We’re delighted to kick off our new Studio Insights series with a spotlight on our talented friend, knitwear designer ALEX GORE‑BROWNE.
Alex cut her teeth in the world of fashion at Central St Martins alongside peers Jonathan Saunders and Roksanda Ilincic. On graduating with a First Class Honours, she launched her own label that fast became known for its truly fresh take on knitwear. She has also designed for some of the most revered names in the fashion industry, from Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton to Nina Ricci. In recent years, she’s made waves with her hand‑crafted touches and personalisation service.
Her collections include jumpers with delightful chain‑stitched details such as Peter Pan collars or shoe‑lace bows, and completely joyful accessories – a Pierrot ruffle or a knitted rosette – to dress up any outfit. But her playful nature and innate sense of style extend well beyond her studio. Here we take a peek inside her home for a lesson in how to take life a little less seriously…..
Alex’s Cotswold home studio, above, where she designs and creates samples herself before the final pieces are made up in family‑run Italian factories. Her bespoke service allows you to add initials and other details, lovingly hand‑stitched by Alex.
Playful Juxtaposition
Comfort and a sense of fun are key to Alex’s way of decorating and her sitting room, above, speaks volumes about her character – candy stripe curtains and soft pink walls, deep sofas with sumptuous cushions and a swing hanging from the ceiling. ‘When I was 7 I went to my Godmother’s house in London and she had a swing hanging from the ceiling and I’ve just never forgotten it’. After much searching, she found this beauty on Etsy. ‘I love the thick twisted rope and tassels trailing on the floor’. The last detail to add to the room was the pink grosgrain ribbon from VV Rouleaux, which she attached with double‑sided sticky tape beneath the cornicing. “It was a bit of a risk, but I think it really helps bring the space together”.
Circus Inspiration
“I can definitely thank Giffords for that” says Alex of the circus influence you see in both her knitwear and interiors, referencing the traditional English circus founded by the late Nell Gifford that tours the Cotswolds each summer. ‘The more muted colours of the vintage circus are so wonderful and inspiring’. Stars and Stripes are a recurring theme. We adore how she’s used our All Star wallpaper in the spare room (above left) and created a magical ‘tented’ playroom painting stripes on the ceiling.
Sourcing Vintage
Alex’s eye for detail and knack for sourcing the unusual is clearly evident. Top tip for Antiques Market shopping? ‘The key is having a direction, knowing what it is you’re searching for. And when you find it, you’ve got to have that “I can’t leave without it” gut reaction, otherwise it’s simply not worth it.’ We love her pink downstairs loo adorned in artworks collected over the years. The ornate gilt carving was a gift from her grand‑father. ‘He was a painter, so creative, a real inspiration to me’.
It goes without saying, we approve of her taste in wallpaper! A beautiful cloakroom, above, houses her collection of antique mirrors set against the backdrop of our ‘This Other Eden’ wallpaper. The Moroccan lamp casts the prettiest light on the vintage gold paper and glass. And finally, our Tabitha Webb X Barneby Gates ‘Lips’ design creates a cheerful bathroom for her teenage daughter.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this first in our series, sharing a little sneak behind the scenes with our favourite creatives. We’re looking forward to the next one but in the meantime – happy December!
Love Vanessa & Alice x
