Set in Stone x
We have set – gulp – a date for out first-ever showing of our first-ever MasonBentley Collection which feels hugely daunting and very exciting at the same time..
It’s been eighteen months since Anna and I first came up with our Grand Plan..it was a dark, cold December night and knocking back the wine on the steps of my utility room we were both bemoaning the creative frustration we were feeling. Mix into that a computer, a shared love of vintage and a bit more Chablis..and MasonBentley was born. Right from the start we knew that a business just based on vintage would limit us – we wanted to create – truly create. But we had to start somewhere..and we had to find out if our idea for selling the clothes via Direct Selling would work.
Roll on eighteen months..and here we are with our own embryonic range..still learning, still loving it..and discovering that the more we do, the more ideas we have..sometimes, just sometimes from little acorns big oak trees grow.
The actual concept behind this collection is very simple – we wanted flexible, cool, effortless British style.
We have shirts because we believe they are the true transseasonal item worn all year round. There’s no time limit on these babies.
We have stunning ‘dickies’ that either sit on our shirts..or on a jumper..or on a t-shirt..adaptable, aspirational and clever.
We have cotton dresses because they are the ultimate in capsule wardrobe dressing. Posh them up with a pair of sky high heels..or dress them right down with flip-flops, insouciance and a bit of attitude..these dresses don’t need to wait in a cupboard for the right occasion.
We have a kaftan and a bikini as a taster of our vision for Summer 14 because we are always thinking ahead.
But rather than me tell you, have a look at our first round of photos (with more to follow)..
The Harper.
Check out the gorgeous buttons.
The Trilby in tusk crepe de chine.
The Macaroon.
Our ‘Dickie’, that can sit on top of a shirt like the macaroon – or be worn separately to Jazz up a jumper..
With a black bow..
Or with a Dickie-link.
The Billie.
The (Frilly) Billie.
Our Kaftan.
So if any of you can get to SW London on 11 June from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm, drop me a mail at kate@masonbentley.com and I will send you an invite.
It’s going to be a special night and we would love to see you there!
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
!!! I wish! You both have quite the eye for truly beautiful pieces. I’m in the US. Best wishes!
Thank you..think of us! x
These pieces are fabulous, especially the “Macaroon” and the kaftan (love this pattern !). I definitely wish you the best for your June presentation !
Thank you..I will post some pictures after the event.. x
Amazing! i particularly like ‘the dickie’ and’ the harper’ x
I love the dickies and the Harper..we have more dickies up our sleeve.. x
love them all! when is the big date for the official collection? 🙂
11 june, 7.30 – 9.30 pm… xxx
great! you must be both excited and stressed with preparing….. shame I won’t be in London at that time…. is it going to be at your atelier? xxx
We are going to hold it at Anna’s house – it’s where we have launched each stage of the plan..we want to hold a bigger event in September but for now we are a lean, mean fighting machine! xxx
fingers crossed and all the best for the first official event 🙂 xx
Congratulations on the showing! Love your pieces, they look comfortable without being “slouchy”.
It is surprisingly hard to make elegant clothes seem effortless, but it is a USP we strive for. xxx
I am so pleased for you both! Everything is so beautiful, cannot wait.
xo
Thank you luv. Fingers crossed hey! xxx
Now you really make me wish I was there… but I’ll be in Greece, or at least that’s the plan. All the bestest for your first showing! I’m already fan of the harper and all the versions of the dickie x
You jet-setter you. Have a wonderful trip and say hello to the sun for us..tell him we’re missing him! x
It’s all looking rather amazing, I love the cuffs on The Harper! Hope you have a fabulous evening and all goes according to plan, it must be both an exciting and scary experience x
We love a lovely cuff! thank you xxx
Congratulations Kate and Anna. These are simply ravishing.
Thank you – you can see that vintage inspiration working it’s way in! xxx
Yes, it’s there but what you’ve done with it is chic, elegant and very wearable.Drink some more Chablis please.
It will be a pleasure!! xxx
Those are amazing. I wish there was a way to get them in the U.S. Best of luck!
Who knows..one day! XXX
Awesome! Simply Magnificent! So proud of you!
Thank you – and thank you for all the re-tweeting – really appreciated xxx
Reblogged this on In Frocks We Trust.
I love all of them! BCZ I’m shopaholic I would buy all of them!!!! Fabulous! Especially collars , would mix them with leather tops, omg its going to be a best ever piece!
We have some styling shots with the dickies planned – it’s going to be fun! Their flexibility is amazing xxx
Looking forward to see them!
Gorgeous designs. Loving the shirts and dickybow inspired dress.
Thank you – Anna is our muse and designer and we only make clothes that she is prepared to wear..it means we are always making for a real person and keeps our feet firmly on the ground. xxx
Are you ibased n the UK or US? I must bring your blog to the attention of my friends. They would just lurrrve your pieces xx
Thank you. We are British label based in the UK, but we will have a e-commerce shop by September ready to take international orders! xxx
It takes hard work, passion and determination to go forward with your dreams. I admire all that you have done just by reading your posts. Best of luck in threads and creativity, your brand will go far!
-Kailin
Thank you luv. We know we have to do this..but I think we both wish we could see the future! xxx
Love what you have so far. Very vintage to say the least. Keep up the good work and when you wish upon a star your dreams come true.
I’ve always loved the first star rhyme..star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight.. xxx
congratulations. Personal favs are The Harper, The Billie and Kaftan. Really lovely designs.
Muchos grazias..there are a few more to come which we will photograph..keep those fingers crossed xxx
I am pleased you enjoyed my blog, suffolkdiary.wordpress.com. I will be travelling in Sicily in September and am starting to plan a travel wardrobe. It is so hard to find appropriate clothes, which are smart, and I am planning to make mine
Go girls!! Looking fabulous…..trilby and dickies are my faves and that cheeky little kaftan. Good luck with it all x
The dickies have a special place in my heart..can’t wait to show you the variations we have.. xxx
I wish you very good luck next 11th June. The bows, the three first blouses, the pattern that you used in the kaftan… all of them are incredible! I cannot wait to see the rest of your collection: I had enjoyed this snippet a lot. 🙂
Lovely! I love the colours of the kaftan.
I love your Blog, very interesting. thanks for sharing!
Just wanted to wish you luck with this(dickies!) and your future collections(more dickies!!), and to thank you just for liking some things on my blog. i’ve just starting out blogging my work and your posts are so inspiring.
!! We have some more designs brewing..a jabot and a Dandy frill! They are delicious.. xxx
hey! where can we purchase? 🙂
I love this! It would be a treat to own one your blouses..? Are they available online?
Very soon. There will be a contacts page next to pictures and prices for 11 June..and a shop to follow. hope you enjoyed your twitter pic! The dickie also sits on another the shirt – the Vreeland which we haven’t photographed yet xxx
Wonderful I look forward to it! Also I am a designer of women’s shoes, bags & suits. I am revamping my art & would like to possibly gain clients abroad and or in your area. I would like to keep in touch regarding this. Is that ok?
Of course! And good luck x
Thank you!
Wow! Love the range. Especially love The Trilby and The Macaroon.
Muchos grazias. The dickie also sits on the Macaroon..and sits on another shirt which isn’t here yet xxx
Can’t wait to see more! All the best with the Launch!
Ta luv. Getting nervous! X
I love a white top! You have an great eye for style