When I grow up I want to wear…Sophie Hulme
Known for her love of trinkets and charms, Sophie Hulme has incorporated these treasured embellishments into her collections, from dinosaurs to small leather swatches and military figurines. This quirky edge contrasts a very classic, structured handwriting which sees her small collections designed and handcrafted for longevity without too much emphasis on hitting trends or creating ‘looks.’ Her inspiration comes from practical menswear pieces and armoury which explains her preoccupation with metal detailing.
Having just graduated in 2007 from Kingston university, the British designer has achieved a lot in just 5 years and has her collection stocked at luxury outlets such as Net-A-Porter, Selfridges and Liberty.
Hulme has collaborated with ASOS and is rumoured to be following up with a third collection next season. I bought a belt from the last collection but was left feeling a bit empty when browsing some of the kitschier items. I loved the cute military inspired prints but the £100 trolley print scarf. Eh?
Other collaborations include Nike, Casio, Absolut and Globe-Trotter, bringing her signature brass hardware to vodka bottles and bespoke briefcases alike.
I love the simple, wearable aesthetic of Hulme’s style and the sturdy, quality materials which give the garments a ‘forever’ authority. My wish list includes the boxy cape winter coats and the minimal leather handbags with notable gold hardware trimming.
Her age and attitude are refreshing: Mathew Dixon, director of recruitment firm Hudson Walker, says: “Sophie is a composed individual and focused on the goals of her business. She is very professional in her business dealings and deliveries….. she possesses that very rare mix of creative passion combined with a sharp business brain.”
Amidst a sea clogged with celebrity ‘designers’ (see Chloe Green, Paris Hilton, Petra Ecclestone blah blah blah….) who no doubt rely on others to do the excel spreadsheet bits, Sophie Hulme is British designer to be reckoned with.
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