sunday’ described you as a “hot new British designer”, how would you describe yourself in four words?

In love with nature.

Please tell us more about yourself.

I'm a Professor of Architecture at Cardiff University, and have been teaching and writing about architecture for almost thirty years. I've also had a lifelong fascination with form and pattern in nature, and as a first-year student was introduced to books by Gyorgy Kepes that explored a 'language of vision' common to nature, art and design. They left a lasting mark.

What sparked your passion for mineral and rocks?

The visual fascination of their structure, patterns and colours, and their inexhaustible variety. The crystalline forms are rather obviously ‘architectural’, while to anyone sensitive to colour, the ‘molecular’ gradations and dramatic contrasts of colour are a delight.

What inspired you to turn your interest in minerals and rocks into a business?

A friend mentioned that the high-resolution files I got using digital scanners could be printed on fashion and interior fabrics.  The potential was immediately obvious to me – if not to people ‘in the trade' – and the break came over six years after I started collecting these images, with Liberty’s ‘Open Call’ for new products. I attended an event in February 2010 that was filmed as part of what became the BBC2 series ‘Britain’s Next Big Thing'. It was as good a launch as you could wish for.  

How would you describe your pieces for anyone who hasn’t seen them?

In a sense there isn’t a ‘typical’ example because the geological sources are so various, but equally they are instantly recognisable as ‘natural’ rather than conventionally ‘designed’. Most are characterised by extremely subtle gradations, as well as striking contrasts of colour, making them perfect for digital printing. Many have unexpected shifts in pattern and seemingly random ‘events’; and in some the system of order – such as banding – is obvious, while in others it’s elusive to pin down, but always present and somehow ‘sensed’. In a deep way I believe these things are ‘made like us’ and we feel at ease with them in the same way as we feel at ease on a beach with the sound of the waves.

Image: www.net-a-porter.com

What is the process involved in creating your scarves?

The minerals are scanned using either reflected or transmitted light and I then look to frame a ‘design’. Depending on the material it may then take a few minutes or sometimes hours to digitally ‘clean’ the selected area – many come with microscopic traces of polishing powder and it’s impossible to eliminate dust etc. The digital files are then sent to our printers in Como where they are printed, steamed, washed in a succession of chemical baths and dried; they then send them to a finishing factory who ‘stenter’ them in a machine longer than a cricket pitch – this straightens out the weave, restoring the satin sheen and ensures they are square. The finished fabric then goes to a quality control factory who check for blemishes, and finally they are cut and the edges sewn. Quite a lot of operations to produce a square of silk!

      You have taken thousands of images of minerals and rocks, but do you have a particular favourite?

      Yes, it’s one I call ‘wild quartz’ that comes from an unusual form of this ubiquitous mineral called ‘elestial’ quartz. It grows in cracks in rocks rather than as the familiar crystals and was leant to me by Debbie Campbell, who owns the Debris jewellery shop in Pontcanna, Cardiff, with the words "it looks rather dirty but there’s obviously something going on and you might get something out of it" – and how! It’s tiny, but absolutely teems with ‘events’, random splashes of colour from ‘inclusions’ of other minerals, and everywhere there are traces of the underlying crystal structure.

Do you consider Weston Earth Images as a natural progression, related to your career in architecture, or as a totally separate thing?

To me ‘architecture’ in its widest sense is about a love of order – hence we speak about the ‘architecture’ of the universe, matter or whatever. And so for me there is a deep connection between what to other people may appear totally different fields. I’m not interested in fashion per se, but in beautiful, well-made things – be they scarves or buildings.

       What has been the highlight of the last year?

     It has to be the broadcast of ‘Britain’s Next Big Thing’ – and the amazing range of responses it brought from people who share my passion for these glimpses into the deep order of nature.

       I love the image of you in the pink scarf that ‘The Independent on Sunday’ and ‘Vogue.com’ used. Do you wear your pieces in real life?

      I have always been a ‘tie man’ and the source of that image, bloodstone (slightly naughtily, the colours have been ‘inverted’ to complementaries in Photoshop), was used to make one of my favourite ties. I have a suit jacket lined with the same image and will certainly be wearing the men’s cashmere scarves we’ll be launching in 2012.

Image: www.vogue.co.uk

     Looking back at the development of Weston Earth Images, is there anything that you would have done differently?

     I don’t think there is. I suspect most people would have been more pushy in trying to find commercial outlets for what, in retrospect, seems such a ‘no brainer’ of a product – but it didn’t start out with any commercial end  in mind, so I wasn’t that bothered. And without the delay there wouldn’t have been Liberty, BBC2, Net-a-Porter and publicity money couldn’t buy – if not yet, sadly, profits to live on let alone die for!

     What advice would you give to people who are looking to start their own fashion business?

      Be prepared for a long hard haul – even when you have ‘broken through’ it seems fiendishly hard to make a living. Some people get a break early by being ‘spotted’ at their degree show, but mostly it looks to me like a crazy world in which very few make it.

      What motivates you?

 A relentless search for doing something new and a desire to make things in tune with the timeless order of nature. I hope that doesn’t sound pretentious, but it’s the abiding passion of my life, even if most of what I’ve done day to day to make a living, to meet the demands of the Research Excellent Framework etc feels peripheral to it.

      If you could see your work anywhere, where would it be?   

       I have been repeatedly told by the guardians of galleries that these images are not ‘art’ – and, even worse, dangerous because people ‘might mistake them for art’ (I quote!). But if photography can be an art form, I don’t see why the digital scanner can’t be. In the nineteenth century photography was christened ‘the pencil of nature’ and these images seem to me to stand squarely in that tradition. So a decent art gallery would do nicely!

     What’s in the pipeline for Weston Earth Images in 2012?

      We’ll be launching silk tops in another very well known London store, men’s scarves, and a host of non-fashion products as part of the expansion of a major fashion website – beach towels, cushions, iPad covers… And four of our images, 2-storeys high in glass, will be greeting athletes in their apartments at the London Olympics. Personally, I hope to find more uses for them in architecture, along the lines of the silk-in-glass louvers for the new house in Camden by the architects Patel Taylor.

Top Tip?

        Trust your eye.