This season sees British brand Realm & Empire embark on their first journey into knitwear, using traditional designs and military influences as a starting point. British production was a key factor when producing the 3-piece collection and to make sure they got things spot on they enlisted the expertise of a prestigious family-run factory, based in Midlands, England. The collection features a shawl collar cardigan, boat neck jumper and wool hat, each available in two colours.
I first came across Realm & Empire at Jacket Required back in August, in fact they were the first brand that caught my eye at the tradeshow. Ever since then I've wanted to work with them on a project, so to conincide with their first knitwear collection we've joined up to bring you this week's giveaway!
Realm & Empire is offering Buckets & Spades readers the chance to win 1 of 2 pieces from their AW13 knitwear collection! 1st prize is the Boat Neck Knit in either Navy or Rustica (orange), 2nd prize being the Commando Hat in Black.
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Buckets + Spades - This is the first season Realm & Empire have produced a range of knitwear, how did that decision come about?
Richard Robinson - We had always planned to broaden our range and have spent more and more time in the IWM Garment Archive researching product. The 'naval' theme for AW13 seemed the perfect opportunity to bring knitwear into the collection.
B+S - The range has been produced here in Leicestershire, UK. How important is UK production to you and was it difficult to find the right manufacturer?
We have always had the drive to create, manufacture or use base fabrics from the UK and with the Leicester knitwear industry in resurgence and the rich history of military garment manufacture there, it was the obvious choice of destination. We are fortunate to have an experienced and well connected team and we are working with one premium manufacturer in the city who understands our handwriting and creates a top quality product for us. Our longer term aim is to expand our manufacturing here in the UK; currently most of our outerwear fabrics are woven here and our new luggage collection launching for Autumn 2014 will be manufactured in North West England.
British manufacturing is key in terms of our development in international and home markets, and having manufacturers who understand the brand's handwriting is an important part of the process.
B+S - What was your source of inspiration when designing the knitwear?
In true Realm &Empire form we looked a little deeper than creating the obvious. Our Boat Neck is based on a traditional functional naval garment with a wider neck opening for easy removal, especially when wet. Our Classic Shawl was designed as a perfect accompaniment to the Peacoat or 'Pijjakker' to give the neck extra protection against the elements.
B+S - Have you ever thought about working with university students and graduate designers?
We are always open to new ideas and to helping develop creative talent. As the business moves forward, opportunities will open up, so I would urge anyone interested in working with us to keep an eye on our social media and website!
B+S - Finally, what should we expect to see from Realm & Empire in the next few seasons?
Next year sees the range move forward into new categories once again. S/S14 takes inspiration from the Desert and Lawrence of Arabia for themes and content, with strong all over prints and the redevelopment of our signature overskirt. We'll be launching a photographic capsule collection from Sir Cecil Beaton, the renowned fashion photographer conscripted to catalogue the art of war, as well as a collection-defining signature 'desert floral' print taken from a cutting of wallpaper found in a trench in 1917. A/W14 sees us mark the Centenary of WWI with a collection inspired by individuals, artists and creatives who were involved, with key looks being defined by social standing and ranks of the Officer and the 'Tommy'. The Officers of 1914 were expected to behave and dress like gentlemen, and their uniforms were bespoke, handmade to fit by distinguished tailors on Savile Row in the finest of fabrics. For the Realm & Empire Officer look, our aim was to create elegant, luxurious pieces, carefully crafted with quality finishing touches and attention to detail.
The regular soldier, or ‘Tommy’, would have been defined by three things: practicality, necessity and survival. Staying true to those fundamental elements, we think the Realm & Empire modern Tommy look infuses good, honest, sustainable work-wear with contemporary design.
You can see Realm & Empire's first knitwear collection here.
Richard Robinson - We had always planned to broaden our range and have spent more and more time in the IWM Garment Archive researching product. The 'naval' theme for AW13 seemed the perfect opportunity to bring knitwear into the collection.
B+S - The range has been produced here in Leicestershire, UK. How important is UK production to you and was it difficult to find the right manufacturer?
We have always had the drive to create, manufacture or use base fabrics from the UK and with the Leicester knitwear industry in resurgence and the rich history of military garment manufacture there, it was the obvious choice of destination. We are fortunate to have an experienced and well connected team and we are working with one premium manufacturer in the city who understands our handwriting and creates a top quality product for us. Our longer term aim is to expand our manufacturing here in the UK; currently most of our outerwear fabrics are woven here and our new luggage collection launching for Autumn 2014 will be manufactured in North West England.
British manufacturing is key in terms of our development in international and home markets, and having manufacturers who understand the brand's handwriting is an important part of the process.
B+S - What was your source of inspiration when designing the knitwear?
In true Realm &Empire form we looked a little deeper than creating the obvious. Our Boat Neck is based on a traditional functional naval garment with a wider neck opening for easy removal, especially when wet. Our Classic Shawl was designed as a perfect accompaniment to the Peacoat or 'Pijjakker' to give the neck extra protection against the elements.
B+S - Have you ever thought about working with university students and graduate designers?
We are always open to new ideas and to helping develop creative talent. As the business moves forward, opportunities will open up, so I would urge anyone interested in working with us to keep an eye on our social media and website!
B+S - Finally, what should we expect to see from Realm & Empire in the next few seasons?
Next year sees the range move forward into new categories once again. S/S14 takes inspiration from the Desert and Lawrence of Arabia for themes and content, with strong all over prints and the redevelopment of our signature overskirt. We'll be launching a photographic capsule collection from Sir Cecil Beaton, the renowned fashion photographer conscripted to catalogue the art of war, as well as a collection-defining signature 'desert floral' print taken from a cutting of wallpaper found in a trench in 1917. A/W14 sees us mark the Centenary of WWI with a collection inspired by individuals, artists and creatives who were involved, with key looks being defined by social standing and ranks of the Officer and the 'Tommy'. The Officers of 1914 were expected to behave and dress like gentlemen, and their uniforms were bespoke, handmade to fit by distinguished tailors on Savile Row in the finest of fabrics. For the Realm & Empire Officer look, our aim was to create elegant, luxurious pieces, carefully crafted with quality finishing touches and attention to detail.
The regular soldier, or ‘Tommy’, would have been defined by three things: practicality, necessity and survival. Staying true to those fundamental elements, we think the Realm & Empire modern Tommy look infuses good, honest, sustainable work-wear with contemporary design.
You can see Realm & Empire's first knitwear collection here.
How to Enter
To be in with a chance of winning the Realm & Empire Boat Neck Jumper (1st prize) or Black Commando Hat (2nd prize) then you must be a subscriber of Buckets & Spades Blog. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter! Remember, if you follow you can come back and enter this giveaway daily. This giveaway is open worldwide, bosh!
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