Going behind the scenes at Fat Face HQ {an exclusive sneak peek}
February 02, 2017
One of the things I love most about being freelance and writing this blog are the fun opportunities that it brings. No two weeks are ever the same, a lot of days are spent sitting on the sofa under my laptop but then comes along the opportunity to go and visit Fat Face HQ to meet the designers behind the collections, learn more about the company as well as get a sneak peek at the new Spring/Summer campaign. Last Thursday was such a fun day and I found it really insightful to learn more about not only fashion design but a brand that I've loved for many years.
I drove down to Havant in Hampshire last week and didn't really know what to expect. The whole vibe of Fat Face does tend to be relaxed so it suits them down to the ground being near the sea and away from the city. It was also a welcome escape from London where I tend to spend most of my time for work events/meetings. I'd been pre-warned not to expect too much from the industrial estate that their HQ is set on but on walking inside I was sure I'd found the right place.
Bikes, panelling and fun! It was amazing to go behind the scenes of such a huge clothing brand. Inside the one building there was everything from a mini estate agents that manages all the property/shops along with a fake shop for visual merchandising/displays etc as well as a surf cafe. It seemed like such a fun place to work and most of the employees have been there for years and years.
Myself and another blogger, Jess from The Only Girl in the House were met by the lovely Laura and Hayley for coffees and a catch up before being taken up to meet the designers, fuelled wth lots of yummy snacks!
The design part was my very favourite, taking a look at where the inspiration comes from, sourcing the materials and fabrics from across the globe, looking at print and cuts for this season and onto next. What I particularly loved is the concept of 'slow fashion'. Fat Face aren't a high fashion brand constantly churning what's spotted from the runways out as fast as they can. They instead take inspiration from classics, visiting flea markets and looking out for pieces of lace they could recreate for their latest broderie anglaise top/dress or a particular pattern on a fabric that they could reinterpret or looking through classic design manuals. Such an inspiring concept.
A table of design inspiration. I like any girl doesn't just shop in one place so whilst I like some new trends filtering into my wardrobe each season, I also really respect this idea of slow fashion for classic, quality pieces that will never date unlike something you'd buy from the fast high street fashion chains. Mix and match! I think a lot of people have an outdated view of Fat Face and are always surprised by some of their gorgeous pieces that work for such a wide range of styles and ages.
These beautiful summery fabrics are behind new dresses. LOVE.
After creating a look book of new ideas, the design team then have to source their fabrics and travel everywhere from Turkey to Asia to visit suppliers. I wish I was allowed to show you some of the sketches and fabric swatches as they were so so pretty but alas it's all under wraps for now.
The team have just finished on Christmas 2017 {!} and are working on S/S 18, a whole year ahead. When shopping online or in store, you don't appreciate the work behind it all, the way that the cut has been scrupulously analysed and changed until it's perfect, the testing of the fabric to make sure it will wear for years upon years, the quality and great minds behind a brand.
These are some of the current Spring pieces. Classic bretons and a lot of denim. I find FatFace to be very flattering on me and sometimes coming up a bit big which is always welcome. I have a long torso and legs so a lot of high street brands are too short for me, Fat Face seem to get this and the majority of their stuff fits like a dream.
The really fun part after all the learning was to go into the studio to try some of the new pieces on. I'm not entirely sure if I'm allowed to publish the photos below as they are still being perfected ahead of the Summer launch around March/April time. Some still had pins in where they were prototyping ideas.
Eeeek, summer!!! I'll wait until nearer the time to talk you through my favourites.
We put together outfits, how cute is this {and that vest top is part of the new classic jersey range with the softest cotton in the world}.
And being a British brand, summer wouldn't be summer without a new rain coat. This is 100% waterproof and Jess and I had a bit too much fun jumping around in this. That mustard colour!!
R <3 xx
2 comments
Oooo... I'm heading straight from here to fatface's website! Sorry bank account....
ReplyDeleteDitto!
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