June 20, 2024

View From The Shop Floor

This week we shine a spotlight on Jemima – our superstar supervisor and an integral part of the Maze team. Fuelled by the vibrant sense of community in store, she enjoys nothing more than catching up with regulars, connecting with local businesses, and sharing her passion for beautifully made clothes.

We asked Jemima to show us her favourite pieces this season...

"I’ve got to start with this over-shirt from my favourite French brand Sessun. It’s in their permanent collection and is called the Leone, but frankly, it should be called the Jemima because I wear it nearly every day. It’s perfect over my Sunray white T-shirt, with dresses and I even do double denim. It drapes beautifully and it’s not bulky because it’s made of 100% Lyocell, a sustainable fabric that comes from wood pulp.

Talking of fabrics, I am really drawn to details like the broderie anglaise in this blouse from Bellerose. It comes in black too and I’ve worn broderie every summer since I was a teenager; it’s simple, pretty and timeless. Likewise, I’ve always loved embroidery and unusual prints - this season’s collection from Indi & Cold is delightful with embroidered wheat, printed seagulls and Liberty-inspired florals. Rather than just buying designs I love, I do try to stick to natural fabrics as they get better with age, they’re breathable and it’s better environmentally. Indi & Cold’s commitment to using the best natural fibres and even industry waste or ‘deadstock’ fabric does it for me.

Sometimes it’s colour combos that seduce me though, and nothing more than Mr Kipling’s Battenburg yellow and pink! Sadly, I haven’t been able to pack away my knitwear yet but this joyful colour palette from Des Petits Hauts makes me think of picnics and puddings. I’m not really a trainers person but I couldn’t resist these colours - and from the moment I tried them on I knew I could bounce around all day on the shop floor and even make it down to the Harbourside after. Novesta have been making shoes with natural rubber soles in Slovakia since the 1930’s, so these are pleasing to look at but also really well made by skilled people and good quality components.

Craftsmanship and functional design are part of the joy I get from my wardrobe and the collections we stock at Maze, so I do also have to mention the British manufacturing of this classic linen dress by London-based brand Kate Sheridan. Linen is made from flax which can be grown in cool wet climates (familiar?!) and like merino wool it’s cool in summer and warm in winter so this would work all year round with some layering. Kate Sheridan has become well- known for their simple leather bags and I cycle to work everyday with my small and perfectly formed Jigsaw bag holding my phone, keys and purse. I love that it was made in Hackney and the patina on the Italian vegetable tanned leather is looking lovely after being out in all weathers here in Bristol."