Brace yourself for an overload of adorability: our first themed sale is KIDS, and we couldn’t be more excited. The Bamarang team is mostly made up of commitment-shy twenty-somethings, but there are a couple sage mums in the room with a great eye for children’s design. After all, why wait to introduce your children to excellent design? They’ve got baby neurons firing at light speed as they learn about the world around them, and we think they should be surrounded by beauty, comfort, and great ideas.
This curated selection of brands will prepare you for everything from baby shower to Primary School. Leading toy maker Trousselier makes adorable fleece bunnies, mobiles and dolls to keep babies engaged & happy, and your little one will be soothed into magical dreams with beautiful Le Petit Prince music boxes. For the older tumbling tots, French icon Vilac creates exquisitely crafted toys, from cars to airplanes to guitars. As your child gets more adventurous, so will their games! To top it all off, we’ve found the perfect clothes for playtime, lunch at Granny’s house or a day at the beach in Juliet & the Band.
Stop by Bamarang this evening to find everything you need to surprise the bundle of joy in your life. We think you’ll be rewarded by great, big, toothless smiles!
Here at Bamarang, we take our love for you guys pretty seriously. Over the past few months we’ve had Tweets, emails and even a box of chocolates showing love for what we do – searching for great design in everyday life, at incredible prices. So after 5 months of continued support, we decided it was about time to give something back.
For one week only, we’re offering you a £20 bonus for every friend that you invite to our site as well as £10 toward each new member’s first purchase! But that’s not all. The three members who successfully invite the most friends will receive a supremely awesome BIG JAMBOX wireless speaker, worth over £250, absolutely free. BOOM, right? Yeah, we’re pretty excited too. Just think of all the wireless fun you could be having this summer watching movies in the park or having impromptu parties on the beach with the beautiful crisp sound of this portable sound system.
So, good luck. And in the words of Technotronic, PUMP UP THE JAM, PUMP IT UP…
Formation Collection is the super-stylish souvenir design house, headed up by Maria Holmer Dahlgren. To celebrate her launch on Bamarang, we chatted to her in true 21st century style from London while she worked away in her Swedish cottage.
Tell us about your background. I have always worked with design concepts as an art director. I co-founded Ordning & Reda and also Bookbinders Design so in 2005 I felt confident enough to start my own mission! I wanted to design modern souvenirs with form and function for commuters. I really spotted a gap in the market for something high quality made in the country of origin so decided this was my calling.
What three words best sums up good design. Form. Function. Timeless.
If you manage to get any, what do you do in your spare time? Travelling. It’s wonderful to see different people and new places. It’s a wonderful planet we live in and I want to see it all. I do feel very lucky though, as our little country house in the Archipiligo is my favourite place to be creative.
You’ve done so many incredible things in your career, can you pin down your top achievement? My two fantastic daughters! Today they are 18 and 19 years old, and they are absolute the best!
Most inspirational place? I love big metropoles. London, Paris and New York all feature in my work a lot and that’s because they’re all melting pots of people and style. I love to study details.
What are your plans for the future? There’s always room to travel more!
Fast Favourite Five Favourite Artist: Picasso, both his work and lifestyle Favourite Food: Healthy slowfood and rawfood Favourite Album: Puccini “ La Boheme” Favourite City: Stockholm of course Favourite Book: My Gardenbook that tells me how to create paradis outdoor
The Ruka-Ruka range, launching this morning on Bamarang.co.uk, is as playful as it is delightful. The fresh, simplistic approach to printing gives images a childlike quality and with super bright hues (and today’s final peak of sunshine) we’re really in the mood for summer! Sinead, owner of the quaint family run print shop tells us about 4 of her favourite prints on Bamarang here NOW!
“This alphabet print was inspired by the mother of all comfort blankets - a beautiful old patchwork quilt my mum used to wrap me up in when I was feeling poorly. Many a rainy afternoon was whiled away studying the pretty prints or searching for favourites. We’ve tried to capture the texture and feel of cloth using close up photographs of vintage fabrics to create a home-spun patchwork effect alphabet.”
“A bright red double decker bus, a black cab, red phone and post boxes, shining sun and birds in the sky. Isn’t London wonderful? We’ve used a palette of transparent primary colour to create this nostalgic print which gives sweet retro nod to the capital.”
“Inspired by one of our favourite childhood books, this print will add a splash of juicy colour to any wild thing’s room. Overlapping shades of blue, green, lilac, yellow, pink and orange lend a playful feel to this text which was hand rendered before being traced digitally.”
“Beautiful brownstones, yellow cabs, walk/don’t walk - I want to be a part of it…Rich transparent hues overlap and take a walk around the block in this graphic NYC street scene.”
Alice Tait is a British illustrator who has worked with the likes of Vogue, Penguin and Waitrose. Naturally, we had to have her on Bamarang. We decided to catch up with Alice and ask her some curious questions…
How did you get into this design career?
When I was a little girl I was a big ;Famous Five’ reader and I would imagine doing all my own illustrations. There was never a question of me doing anything else! It’s both exciting and satisfying to see good design being used, lately there has been a boom in illustration so there is much more about.
What is your favourite thing to draw?
Naughty animals!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love doing a drawing just for me, switching off the outside world and being absorbed in the moment. Sometimes when I am really busy or fed up with a brief, I imagine how chuffed my 20 year old self would be to walk into my lovely sunny studio and do illustration for a living.
What do your customers respond best to?
All the maps have sold so well. I think people get excited to see a city they love brought to life.
What place in the world inspires you most and why?
I am often drawn to the water’s edge - The Weir in Bath, Ramsgate Harbour, The Greek Islands…
What are your plans for the future?
I am turning my attention to travel illustration, and drawing for pleasure much more. I have committed to a drawing a day for a year, which will be posted on my blog: AliceTaitBlog.tumblr.com.
Fast Favourite Five
Favourite Artist: Toulouse-Lautrec
Favourite Food: Prawn dumplings
Favourite Album: Beatles White Album
Favourite City: New York Favourite Book: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
As great lovers of art, we’re always happy to introduce new artists to Bamarang. Independent artist Michael Tompsett a.k.a. artPause, creates innovative map designs for a design conscious generation. Why do we love his work? Simple. It’s bright, fun and totally edgy. We spoke to the man himself about his life and passion.
How did you get into this design career?
By accident, though I like to think maybe it was meant to be. Art was my favourite subject at school, but it wasn’t considered the best option in terms of a future career, so unfortunately I didn’t continue with the subject. Whilst at University, studying a non-art degree, I become involved with the student union. I was quite handy with computers and this was the early days of desktop publishing. Someone asked me If I could do a poster for some event. I said ‘Yes’ and things just took off from there. I had re-discovered the enjoyment that came from being creative and it felt like being back in art classes at school.
What does good design mean to you?
For me, good design tends to fall into two categories. It can be something which is striking, which makes you stop and go ‘Wow!’, marveling at the imagination behind it. Conversely, when it comes to something like industrial design can be simple, clean and functional. This reminds me of when I bought my car a few years ago. I had a look at quite a few different brands but there was one which made me smile when I sat in it. Everything was right about about it and it was clear that a lot of thought had been put into the design.
Where do you most like to create?
For inspiration I don’t have any method or particular place where I sit and think. Things tend to pop into my head at the most unexpected times: whilst driving, doing the shopping or generally when I don’t have a pen and paper handy! I also tend to juggle ideas over in my mind when I’m going to sleep, hoping I can still remember in the morning.
What does your average day look like?
The only thing that tends to be constant every day is sorting out and dealing with orders. After that it is a bit more varied. I can be working on custom projects for clients, or producing new work myself. I have a great long list of ideas, which seems to grow faster than I can work through it.
How do you like to spend your free time?
That’s difficult. I enjoy working on new ideas so much that in a way that feels like spare time to me. Away from the creative work I love good films, reading, discovering new music and going to the market.
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
Getting to the point where I could leave my job and open my own company selling my artwork.
What do your customers respond best to?
I think the best response is from those who I do custom work for. It may just be altering the colours of an existing piece of work so it matches their living room, but for them that’s very important and it’s great to hear that in their feedback.
Check out our range of artPause prints at Bamarang.co.uk now!
Fast Favourite Five
Favourite Artist: Ever changing, but at the moment two cartography artists, Matthew Cusick and Lee Jang Sub
Favourite Food: Dark Chocolate
Favourite Album: My own compilation of all-time favourites
Favourite City: London
Favourite Book: Any early Tom Sharpe, some of the few books I could never read on the tube because I would just start laughing out loud.
Owned and run by David Samuel, RareKind started life 12 years ago as the UK’s first ever Graffiti Art Gallery. We launched an exclusive range of prints on Bamarang this week, so decided to head over to Dalston’s Print Club London to chat with David about how he got into the art world.
How did you get into this design career?
I kind of stumbled across art by painting the streets of London when I was about 14 or 15. It was my roots in graffiti during the mid-90s that led to me opening the first graffiti-only art gallery in the UK in 2003. This led to all types of paintings and projects, meeting a wide range of interesting and talented street artists. I decided to close the gallery in 2009 and set up the illustration agency. I now project manage, curate and print for my artists and myself.
How has your style changed?
I had my son at 20 years old and I knew that something had to change. Forget about the ego, you’ve got a kid to look after! It was all about graffiti for me at that time. I started printing for people in the Print Club in Dalston a few years ago and that’s changed by design work completely now. The guys at the Print Club have opened my eyes to so many different artists. Their gallery shows so many beautiful pieces. If I feel I need to find some inspiration, I don’t go to my own community. I like to step outside a bit and visit the Tate to see Rothko or the National Gallery to see some Tudor paintings. I find that more stimulating. I’m never going to create work like that but it’s looking at things you don’t do that pushes me further.
What do you most like to create?
I find it quite difficult to stick to one thing, I’m quite skatty. The only thing that has stayed consistent is the graffiti style I think. I don’t know if it’s because I was never taught to keep my mind to one thing, as I left school when I was 15. I love doing massive wall paintings & screen prints. It’s the large projects which really excite me. Going to a wall with 30 or 40 cans of spray, with no plan, just freestyling is amazing. You have 6 hours to create something on a huge space and it’s up to you to make something great. At the moment, I’m working with a trainer company and they’ve come to me with a story but I can a lot of creative input to make something
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
Opening the gallery aged 23 with a loan from the Princes Trust. In 2003 there was nothing for grafiti writers to sell their work and I thought ‘this is what I need to do’. I feel proud that I was one of the first to bring this work forward. I’ve project managed loads of artists since and managed to help so many people build a name for themselves. I’m really pleased with that.
What city in the world inspires you most?
London. The energy pushes you, the people push you, you ain’t got time to slow down. You’ve got to keep moving. I love London to bits. I actually opened that gallery at first in Brighton but I can’t see myself working anywhere else now. The speed in the city, the egos in the city, the number of people – these things have all pushed me to improve. Growing up on an estate you go to school with hundreds of kids who are all trying to be heard. I always wanted to have a voice – that need to let people know what I’m capable of. The city does it to me. There’s so much going on.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve had the Rarekind London illustration agency set up for 2 years now. We’ve done some excellent work which I’m really proud of. I was approached by someone who’s interested in setting up an arm of the agency in Manchester. We’re working together to set up RKManchester now which is launching in June . I’ve opened my books a bit more and taking on more artists from across the UK. The guys who’s on-board now is so talented. It was hard giving someone else the responsibility to continue the Rarekind name but I have such faith in him.
Fast Favourite Five
Favourite Artist: Jamie Brown
Favourite Food: Anything my lady cooks
Favourite Album: Anything Taskforce related
Favourite City: London
Favourite Book: Down and out in Paris and London - George Orwell
This week sees the launch of Jaguar Shoes Collective on Bamarang. The East Londoners have been leading the way in creative design for a decade now, so we thought it about time to sit down and discuss what 10 years can do in the life of an art collective.
How did Jaguar Shoes Collective begin life?
It started primarily through Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes, which is the bar and exhibition space in Shoreditch. Over the course of a decade we’ve exhibited hundreds of artists, and about 3 years ago we put together an exhibition where we created products with the artists. It’s grown from there and now we release a wide range of products, both as Jaguar Shoes Collective and in collaboration with our artists.
How did you come up with that name?
It was derived from the old shop front signage. Throughout the 1970s, 80s & 90s Shoreditch wasn’t full of bars, it was full of shoe and bag wholesalers. There wasn’t a unit of Kingsland Road which wasn’t a bag or shoe shop. Jaguar Shoes is one of the last remaining store fronts. When we took it on, it seemed a horrible shame to take down the exterior so we just developed the inside and kept the outside as a tribute to the history.
What do you think about the development in Shoreditch over the past 10 years?
The change in the area has been amazing. There may be some people saying its not as good as it used to be, but I disagree. The positives far out-way the negatives and part of our mandate when we started was to encourage others in the creative scene. There’s always room for more canvas space, more platforms for artists so I’m glad it’s exploded in the way it has. The gentrification of the area has obviously resulted in a massive change in aesthetics, but overall I think we’ve been really lucky in that Shoreditch has remained the epicentre for creative industries. We’re proud to be part of the genesis of all that.
Whats your favourite part of being in Jaguar Shoes Collective?
Working with all the artists and seeing how their careers flourish. We predominantly work with people who haven’t shown before and the idea is to give them a platform to step to the next level. A number of those artists are now quite high profile, like Chrissie Abbott and Marcus Oakley. These people started off as burgeoning artists when we met them and are now Internationally renowned.
Where else in the world would you like to reach?
When we launched our website it was interesting to see how global our fanbase is. We sell to Japan, Europe, Australia, America. Berlin really was a big inspiration when we started, so I’d love to take one of the launches there. A lot of our artists have a big following in Japan, so to go there would be interesting – it’s so culturally different to the UK so it’d be a real adventure. We’ve also received a lot of supportive press in Australia and their art scene is exploding right now, so it’s be cool to travel there.
How have you grown since you began?
It was a little too organic at first and snowballed really quickly beyond our control. We’ve been conscious in more recent years to rein it in and make the process more manageable. It’s taken quite a few years to get to the point where we felt we should take the brand in new directions: our store, our publications, our products. The same energy is here, but we’re a little more considered now.
Are you still excited by London after a decade?
London has an energy that is pretty unique to London. I don’t think it’s anywhere else in the world. There are so many different people here that come from all over the world, meaning you can draw from so many varied cultures and experiences. It’s a hard place to live in, very challenging and that pushes people to be better, work more productively and push forward. There’s a reason why london is renowned for it’s edge and creativity as there are thousands of people who move here to enter creative industries. As a result you get the cream of the crop. I think you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the planet which has such creative resonance.
This week we sat down with Magda, woman of the world and Bamarang Design Scout. Having lives in 8 different countries and studied Urban Tissue in Copenhagen (we still don’t quite get what that means but it sounds clever!), she’s brings International inspiration to the team.
Here she talks about being a boring child and her love of the full English breakfast.
How did you become interested in design?
I was a really boring child. I used to only sit and read, which gave me a really vivid imagination. With time I think you develop and I didn’t have a clue about design until I studied in Copenhagen. It’s known as a city of design for good reason – everything is created beautifully, but it was the buildings and the relationship that people of the city have with the infrastructure which really got me thinking. Great design has to be visionary and it should mean ‘improving people’s lives’.
What did you study in Copenhagen?
My background is in philosophy and urban design. I did a lot of work on ‘Urban Tissue’, which is the concept that a city organism – the people, the food we eat, the places we live and work. For me, it’s all about mixing urban lifestyle with conceptual design.
What do you like most about being a Design Scout?
As I’m interested in urban lifestyle, the things I’m looking for as a design scout at Bamarang are usually events or small pop-ups. Living in a city like London there are so many exciting, cool events going on across the city constantly. The real hard part is hearing about them, then making the time to select the best of the best. I think this is where I come in.
What’s your favourite item to feature on Bamarang so far?
I’m going to break the rules a little as there are two I can’t decide between. They’re both launching next week, I’m so excited about them. We’re selling exclusive tickets to two food events: Wild Food Kitchen and Blanch & Shock. Keep your eyes peeled for a limited time offer over the next few days on Bamarang.
What do you get up to at the weekend?
It’s a different planet at the weekend! One always present, quite necessary element is a full English breakfast. I’m not British but have fully integrated that tradition into my life. The rest varies so much from places I go, to people I see. It’s funny because Dazed & Confused magazine recently had an issue on East London with the title ‘Is East London Dead?’. I was considering this and came to the conclusion that my weekends prove that East London is doing ok.
Why did you move to London?
London is a real challenge and it was one that I felt ready to take on. This city is difficult and exhillirating. It pushes you in ways no other can. I think in London there are places suitable for every part of your life, whatever moment you want to create.
How would friends describe you?
I think they’d use three words: Glasses, Colour and Philosophy.
We’re super excited about launching Baggu on Bamarang. Ever since spotting the bags on The Sartorialist, we’ve been obsessed…thank you Scott Schuman for the photo, and the inspiration.
Westminster BA graduateTamzin Lillywhite caught our attention back in 2010, with her striking graduate collection of dreamy cuts and quirky leatherwork. Since then, she’s gone from strength to strength, starting her own label and releasing a line of highly crafted accessories in leather and metal. Now that Tamzin’s part of the Bamarang family this week, we decided to ask her a few questions and put it in a little interview. Here’s what we found out…
You work with leather a lot, how did you begin with this?
I have always loved working with leather and it all started early on in my education when going to college. It wasn’t until my final collection at University, when I worked along side a traditional saddler, that I created with leather more intensely. It was this experience that made me realise I could turn my skill into a career. I originally just made a few accessories for myself and friends, and it all started from there. It was an incredibly organic experience.
Your aesthetic is a mix of feminine and masculine. How this style develop?
I don’t really think it developed as such, it’s just the way I have always loved to design. Starting with this core, I’ve developed it further in a truly natural way. Something I always bare in mind is the end results, who is wearing my piece and how do I want her to feel? I like to design for women that have a very powerful image.
What does good design mean to you?
Timeless design. I always try to design my accessories to fit into any season.
Are there any items that you enjoy creating most?
Definitely the handbags and couture pieces. They’re the most intricate and so take more consideration than smaller items. With there, I also feel I’ve got more freedom and the options are almost limitless.
Who inspires you most?
I’m very lucky to have worked with a lot of creative people. It’s this that keeps me constantly inspired and I plan to continue collaborating and creating alongside others. Working with traditional crafts people has actually been some of the most rewarding experiences as I love to take the new skills I learn and apply them to my accessories.
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
Starting my own business and my first big sale!
What piece in the collection your customers respond best to?
In terms of reaction, it’s certainly my couture pieces.
What place in the world inspires you most and why?
Home. I am lucky to live in a place with a lot of traditional works people and fortunately they have always been very supportive of me and help me with my ideas.
Fast Favourite Five
Favourite Artist: The illustrator Richard Grey.
Favourite Food: Italian
Favourite Album: At the moment Lana del ray and Gotye.
Favourite City: Barcelona
Favourite Book: I don’t have much time to read at the moment but I loved Girl with a Dragon Tattoo.
Ben Allen is a man with many talents. Taking from his life as an accomplished surfer and skater, he creates pieces of unequalled boldness, wit and strength. Referencing comic artwork, Japanese graphic design and street culture, he’s build quite the repertoire pushing the boundaries in British art.
We were so excited to launch Ben Allen on Bamarang that we jumped at the chance to ask Ben some questions about his life and work.
What’s the Ben Allen ethos?
To always be creative and never wanted to work for anyone else.
Your aesthetic is very bold and street – how did this style develop?
I grew up in Brighton which has tons of graffiti and street art. I’m a big fan of loud, powerful colours and pop art, so it’s an amalgamation of all those elements.
Where do you most like to create?
In my mind.
Whats your favourite part of being an artist?
That anything goes.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In an ideal set up it would be surfing, but there is both a lack of waves and sunshine in Brighton. Usually neither at the same time.
Biggest achievement to date?
My Son.
What do your customers respond best to?
Colour and sense of humour. And probably a discount if they are lucky…
What place in the world inspires you most and why?
There are too many places I have been and too many places I haven’t, to only choose one. I’d have to say two: New York and Berlin. Both are favourites for the originality, architecture, street art and food.
Fast Favourite Five
Favourite Artist: Me
Favourite Food: Shepard’s Pie
Favourite Album: Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream kills it.
Favourite City: New York
Favourite Book: ‘Survivor’ by Chuck Palahniuk
Check out Katy’s favourite print here and tweet us on @BamarangUK to tell us which one you like most!
Traveling to the Borough of Lambeth in South London to visit printmaker Barry Goodman, it was clear to see what inspires his gritty images of old London. The area is almost untouched by the gentrified hands of artisan coffee shops and designer boutiques. Instead, buildings retain an industrial tinge as the people go about their daily lives, unaware of the mania swamping Central London.
The building where Barry makes the magic happen is a former Victorian granary, with huge metal pillars and warped floor boards. “If this building was situated anywhere else in London it would have been turned into luxury apartments by now”, Barry tells me. After a quick tour of the studio, baffled by how these gigantic iron machines ended up on the 4th floor, Barry and I sat down with a cup of tea to talk about his work, the city and how he escaped the grasp of the Ad agencies.
How did you get into printing? My original intention was to be an architect. Buildings and structure, especially monolithic concrete constructions such as the Barbican, have always held a fascination for me. Even at aged 9, I was sketching imaginary cities, motorway flyovers and vehicles. However, architecture didn’t beckon and I ended up studying graphic design instead. It was actually the right move, as being such a flexible and creative arena, I’ve been able to do quite a few things in my career. Before printmaking and painting full time, I was an art director in ad agencies.
With the creative route, it’s always quite fun to see where it takes you rather than creating a ‘business plan’. My favourite part of my work is the vehicles, so I’m really pleased to have such a positive response from people with these prints. The London transport vehicles is something that really worked for me and tapped into the resurgence of Britishness that’s sweeping the country with events like the Olympics and The Diamond Jubilee.
What made you leave the agency world?
It was a long time coming. The hours are intense and it’s a very competitive arena. After a while, I realised it just wasn’t ‘me’. I knew that a change was afoot when I was briefed on a new identity and campaign for thrush cream.
Where in the world inspires you?
London. Without a doubt, London. I find it totally inspirational and a hotbed of creativity. The energy and creativity is infectious, even in the driving rain! The thing that makes London unique is the constant visual stimulation. It’s a cliché to say it, but East London really is something special with it’s creative scene. It’s where everything that’s going on – there’s been a kind of quantum shift where everything has moved over the the East side of the world. If I was to show someone a new side to London through, I think I’d take them to where we’re sitting now at Loughborough junction. It’s very real and certainly undiscovered by Londoners native to other boroughs.
What does great design mean to you?
I think great design is ingrained into society and Denmark is a good example of this. They pride themselves on excellence in design as an everyday occurrence, it’s just part of the landscape - even the bus tickets are beautiful. The Danish view is a living example of total design that can enrich peoples lives.
Where do you most like to create?
Interesting one. I can find creative inspiration practically anywhere and sometimes in the most unexpected places: stuck on the tube, in the midst of an incurable hangover. I really do get a kick out of getting my hands dirty with ink so I guess the workshop is the place that I’m most regularly inspired.
What’s your favourite theme to work with?
Definitely transport, especially retro transport. I’m best known for my prints of London buses, taxis and cars, to the point where now I’m often referred to as ‘The Bus Man’. This city has such a rich history when it comes to vehicles and many have become iconic. What represents London better than a black cab or a red double decker?
Fast Favourite Five
Favourite Artist:
Edward Hopper. The great Pop artists in general, really.
Favourite Food:
Ah! food, another one of my favourite subjects! Not having the body of a Greek God to maintain means I can fully indulge my passion. I’d say Asian food. Favourite Album: ‘Parallel Lines’ by Blondie. This was the first album I bought with my pocket money as kid and I still love it.
Favourite City:
Other than London, San Francisco. I have spent a fair amount of time there and could happily live under the California sun, although I would still need my fix of London as there’s really nowhere else like it. Favourite Book:
‘Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka
Check out the full range of exclusive Barry Goodman prints, with up to 32% off, on Bamarang here.
Mimime is the lighting brand with a difference. Spotting a huge gap in the market last year, they began a mission to revolutionise the way the British public look at light bulbs. With a range of intricate vintage inspired bulbs, they’ve made life that little bit more beautiful - it’s what we’re all about! We caught up with Hattie, founder of the brand, this week for a chat in Shoreditch - check out the interview here:
How did you come about creating the Mimime brand?
A few years ago I was actually looking for some interesting bulbs but couldn’t find anything. I’ve since discovered that they’re hugely popular in Britain but noone sells them here so it just made sense to launch some to the UK. We’re still a small business and only about 9 months old, but things are going really well.
How have the designs of filament bulbs developed?
Original light bulbs were always made with a carbon filament and a single loop. There’s only one place in America that still makes that kind so they’re near impossible to find but are really beautiful. Apparently, the Squirrel Cage bulb that we stock was apparently used in the navigation of ships back in the day because it gives an even amount of light from all angles. I love that bit of history that comes with our bulbs. Now these bulbs are mainly used for decorative purposes, especially because they’re not energy efficient so it’s a more decorative, modern take on that original bulb.
How would you recommend your bulbs be used?
I would always use with a dimmer switch as it means you can really absorb the beauty. This year we’re bringing out a 25 watt which means this can be used by itself without a dimmer. The idea is it’s not supposed to light your room.
In my house we’ve got a few over the dining table with a simple flex cord and traditional brass fixtures. I’ve also just put in some new ones with vintage lamps – they look gorgeous and I’ve seen our bulbs used with Coolicon enamel shades that are half exposed. Oh! Also this great hotel in New York has an installation of our bulbs with 16,000 lining the ceiling – now I’d love to see that in my kitchen!
How do you decide what bulbs make the Mimime cut?
The interesting thing about what we do now is there’s a limited number of variables. In terms of creative features, we only really have the option to alter the shape of the glass or the filament cut. That restriction actually makes us more creative and try to think outside the box as much as possible. We’ve just brought in a new glass bulb which is incredible, I haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s a huge glass dome with such an intricate filament inside – I’m really excited to start stocking it.
What’s your favourite design?
The quad-loop bulb is definitely my favourite in store. There’s just something really beautiful about it. You can see the differences in the filament as they’re all mounted by hand. I like to light a few beside one another you can see the intricate assortments. For me, good design has to be an even mix of functionality and aesthetic, which these bulbs does perfectly.
How is a day at Mimime spent?
Oh they’re always different. We’re still quite small so trying to build a presence and get the word out there more. We’ve had a lot of press and bloggers asking about us recently which is so rewarding. My favoruite thing to do is designing the new boxes and packaging. We try to keep it really simple, just corrugated brown cardboard with simple hand drawn sketches on the side. We’ve placed an illustration of every bulb design on the packaging so I like to come up with a clever ways of showing this in the simplest way possible.
What’s your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement is establishing ourselves within the top homeware stores in the UK. It makes me really proud to think of the cool brands and stores who want to stock us, including Bamarang.
We’ve got a range of our favourite Mimime bulbs in store this week only. Get your hands them with up to 41% off in Bamarang now here.
Colin Leslie isn’t just the coolest guy in London because of his sharp shades - his range of luxury sunglasses are also eco-friendly, made from ethically grown bamboo. There’s only one day left with 50% off in the Bamarang store, so get in fast now!
Last week, we checked out his fashion show in Covent Garden, showing that eyewear really is still on the cutting edge of accessorizing well. Check out our favourite looks from the show below.
