To celebrate London Craft Week this May, we invited one of our favourite British creators, Brit Bones to visit our Walsall factory. Brit is renowned for shining a spotlight on British makers and exploring traditional craft in the modern day.
Following an inspiring interview with our CEO, Robert Ettinger at our London showroom, Brit travelled to the West Midlands to capture the essence of our factory near Birmingham.
While there, we had the chance to sit down with her and learn more about her journey in the creative industry.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn't know you?
You may already recognise Brit from some of our Instagram posts or newsletters. She is one of the few content creators we've collaborated with, and has captured some fantastic images for us, notably featuring our Kensington Tote Bag.
That being said, Brit doesn't quite see herself as a typical content creator.
"Creative probably covers it but I am primarily a videographer, photographer and content creator (when I get the time)."
How did you get into content creation/ videography?
Before stepping into the creative world, Brit led several lives, first as an archaeologist, then working for the NHS. But when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, it completely shifted the course of her career.
"It was honestly just pure luck...I quit my NHS job after the pandemic because of burn out, and had no idea what I wanted to do but knew I'd always been creative, so I bought a camera and the rest is history!"
What is your favourite aspect of your job?
Brit's career offers her a kind of freedom few jobs do, something she acknowledges as a true privilege.
"Probably that I get to be creative everyday, meet incredibly talented and interesting people and that I get to decide my own schedule and who I work with."
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
A year and a half after leaving her 9-5 in the NHS, Brit reached a major milestone, starring in a Uniqlo campaign in spring of 2023, an achievement she still counts as one of the biggest of her career.
"Honestly? Being able to wake up and be creative everyday is one of my proudest achievements but also being in the Uniqlo adverts in the Underground - such a strange moment to see my face everywhere!"
How did your interest in style and fashion develop?
"I think that fashion is an extension of creativity, it's the easiest way to be creative everyday, so I think I've always had an interest. Moreover, I was always obsessed with history (I was an archaeologist at one point) and so my style inspiration - and my passion for craft - have always been driven by historical inspiration.
Growing up, I'd attend carboot sales, auctions and historical re-enactments, and I think that had a huge impact on the sorts of things I value - craft and well made products. My parents are also very much into fashion, so I think they also guided my style too."
What is the piece that you couldn't live without?
Last year, when Ettinger began collaborating with Brit, we wanted to spotlight our new womens bestseller, the Kensington Tote Bag. It quickly became one of her go-to pieces.
"Probably my Ettinger tote, it fits my laptop and camera, so I use it all the time!"
Who is your biggest fashion influence?
It's no surprise that Brit, with her background in archaeology, draws inspiration mostly from the past more than the present.
"I look more towards art and paintings, historical figures and films. I love going to the National Portrait Gallery for inspiration and also films like Her, The Banshees of Inisherin, Little Women - it's really varied."
Can you share the best piece of style advice you have every received?
"To consider material - the material something is made out of can change everything."
And what would be your best style advice?
"Dress for your shape, try new things, and see what works, but most importantly, be yourself."
Click HERE to watch Brit's video about Ettinger.