The Lily and Lionel Blog

A delightful surprise!

2010-04-30T04:05:00.001-07:00

Just before the long weekend is upon us we thought we'd share in our delight at what we found whilst strolling down Marylebone High Street earlier this week... None other than Llily and Lionel gracing the shop window of Matches!

After we twisted the security guard's arm we managed to take a few cheeky snaps of the mannequins and the inside of the store- Love how they've displayed our scarves on the table and our Nude leather biker jacket looked lovely hanging up (really dark picture so apologies iof you can't quite what the fuss is about!)

Get Involved- What's you're favourite image of London?

2010-04-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

We've been racking our brains to come up with the latest image for our City Scarf collection and then it hit us-why not cry out for help?!

So... if you've taken any images of London that you're particularly proud of, please, please send them in to us.

Not only will the winning image be transferred into our latest cityscape scarf but you will also receive a free scarf with your winning image.

Send your (high resolution) images into us via e-mail on info@lilyandlionel.com . For any enquiries feel free to give us a ring on 0845 680 1055. Competition closes on 27th May 2010 and the winner will be notified via e-mail and announced by the 1st June 2010.

Good Luck,

The Lily and Lionel Team x

GARDEM'S beautiful scarf.

2010-04-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

How cool is this scarf by French lust label Gardem? This cowl necked creation is covered in grungy charms aplenty.

We spotted it around the neck of Lyn, the lovely buyer from Square boutique in Bath when we met with her last week. Sadly it's 'one of those' that's been lying in her wardrobe for years so alsas, we won't be owning one.

Thought we'd post this image never the less so you can dream with us.

New tattoo print for a scarf-please pick your favourite.

2010-04-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

So, these are some of our new designs for a tattoo printed scarf. We have a feeling this body art style will be massive; thanks to Chanel's false tattoo's and erm Sandra Bullock's husband's shenanigans!

Let us know which one (if any!) is your favourite; A, B or C? They will hopefully be available from July- if you'd like to be on the waiting list for one- drop us a line on info@lilyandlionel.com.

Incredible India... April shenanigans.

2010-04-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a little photographic recap of the madness/goings on during our last trip to Incredible India...

What a full on and ridiculously creative trip- jam-packed with meetings from dusk till dawn, crazed outings to trimmings markets in 40degree heat aswell as designing masses of new scarves and a leather bags for next season.

Basically, to say we were kept busy is an understatement!

Thought you'd like to see these colourful images we snapped whilst out and about in the factories, markets, meetings and cars...

Images from top;

Bold and beautiful close up trims
THE most insanely extensive braid store
Yours truly clutching some pretty beads and trims (beach bag ideas for S/S 2011)
Zoomed in of above pic, so you can actually see what i'm clutching!
Sunny afternoon in a very smelly (part of) Delhi!

The Joy of working with our factory in India.

2010-04-07T03:44:00.001-07:00

So... here are some more flattering snaps of the gorgeous Joy-the latest addition to our factory in India.

Our lovely scarf manufacturer Karan is the proud owner of this little bundle of fun. As you can see, we were 'trying' to check the production sample of the silk python scarves about to hit the Whistles stores. In the end we had to send the little puppy home as duty calls and although he is incredibly cute, he did spent most of the time trying to eat the scarf!

Meet Joy...

2010-03-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

We have just found out how difficult it is to concentrate on designing things in India when the factory have just got a new puppy...

Something for the weekend.

2010-03-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but we've had one hell of a week... All incredibly positive things but now feeling exhausted from about 55 meetings on design, production, creative marketing ideas and more has left our heads feeling slightly fuzzy to say the least.

What better way to escape the crazyness than dream of this wonderous beach?

We (unfortunately) won't be frequenting this sandy wonderland this weekend but something to dream of none the less.

For those who are lucky enough to have their toes in the sand this weekend, this one's for you.

Bespoke Boobies?

2010-03-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Boobie scarf just got funnier, it seems there are bespoke versions such as these delighful green and ivy style bundles of joy. STILL don't think it makes these horrors any more convincing to wear but these ladies sure look like they're having a riot all the same!

Our quest for the wierdest scarf on the planet continues...

2010-03-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

The search for the strangest scarf on the market continues this week with this skinny little Crime Scene Scarf available from Target stores in the US. A take on the acrylic football scarves, currently available- this little number embodies the same use of naff material and scary colours only with a crime (no pun intended) of a slogan emblazoned across it.

We're not quite sure if it's the garish yellow and black colours or the wording which makes us squeamish...I guess on the plus side you'd never go unnoticed in a crowd.

Boobie Scarves.

2010-03-05T02:31:00.000-08:00

Just when you think you've seen it all... During the shows at London and New York Fashion week there have been some statement accessories but none quite as shocking as Japan's statement scarf of this year-the Boobie!

Possibly the wierdest and most hilarious thing we've ever seen. Move over Lily and Lionel... we have a new scarf rival in town.

Somehow, I think it's safe to say these won't massively be catching on. Priceless!

Ski Season.

2010-03-03T04:10:00.000-08:00

The ski season is upon us and when coming accross these delightful black and white old school ski pictures I had to share them with you. This is what it was like to ski in the 40's it seems... Pure fun and games. You've got to love how the ladies are managing to attempt to hit the slopes in their bra's-true girl power at it's best (not to mention the brave/insane topless guy in the first image).

In true signature style, Americal Apparel have sexed up their vision of Apres Ski. Their idea of post skiing wind down time basically translates to bedtime play... Good on them, it certainly looks more fun than a glass of mulled wine!

Images;

From above; Peggy Simpson and friends skiing on Hollyburn Mountain 1940's- Fred Burfield collection HHS archive.
Top and middle- Unknown,
Bottom, American Apparel Campaign.

Possibly the most beautiful image?

2010-03-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

This is by far and away the most beautiful shot we've come accross in a long time- The stunning Lily Cole modelling this unbelievable Dior couture dress- the swathes of fabric combined with the detail of the staircase is a photography marriage made in heaven.

Image: Lily Cole & Spiral Staircase India 2005, shot for British Vogue 2007 by Tim Walker.

Happy 20th Birthday Photoshop!

2010-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Call it cheesy, chavvy or just tounge in cheek we kind of like this fun image of our Beach Print Scarf.

We got a bit carried away on Photoshop and made quite a few-trust us, this is by far and away the least offensive!

What beter way for us to wish Photoshop a happy 20th birthday?

Living for the city.. and the Beach!

2010-02-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

A sneak peek at the City scarves we have just delivered to Browns Mens (our first UK men's stockist FYI!). These unisex scarves will be available later this month from Lilyandlionel.com.

Dream Outfit

2010-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Now this is the perfect outfit for a day around London town. A mixture of the ultimate YSL bag, Rick Owens leather Jacket, Isabel Marant skirt, oh... and our Tree Printed scarf. ;)

We can't take any of the credit for putting this wonderful ensemble together- it's the clever people at Stella Magazine we must salute.

Russian Doll

2010-02-05T10:40:00.001-08:00

What do you think of our new Russian Doll print for a scarf?

Cake day.

2010-02-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

We're sad to say that after so many months of having our wonderful intern Camelia, her time with Lily and Lionel has come to an end.

Our present was Camelia's presence (cheesy but true!) but today she brought in another gift of this home made marble cake to say thanks. It's absolutely delicious & the entire office have already polished it off! Here are some pictures of it before we devoured it...

Bow belles

2010-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

There must be something in the water... This season we are seeing belts with bows everywhere. Everyone's getting in on the action, from Chanel (top) to DKNY (middle) and now Viktor and Rolf (above) all rocking the trend. Love, love, love this girlie twist on an otherwise classic belt.

Sit up straight... it's going to be an elegant ride.

2010-01-30T03:01:00.000-08:00

Image: Courtesy of the NY Times.

2010 sees the opening of The Ballet Russe exhibition at the V&A later this year. With the museam and longstanding british institution embracing the history of this elegant art form, we have a hunch that nostalgic balelt prints will be huge in the fashion world- you heard it here first!

When in turmoil... Buy a lipstick

2010-01-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

In times of economic crisis, what's the full proof item that every woman buys? Lipstick, specifically of the red kind.

With divorce statistics higher than ever during a recession, there are women all over town ditching their ex banker husbands and perking themselves up with their favourite lippie. Cheap, fun and that little bit frivolous!

New Leather Parka

2010-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a preview of our leather parka which is available in Matches now and on the site from next week. What do you think of this photo (obviously we still need to edit the image)? Comments Please!

Buenos Aires Shopping Guide... This one's for the Ladies.

2010-01-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

Amazing hidden treasures at the vintage store, upstairs to the Phil Green boutique.

Quirky decor in Juan x Fin! Hairdressers.

Above 2 images; Lovely open air layour of Desiderata store

Epica's SS10 campaign

Back in blighty... Having just returned from an epic journey to South America where we scouted round flea markets, met with potential stockists, shopped till we dropped and generally ate enough steak for 10 people (La Cabrera is by far and away the tastiest).

BA is the ultimate City; an amazing mix of cosmopolitan culture, mouth watering food, great nightlife and the best shopping . The £ is really strong over there so basically for the same money as going to Topshop, you can purchase things of Reiss/Whistles quality.

The choice for women is much better as there are far more boutiques and the designs tend to be slightly more individual than the collections in men's stores.

The quirkiest area is Palermo. Full of local designers' boutiques brimming with pieces that can't be found elsewhere. Not only are the clothes and accessories gorgeous but the layout of the stores are impeccable and wondering around the cobbled streets in the sunshine, stumbling upon various boutiques is shopping heaven. The best streets are El Salvador and Honduras which are in Palermo Viejo.

When your feet are tired (I wouldn't advise wearing Havaianas, not the best walking shoes!) and you need an injection of caffine, stop off in one of the cafe's in Plaza Cortazar for an expresso and a bit of people watching.

Some of our favourites stores in Palermo Viejo are;

Maria Cher- Timeless classic tailoring and great slouchy T's

Epica (photograph above from their SS10 collection)- Superfine T shirts, perfect for layering

Amor Latino- Seductive vintage style underwear.

Phil Greene-It's a menswear store but upstairs they have the most amazing hidden gem of a vintage store with loads of cute hats, scarves and tea dresses.

Mada-THE best bikini's.

Plane marvelous. Louise Redknapp wearing the Carnival Scarf.

2010-01-18T05:06:00.000-08:00

The hot new Thomas Cook advert, featuring the gorgeous Louise and jamie Redknapp has just come out on TV. Check out Louise wearing our Carnival Scarf.

Given granted you could almost blink and miss it but if you look closely at the beginning and end of the ad where they are on the plane, Louise is sporting it with pride.

Scarves are perfect travelling as demonstrated here... Having just come back from South America this exact scarf accompanied me on the aeroplan. I have to admit I cozied up with it as a blanket and probably didn't look quite as glamorous asMs Redknapp does!

Watch the advert here- Louse Redknapp Tv Ad.

It's True Love...

2010-01-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

At Lily and Lionel we are in love...no not with someone, but something. The new Alexa Bag by Mulberry is making us weak at the knees! Inspired by style icon Alexa Chung, this is definately at the top of our wishlists....