We live in a world obsessed with the new but, lately, there has been a backlash. Mass-produced pieces and the homeware equivalent of fast fashion feels less attractive since, during numerous lockdowns, we have all spent more time enjoying the simple pleasures of home – the satisfaction of setting a table for dinner, or putting fresh sheets on the bed.
As the world begins to speed back up, I found myself wanting to remember the importance of those things. Integral to these everyday joys is homeware that feels special. Speckled glasses blown by mouth, hand-woven blankets, a perfectly imperfect vase carefully thrown on a pottery wheel.
I believe that everything in our homes should tell a story.
What's everyone reading?
Even the most functional pieces can be surprising or a bit bonkers. I have spent hours on Instagram in the past, replying to people’s DMs about where to find these artisan gems. That’s how I came up with the idea for Glassette – a new homeware marketplace and my Covid baby.
Born out of the frustration that there was no one-stop shop to find meaningful homeware, and certainly nowhere that was even thinking about its responsibility to the planet, it is not just a place to shop, but also somewhere to find a community of like-minded home-lovers.
Launched with the help of my brother-in-law and business partner Daniel Crow, Glassette offers a curated edit of the best independent lifestyle brands out there, with an emphasis on stories, not stuff.
My focus is provenance, with an eye on longevity – helping people who want to support artistry while being, what I call, enviro-conscious. From ensuring ethical sourcing and local production to focusing on social impacts, such as a living wage for makers, we will be collaborating with the talent behind every piece to encourage sustainable practices.
Once an Insta-bugbear, then a seed of an idea, Glassette is now run out of my basement – which I have converted into an office – and its virtual doors are open to everyone. I couldn’t be more excited. There is lots to do, but I’m just getting started. glassette.com
