For some time, jewellery designer Bear Brooksbank and I were working on an innovative new take on retail where the experience would be immersive and fulfilling, even if you didn't leave with a shopping bag.
Our aim was to start a series of events that would bring together emerging high-end, or luxury brands, in a collaborative, designer-led and curated environment. We especially wanted to make sure that every event was fresh, the space beautiful and unusual, and the brands carefully selected to be in harmony with each other and the event as a whole.
We launched Fine Pop-Ups at the end of April, and had an amazing time doing so.
Photographer Hermès Lucas kindly hosted us in his elegant Kensington home and gallery. On show at his Gallery Thirteen was his exhibition 'Planets', in association with Tani Burns of TBurnsArts.
Picture: Johnny Birkbeck
Julia Rebaudo of Stylonylon curated the brands and Bear and I were joined by furniture dealer, Flure Grossart, knitwear designer Genevieve Sweeney, womenswear designer Georgia Hardinge; Kate Braithwaite millinery; cashmere accessories designer Lou Dungate and Monc eyewear.
Picture: Hermione McCosh
It was great fun planning events to run alongside the shopping event too. We had a happy breakfast preview with Julia and her friends, Alexis Foreman of Style Memos, Christina Huck of Chrissabella, Vikki Pearson of Style and Minimalism and Hannah Rochell of En Brogue; Elizabeth Tyler worked on beautiful floristry; pianist Aidan Chan played for evening shoppers; Julia ran an Olympus Pen Workshop; and Kiehl's came in to do skincare consultations and give aways.
Pictures: Hermione McCosh
We were so grateful to others who gave us lots of support, in particular Iona Blackshaw, who provided an amazing breakfast spread, Nyetimber who sponsored our drinks evening and Aethyr London whose candles made the whole event smell superb.
Pictures: Hermione McCosh
There's so much to tell and see from the event but lots can be found on our website here and on our Instagram @finepopups.
Picture in Header: Johnny Birkbeck