GATHER • BEHIND THE COLLECTION
Introducing Gather: our autumn-winter 2024 collection, in celebration of seasonal beauty and craftsmanship. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with our Head Designer, Lucinda Popp, to explore the inspiration behind the range, the artistry of design, and how Gather brings warmth and connection to the colder months. Discover the stories woven into each piece and the creative vision that defines this collection.
What was the inspiration behind this collection?
Like everything we do, we begin with nature. This collection draws inspiration from the abundant Cotswold’s countryside with rich, autumnal chocolate browns balanced with practical charcoals. The pleats we have crafted into poplin and silks mimic the texture of wheat before harvest. This season we have focused on the necessity and functionality of each style; every piece must have a reason to exist, a bit like a capsule wardrobe. Our mantra for this seasonal collection is “edit, define and refine” so we hope the collection feels considered and concise.
How do you hope women will feel wearing these clothes?
Sophisticated, sensual, elegant and chic. The pieces in this collection are designed to conceal and reveal the parts of the body deemed as feminine and elegant. For example, the neckline of the Retreat Sweater stands up to frame your neck whilst the long slim sleeves and thumbholes elongate the arms. It is a fine balancing act during the design process to achieve both style and comfort. The 100% natural fibres used in our clothes are unmatched in their lightness and breathability that you should barely feel them against your skin.
What are your favourite pieces and why?
The Luna Shirt is a great new statement piece this autumn-winter. The nod to a traditional men’s dinner shirt is timeless and the crisp organic cotton feels effortlessly cool. The Jericho Coat is a brilliant new shape for us. We worked with an Italian mill to design the perfect lightweight traditional wool cashmere which is so versatile and layers effortlessly over chunky knits as the weather gets colder. There is also a gorgeous soft Wool Riding Skirt inspired entirely by delving into our Bamford archive. The flattering fit around the waist that billows out into wide pleats looks great worn with chunky leather boots for a statement look this winter.
What are the best investment pieces from the collection?
Our cashmere scarves are Bamford best-sellers and great, versatile styles. What makes them different to any other scarf is the Italian weavers are able to work with extremely fine cashmere fibres meaning they are so lightweight; you could fold them and pack them into your bag when travelling and then unfold to reveal a blanket size wrap. The superfine Crossing Stripe Scarf in this collection can be worn in each of the 12 months of the year and is designed for all climates. The same applies to Bamford cashmere knitwear, we believe the quality will last for many years to come. The new Long Sleeve Sweater is a great classic investment crew neck, and we love the relaxed boyfriend fit.
What is your advice to the woman who wants to shop more sustainably?
Treasure your clothes as though they are future heirlooms. Be aware and concerned that all clothing is grown from the soil in the same way as our food. We love that our customers shop with a conscience and are increasingly concerned about more transparency and stories behind our products. Being a slow lifestyle brand as opposed to a fashion brand allows us gives us the freedom to work on timeless, sustainable luxury that surpass fashion trends.