On the button...

Earlier this week I recieved an email from Mark of Ellisborough He didn't mince his words, he just cut straight to the chase-

"Hiya,
Hope your well

I am going to add you to my blog/website I hope that ok, you better act quick if its not and ill remove it. I like reading your blog.
Regards

Ellis "

This made me laugh out loud. I liked him already!
Then I visited his site. Holy Moley I loved him.
We often say here on The Kingdom - "that nothing is more complicated than simplicity"
An idea may appear simple but to execute it with style, panache and flair is more difficult than you could ever imagine...

His website says -

Using a simple, soft colour palette, high quality 100% brushed cotton and inspired one-off accessories, Mark customises each garment byhand, using an archive of vintage and rare buttons sourced from defunct button factories, European flea markets, secret charity stores and a vast network of aunties and grandmothers.

Jaunty dickie bows, droopy shoe lace ties, retro rounded '60s collars, Japanese wildflowers and '80s shoulder pads are deftly sewn onto supersoft cotton in a colourburst of buttons.

With a series of styles and colourways, each garment is customised painstakingly by hand, making each ellisborough piece completely unique.

Mark's strong fashion background includes stints at POP Magazine and Alexander McQueen, to dressing indie bands like Captain and shows atLondon Fashion Week.

His wry eye for detail is cleverly in line with the current underground trend for quirky, handmade pieces that have a crafty, vintage feel and an ethical ethos. There's a strong sense of humour too as Mark remixes existing tees, belts and sneakers, creating them into something fresh and eye-catching. Originally from Middlesbrough, the label's name is inspired by mixture of real geography and that rather odd place inside Mark's head - a land bursting of colour, music and, um, buttons.

I say -

He is a button genius!!!!

He sells his charming wares through Topshop as well as The Lazy Ones, so hopefully Queen Michelle will come face to face with some button joy this week!

Queen Marie

Comments

[ross and jenna]

ohh these are lovely. especially the grey cardis. one problem though, how exactly does the top cardigan un- button?

[WendyB]

Very Patrick Kelly.

[enc]

You can't get better button joy than that. V. cute!

[Hailey]

I love buttons, have a massive collection unfortunately in storage far away. That bow top is to die for.

[tanya]

those are absolutely delightful!

[Sal]

What covetable creations. And although I immediately think, "Oh, I could do that myself," I'm sure a Sal-made knockoff would be a MESS! Thanks for highlighting Marks wares!

[GGS]

wow.. button genius. i love heart-y grey cardigan!

[Rosaline]

I think these were featured in Teen Vogue awhile back. Might have been another magazine, but I definitely remember that white tee with the button-bow... because I loved it so much!

[Ruby Red]

from one button lover to another xox thanks for all the joy you bring. PS have just discovered your blog and love it.
xruby