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.
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
The wedding season seems to be fast approaching and with a record number of weddings to attend this year I have been trawling through the internet in search of dresses, hats, shoes, you name it I was a girl in need of inspiration. But what I discovered was there are so many wonderful pieces out there I thought given I have put in all the leg work I should share my finds with you.
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Paula Bianco ‘Romantic Embellishment’ Blush Pink Satin Wrapped Crystal Detailing Papillon Hair Bow.
- Max Mara silk chiffon dress from is so delicate and right on trend for this summers soft neutral tones.
- Teamed with the Christian Louboutin sequin clutch makes for a very feminine look.
- Rag & Bone contrast strap cocktail dress from Matches.
Alexander McQueen, snakeskin peep-toe pumps.
- Eugenia Kim Panama Fedora.
Tiered Cream Kersey Crop Jacket from Top Shop.
Belle by Sigerson Morrison are a much needed alternative from my traditional French Sole ballet pumps.
- Delicate silk scarf necklace from Anthropologie.
Vivienne Westwood Table Cloth
It was with great pleasure I accepted an invitation from Charles Finch to attend last months ICA Gala Dinner at Koko in Camden. As a patron of the ICA I am delighted the evening raised over £200,000 .Dinner passed by so quickly as I was in deep conversation with Vivienne Westwood and Tracey Emin about the state of British craft & fashion. My delight continued as I was successful in my bid for a Vivienne Westwood table cloth which uses a print from her 2006 GOLD LABEL. It is currently being framed and I look forward to hanging it in our fabulous new retail store opening in Mayfair in Autumn 2010.
Kevin Baker
This post was written by Kevin Baker, CEO and founder of Thomas Lyte
This week Clem and I decided to make the most of the British summer sun and got out on the market to see what baggage the men of London are carrying. I cannot help but think Vivienne Westwood whoosing past on her bike at the start of the excursion was an omen for the interesting finds to come….
We happily discovered that increasing amounts of men are removing the straps and carrying their bags by hand, good men!- it makes a refreshing change and is infinitely more confidently appealing than the old faithful canvas messenger or, even worse, the sports rucksack.
We met some inspirational people, got some fabulous shots of great pieces, a slight tan and excellent research for the new man bag! A great day all in- sun, and men of London, please keep shining!
Thomas Lyte are delighted to announce that we have worked with Conde Nast Traveller on this years Design & Innovation Awards 2010. This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and recognize great design. The awards have been designed in our London studio and we look forward to seeing them lifted on 10th May at the Chancery Lane Court Hotel.
My husband and I spent a long weekend in Paris and much to our disappointment the sun didn’t shine and the birds didn’t sing, so what does one do when you cannot promenade along the Seine, you hide in the many museums Paris has on offer. Our feet pounded the many rooms in the Louvre and the Musee d’orsay and inspired we went on to take in Lucian Freud at the Pompidou and Yves Saint Laurent in the Petit Palasis. And, as is always the case for Paris, not only do you get to see some great art, but it is also exhibited in some great buildings, oozing history and tradition.
Lucien Freud: L’Atelier (the studio) is as Jonathan Jones wrote in the Guardian, not a chronological retrospective but much more poignant, it is an examination of Freud the master at work. From the striking banners that lavish the exterior shafts and girders to the beautifully hung paintings in this spacious contemporary space the viewers feels as though they are part of Paris celebrating a living master. It felt like we were being exposed to the painters inner sole, as we progressed through the gallery we kept asking ourselves, whilst there is no doubt of his painterly ability, can we love his oversized challenging nudes? And the answer can only be categorically, yes. The textual beauty of the densely worked and scraped surface draws attention to itself as just that – painting as material presence.. Or as the master says, ‘I want paint to work as flesh. As far as I am concerned the paint is the person’.
The display is divided into four themed rooms – Interior/Exterior (workshop interiors/countryside and townscapes), Reflection (self portraits), Reprisals (Freud’s re-interpretations of the Masters) and As Flesh (portraiture). It is the last room which I was overwhelmed by. These powerful yet enigmatic paintings of key models I took to be Freud’s own history paintings.
This is without doubt a city in love with our great master. And I have to confess I am too.
The 3rd Anniversary gift is traditionally leather. Leather is known for its durability, strength, longevity and flexibility, all qualities that you strive for in your marriage. Who doesn’t like leather? It’s sturdy, luxurious and not to mention it smells amazing! Good quality leather also lasts for years to come so you can splash out on an investment piece.
- Something to buy together – Tailor Made Bespoke Leather Furniture
English company, Distinctive Chesterfields, offer a bespoke manufacturing and customised furniture service. You can rest assured that your new furniture piece will be hand built by their highly skilled, British craftsmen to Crib 5 standards (suitable for both domestic and commercial environments), ensuring that they are of the highest quality.
Bespoke Leather Sofa
- For Him – Bremont Limited Edition EP120 Watch with Leather Strap
The watch is limited to 120 pieces only, all hand-crafted using exceptional amounts of skill, timeand effort to include original parts of the Spitfire EP120 saved during restoration. These Spitfire parts form thechronograph dial on the front of the watch, and also the rotor on the reverse of the watch that can be seen through its sapphire back. This is truly an investment piece.
Bremont Ltd Edition EP120 Watch - Front
Bremont Ltd Edition EP120 Watch - Back
Vintage Boucheron Ladies 18ct Gold Watch
- For Her – Alexander McQueen Leather Peep Toe Pumps
Alexander McQueen’s brown leather peep toe pumps with gold-tone signature skull are a luxurious footwear choice. Pay homage to one of England’s finest designers by investing in one of his fabulous pieces, she’ll love you for it!
Leather Peep Toe Pumps - Alexander McQueen
• For a Matching Couple- Invest in a piece of luxury and begin a life long love affair with your leather coats.
Burberry Leather Aviator Jacket
Burberry Double Breasted Shearling Coat
- For Him or for Her – Woodvale Weekender Leather Bag by Thomas Lyte
Whisk your beloved on a romantic weekend away, with the Leather Weekender Holdall from Thomas Lyte. Handcrafted in the finest vegetable tanned Breuninger Grained Leather, it is lined with luxury silk. A distinctive zipped flap provides practical and stylish access to an interior which features a large zipped pocket.
Woodvale Leather Weekender Bag by Thomas Lyte
- For Him – Monogrammed Leather Wallet by Thomas Lyte
A man’s wallet is an essential part of his every day life. Because of its constant use, it is imperative that the product be well constructed and of excellent quality. Each Thomas Lyte leather wallet is hand made using the finest selected skins. All pockets are fully lined in luxury silk and the turned edges are hand inked, paying exceptional attention to detail. To make this essential leather item even more personal why not have it monogrammed with your husbands initials?
Men's Leather Billfold Wallet by Thomas Lyte
- For Her – Patent Leather Henshaw Tote and Zip Around Purse by Thomas Lyte
No doubt after 3 years of marriage, you will have noticed your wife’s penchant for expensive leather handbags. Instead of feigning slight interest at her latest addition to her wardrobe, why not compliment her collection with an indulgent tote bag. Not quite a hand bag this far more practical accessory, which is lined in luxury waterproof silk, can be used for everything from Shopping to paperwork or as a holiday pool or beach bag.
Black Patent Leather Henshaw Tote by Thomas Lyte
Black Patent Zip Around Wallet by Thomas Lyte
Last winter I bought a granddad cardi. I found it squashed under piles of junk at the back of my favorite vintage shop in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. It was just as the trend began to start (and let’s face it, it never really flooded the market in quite the way it was predicted to). Non-deterred mine was dark blue, thick proper wool, (the itchy kind) with brown leather buttons and compacted areas of matted wear – I loved it!
I’m not sure if I’ve just noticed due to the recent re-discovery of ‘Big Blue’ (who had sneaked his way into a flatmate’s wardrobe) or if it is in fact an ‘underground trend’ but I have noticed increasing numbers of people knitting on the tube. I don’t think they’re doing it because they read the BBC article “Knitting ‘can delay’ memory loss”, and if they did I certainly hope that they have better things to do than sit at home and play computer games (no offense if that’s what you do do but at least you will remember this moment we have shared and seemingly I won’t!).
I think it’s more the fact that knitting is becoming more acceptable to the younger generations, those living in a fast paced world where watching a TV and going out to get drunk and squander men just simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Young up and coming women feeling the need to move forward with their lives constantly, feeling the need to do something productive like make, sculpt and craft, the satisfaction to turn your tube journey into a productive time. It’s not a bad plan actually, hats (knitted of course) off to them.
You may think it’s strange that the clocks have turned back, summer is ‘officially’ here and yet the knitting is out- not so. Knitting is cool. It is I swear! Even in small details for the spring and onto summer evenings too- try J-gloves from Lily Cole’s North Circular brand which look great with a ¾ sleeve leather jacket.
J Gloves
Now check this out- THIS is the ultimate cool: Patrick Frey’s ‘Gregor Calendar’. If anyone wants to get me a present this is it please!
Gregor Knitted Calendar
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