Sunday 14 August 2016

For the love of colour

Colour is everywhere and shapes our daily lives. Whether it be through what we wear or how we decorate our homes, its an important way to express who you are and how you feel. It is all around us and shapes our daily mood, if the bright yellow sun and infinite blue sky are out  we feel happier than when the grey skies are above us. But in grey weather, we need things to keep us happy, like a great raincoat and maybe a good book, but also, colour.

 Our colours in leathers and fabrics are often chosen before we start designing a new collection, we look at what colours are going to be on trend and also what colours will suit our new designs.
A favourite of our customers (goes with anything!) is black, black has always had a huge connection with mourning and dates back to the Roman empire. In 19th Century Britain woman in mourning had special black garments made for them to show they were mourning, they were expected to wear these clothes for up to 4 years after the death of a family member! Nowadays black is a staple in many peoples wardrobes.
Red is another colour we love, particularly in the fun Coco Barclay skirt bag.
Red is a powerful colour, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and grabs our attention first before any other colour. That's why it is used in traffic lights all over the world. Its effect is physical, it stimulates us and raises our pulse rate. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is strong yet feminine and looks wonderful worn!
Since the beginning of time, green has signified growth, rebirth, and fertility. In pagan times, there was the 'Green Man' a symbol of fertility.  In Muslim countries, it is a holy colour and in Ireland, a lucky colour. It was the colour of the heavens in the Ming Dynasty.
The English language reflects some strange attributes: Would you rather be green with envy, green behind the ears, or green around the gills? All these sayings are feelings, so green is a very strong emotional colour.
Here at Coco Barclay green makes us feel happy!

Visit our website at www.cocobarclay.com or pop into our shop in Greenwich, London to see the array of colourful handbags and accessories we have available!
Coco
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Tuesday 2 August 2016

Coco Barclay inspiration

Every collection needs a starting point. Usually there are already ideas kicking around in sketchbooks, or partly made samples in the studio. Every designer uses new colours for their collection, as well as new shapes or types of bags. And then there is the essence, a much harder thing to define.
So, when we look forward to the next season, we are always looking at the colour forecasts and handbag news, but also thinking about growing the brand and continuing the essence.

One of the themes we like to play around with is that of vintage textiles.


Vintage scarf used as handbag bow


Vintage neck tie creates handbag strap



The art of ceramics often inspires new Coco Barclay designs. The beauty of vases and the intricate design inspired the jar bag and jar tote design.
The tea cup purse was inspired by the English love for all thing tea and has been a best seller!






The beauty of nature is also a great inspiration for the brand, especially flowers of any shape and form, each one so individual in shape and colour, like the handbag designs. 






There are so many wonderful ways to be inspired from exhibitions, to history, or even going for a walk in the city. Inspiration is everywhere, all we have to do is let it rise to the surface of our consciousness.
To see more Coco Barclay designs you can look here www.cocobarclay.com or visit our shop in Greenwich, London.

Coco
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