Meet the newest addition to our collection…the handmade Spitfire Curve Double Tag Keying.
Spitfire Curve Double Tag Keyring
A step up from the normal requests of engraving initials we are now offering the service of engraving pictures! Our favourite images to engrave are definitely the sweet drawings done by children.
Engraved Keyring
And if you’re feeling particularly creative we can also engrave your own small masterpieces as well as a favourite quote or a loved one’s pet name allowing you to preserve priceless mementoes. A unique gift perfect for all occasions, the lucky recipient will love your thoughtfulness!
What’s Inside?
This Autumn, Thomas Lyte opens its flagship store in the Burlington Arcade, Mayfair. Arranged over three floors the Thomas Lyte temple of luxury pays homage to English craftsmanship in leather and silver, at its finest.
Our current window campaign features the Thomas Lyte receipt envelops in an array of colours.
Whilst our shop fit is underway and to keep prying eyes at bay we decided to wrap the store in Thomas Lyte coveted leather envelopes. In the lead up to the hotly anticipated launch we are having a little fun and running a weekly competition through twitter. Each Monday we will give three clues along with a question on twitter. Followers will have until Friday to answer the question and win the prize. And as we are feeling particularly generous this season entrants have the chance of winning a stunning gift from the Thomas Lyte collection with items ranging from £75.00 – £1500.
This competition launches on Monday 19th July.
For your chance to win, log onto Thomas Lyte on twitter for daily clues, www.twitter.com/thomaslyte
The Thomas Lyte Temple of Luxury
Once inside the store, the ground floor is devoted to a stunning collection of ladies bags, modern leather accessories and lifestyle pieces. Descending to the lower ground floor you enter a matt black club room introducing you to the men’s universe. Amongst great leather tote bags, stunning leather luggage the club room presents some of the most sublime sporting silver trophies straight from the Thomas Lyte Silver workshops.
The store’s first floor will be the private client suite, accessible by appointment only. The store’s interior scheme is based on a concept of ‘heritage with a modern twist’ which reflects the strong Arts and Crafts values of Thomas Lyte. The exciting new space is navigated by following dramatic floral streams which have been extracted from the Thomas Lyte logo. Throughout the space there are subtle but quirky details to discover , like the deep buttoned leather window beds with silver stalks which hold classic silver salvers which act as ‘display trays’. Incredibly all these silver salvers are made at the Thomas Lyte Silver workshops. The store has been designed by leading edge interiors agency, ‘i-am’ associates.
Thomas Lyte 12-13 Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London
- Thomas Lyte Men’s Floor
‘When we launched Thomas Lyte in 2007, it represented the dawning of a new type of luxury, where fine craftsmanship and great workmanship have a central role in producing modern, but distinctly English, accessories. We own and manage our own workshops and the Mayfair store is a small step in challenging the preconceptions of modern English luxury. The original concepts of luxury were born out of the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement that valued products which were bespoke, individual, handmade and of exquisite quality. The consequence of this ‘craft’ philosophy being replaced with a ‘bottom-line’ philosophy has meant luxury goods companies have been big contributors to the closure of craft workshops. Therefore this new store is a physical manifestation of our defiance of this erosion in critical product values’. Kevin Baker Thomas Lyte, CEO.
“ ‘i-am’ are delighted to be working with the team at Thomas Lyte in the implementation of their first store in Burlington Arcade. From an early stage we identified with their core brand philosophy ‘English for Luxury’ and have enjoyed translating this into a rich expression in-store. We believe this will showcase the brand’s exciting new product ranges as well as their unique heritage, establishing them in their own position in the market and providing a platform to build awareness and appeal to its target customers” – Pete Champion, Project Creative Director.
Thomas Lyte had a fun few days at this years Polo in the Park. The sun shone and the sound of champagne corks popping could be heard all around.
Thomas Lyte had a stand in the luxury retail village and we were delighted to meet so many Thomas Lyte fans. We had a welcome visit from Jodie Kidd who choose the Black Kenley Sports Bag to carry around her essentials.
Jodie Kidd on the Thomas Lyte stand
Jack Kidd’s team New York won, standing triumphantly holding the Thomas Lyte Spitfire Trophy at the end of three days of competing
Team New York holding the trophy
Having put together my lust list for Sheerluxe this month I wanted to share those items which didn’t make the cut.
Given I have recently had twins girls, running around in heels is not ideal and I find my wardrobe is now full of ballet pumps, so I am always on the look out for exciting patterns or colours and I have my eye on Oscar De Le Renta’s snakeskin ballerina flats.
Oscar De Le Renta
I got married in lace so I always look for an excuse to wear it whenever I can. I love 3.1 Philip Lim’s lace shift dress, perfect to wear on my anniversary!
3.1. Philip Lim lace dress
I had a wonderful conversation last weekend with girlfriends as to what would make their lust list and my gorgeous sister-in-law Nicole, admitted that it had to be Valentino and I have to say she is right, this seasons cream embroidered mini dress is quite sensational.
Valentino
Attention to detail is a must for me and 3.1. Philip Lim is famed for detail. I love this ribbon and beaded embellished sheer cotton top.
3.1. Philip Lim
As many of you have probably realised by now I have a penchant for soft muted tones so you can imagine my delight when I came across Giorgia Scarpa’s pretty blush drawstring bag at Matches.
Giorgia Scarpa
Candles Candles Candles…. I love them and my favourite this season is Carriere Freres Industrie in Royal Lilly.
Carriere Freres Industrie
See our master Silver Smith Kevin Williams on repairing the FA Cup Trophy Here:
After watching the game and engraving the cup live at Wembley Stadium Kevin Williams was interviewed on Talksport Radio – Listen to the whole interview here
I’ve always had a strong aversion to wearing necklaces with your initial on it. I’ve always considered it a bit too twee. Today I have succumbed. In my defense it is excusable in light of the whole concept of the piece and the fact that the ‘g’ doesn’t signify an initial.
I found it at Collect at the Saatchi Gallery. I made my usual bee-line straight to one of my favourite galleries: Holland’s renowned and highly respected contemporary jewellery gallery, Galerie Marzee.
At the end of the display drawers stood a card stand- the old school wire rotating type that modern card shops have seemingly shunned but that can still be found holding postcards by any English seaside. The stand housed a variety of A5 clear plastic cards each containing a piece of architecture trace upon which was presented a single piece of jewellery. Amongst the fabulous array I found this little gem by jeweller Akiko Kurihara: a simple sterling silver pendant shaped like a ‘g’ with the significance of the piece weighing exactly 1 gram! I loved the concept so much that I thought it warranted an exception to my personal aversions and made an instant purchase. The happy-clashing colours of the yellow silk thread with the oxidised silver sit fantastically against the simple yet effective packaging to make this piece an attractive display of art in its own right!
Being a recent mother of twin girls my delight in shopping has increased even more. Much to my husbands horror I have discovered a whole new world in retail. As I mentioned in last weeks blog we have a record number of weddings to go to this year and I have to ensure my tiny tots are suitably stylish. Here are my top picks for a well dressed family.
Antionette Dress Vintage Blooms
This charming little dress has three quarter sleeves and it does up at the back with a zip.
Trotter French Style
This classic French style dress has exquisite detailing. I love the wide sash and pretty collar.
Bonpoint
Bonpoint Eshani Dress has beautifully embroided neckline with little buttons at the back.
The Catherine Malandrino cotton bow-front dress is perfect for a warm summer day in the English Countryside. I just love the beautiful feminine tiered petal embellishment. Team with some funky patent shoes and the Thomas Lyte Curtis Patent Leather Clutch Bag in Black and you will have a look that is right on trend.
Catherine Malandrino
Thomas Lyte Patent Clutch Purse
Finish off your outfit with Freyer Leaf Earrings in 24ct yellow gold.
Freyr Leaf Earrings
And to ensure I stay smelling fresh throughout the day I am never without the new Thomas Lyte Sterling Silver Test Tube Atomiser.
Test Tube Atomiser in Sterling Silver-Sian Matthews MHA
For the man if your life never underestimate the importance of detail. I would recommend the Thomas Lyte Sterling Silver collar stiffeners to make sure his collar looks sharp and neat with the Thomas Lyte round cufflink in sterling silver. For contemporary Savile Row tailoring opt for English designer Richard James. His silk ties are the perfect finish to a suit.
Thomas Lyte Collar Stiffeners Lyte Flower
Thomas Lyte Cufflinks in Black Enamel Sterling Silver
Richard James Tie
Design went back to the benches this week, a place where, as a jeweller, I feel very much at home. Working on a new contemporary range of cufflinks I felt the need to get my hands on some metal so I headed over to Thomas Lyte Silver to feed on inspiration. Rooting through the vast array of base metal sheets, rods and wires I was left to my own devices to break saw blades and gather together a range of mock-ups that could be turned into swish and shiny new cufflinks.
The boys tried to teach Mark (our engraver who’s fast becoming a skilled apprentice silversmith) and I the old hand silversmith’s way of strip feeding solder into the flame. It was much more fun than the traditional jewelers approach of snipping and precisely placing small strips of rolled solder but after a few laughable attempts (one mock up contains more easy flow solder than base metal!) I shelved the new approach and decided it’s probably best to come back to it when I’m working on significantly larger pieces -or have the time to sit and chip pools of excess solder off the heat plate!
All in all a fun yet productive day, watch this space for the results!
The 5th wedding anniversary is a key milestone in your marriage. Betrothed for half a decade, your relationship resembles an aging oak tree in that it grows stronger with each passing year yet remains flexible without breaking. Staying with tradition, the 5th anniversary symbolic gift is wood. One of the oldest materials known to man, it comes in an amazing variety of products. Steering away from the obvious, I have selected a few ‘different’ wooden gift ideas that will ensure your 5th anniversary is a stand out.
- Custom Made Wooden Vespa Scooter
This stunning hand made wooden Vespa, is the work of Portuguese Craftsman Carlos Alberto.
Custom Made Wooden Vespa Scooter
- Stella McCartney Wooden Accordian Clutch Bag
A modern take on the original 1940’s Concertina Bag, this unusual clutch sold out on Net-A-Porter in a matter of hours!
Stella McCartney Wooden Accordian Clutch Bag
- Nasomatto – Parfumes with Wooden Notes
Unique fragrances for men and woman available from £100 per 30ml can be purchased from SPACE.NK.
Nasamotto Wooden Inspired Fragrances
- Invest in a Rain Forest Plantation
This is the gift that really keeps on giving, not only are you investing in the sustainability of the rainforest and giving back to the environment, but could also see you very lucrative returns.
Ethical Investment
- Jewellery Chest in Wenge Wood
Expertly handcrafted and lined in suede, it couldn’t hurt to slip in an exquisite piece of jewellery into this luxury wooden jewellery box from Thomas Lyte.
Jewellery Chest in Wenge Wood
- Humidor in Wenge Wood
Spoil your husband with his favourite cigars encased in this luxury masterpiece from Thomas Lyte. Handcrafted in Wenge wood and lined in Cedar it comes complete with hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
Humidor in Wenge Wood
• A perfect gift to serve cheeses to your beloved during a cosy evening in front of the fire.
Wood Puzzle Serving Board
• They may just look like blocks of twigs whihc they are but they are actually big enough to be used as decorative features like a bench or coffee table.
Wood Blocks
• Bring the outside in with these beautifully carved birds. The naturally neutral colours makes it easy for you to set up home for them in any room of your house.
Wooden Birds
• Disney commissioned UK-based sculptors and a group called Morpheus Prototypes to build this wooden sculpture of Wall-E as a gift for Pixar/Disney Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter.
An impressive gift for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship as well as a bit of fun!
Wood Robot Commission
Say it with Flowers – the flower is symbolic of the blossoming partnership between husband and wife in their fourth year of marriage. Celebrate this meaningful moment with a contemporary take on the traditional floral theme… Let’s step away from cut flowers or bouquets for a minute and see what else there is to offer:
- Rose Gold and Rose Quarz
Available exclusively from Astley Clarke, this Rose Quarz set in 18ct Rose Gold ring will certainly say more than flowers..
Rose Quarz & Rose Gold Ring
- Professionally Landscaped Garden
Give your other half the ultimate gift experience of having the garden of their dreams. Professional landscapers Floral & Hardy have years of experience in this field and are also at the forefront of eco-friendly sustainable designs.
Professionally Landscaped Garden
- Flower Arranging Course
A creative partner might enjoy an artistic flower arranging course. Esteemed floristry school McQueens offers 1 day to 6 week courses starting at £290. Private lessons are also available
Creative Flower Arranging Course
- Patent Leather Clutch Purse
For a more subtle approach this stunning patent leather clutch purse from Thomas Lyte has an exuberant floral lining on the inside which promises to delight.
Leather Clutch Purse from Thomas Lyte
- Floral Silk Tie
Make a statement with a pure silk woven floral tie design from Thomas Lyte, available in more colours.
Pure Silk Woven Tie from Thomas Lyte
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