I am very happy to "introduce" my first ever clothing collaboration.
At the back end of last year Lucy and Paul from For the Love of the North, a fabulous boutique shop right here in Whitley Bay asked me if I would be interested in designing a t-shirt for them. Having worked alongside Lucy and Paul for a few years now (they kindly stock my Whitley Bay mug and coaster in store) I jumped at the chance.
I wanted to create something that related to my hometown of Whitley Bay but I wanted to avoid references to either the lighthouse or Spanish City as I feel there is more to Whitley Bay than just these 2 landmarks (albeit gorgeous that they are). I chose the 4 sandcastles which are part of the regeneration process of Whitley Bay. They are just around the corner from For the Love of the North shop, they overlook the beach and sea, are a great spot to sit and take in the view and they are also where I always meet my friend Jane before setting off for a run.
I think Whitley Bay looks its finest when it is a blanket of blues and yellows so I used the traditional colour of sandcastles on a background of bright blue. I also like the slightly 80's feel the two colours together give. I think this works even better now the t-shirt is not actually a t-shirt but a fabulous cosy hoodie. Lucy and Paul have sourced a fantastic environmentally sound product; the fabric is 85% organic ring-spun combed cotton and 15% recycled polyester. The design is printed using vegan inks that are 100% phthalate free.
I'm thrilled with how the hoodie looks and I'm happy to say it is just perfect for these cold winter days, I'm actually wearing mine right now as I type this :) I hope you like them too.
If you'd like one they go on sale at 9am on Sunday 31st January online HERE