Hannah MacLeodComment

Plumo X Graham St

Hannah MacLeodComment
Plumo X Graham St

On the day that we were meant to shoot this collaboration with Plumo it poured down all day. So, on the following day, when the sun came out and provided an unexpected window of incredible autumnal light, we were thrilled and also reminded of just what a special place Richmond Park is. To be so close to London but feel like you are in the countryside is quite special.

We were really pleased to be asked by Plumo to do this shoot as we have been fans of the brand for a long time. For those of you who don’t know, Plumo was founded in 1998 by two sisters, Esther and Verena Roth. Originally from Germany, they came to London and fell in love with the city and its style. The sisters wanted to create a multi brand online platform with unusual pieces that were different from the offerings of other boutiques were. They were online only from the beginning at a time when very few others were taking the same approach. At first it was tricky to persuade brands to get on board with this idea (being used to bricks and mortar) but fast forward 24 years and we all know how that story goes!

This emphasis on seeking out unusual and unique pieces is one that initially drew me to Plumo, particularly at a time when it feels that there has been an homogenisation of high street collections. Plumo remain loyal to the same artisans, season after season. There are so many lovely stories behind the pieces that they choose.

The quality of this dress that mum is wearing is beautiful. Made from a seersucker fabric, it is a pale grey and white gingham with a beautiful wrap style front and a simple button fastening on the neckline. It is gathered at the waist and has an adjustable tie so it can be cinched in or left loose. I haven’t seen a dress of such quality at this price for a while.

The sleeveless jacket is made from a lightly quilted needlecord in dark olive green. What drew me to this particular piece was the elegant shoulders. Cut at an angle on the arm and therefore slightly protruding at the shoulder, it creates the illusion of slimmer arms and when coupled with the cinched in waist, provides a beautiful hourglass silhouette. Then, what sealed the deal for me was the matching A-line overcoat in exactly the same fabric - how chic! I hope that you will agree that they look stunning with the dress. The coat ensemble would also look wonderful with fitted, tapered jeans or trousers.

The second matching ensemble that I fell in love with was this waxed jacket and hat. When I went to the Plumo offices to meet the lovely team and choose the outfits that mum and I were going to wear, it absolutely poured with the rain as I was about to leave. Verena lent me this hat to wear home. I can confidently vouch for its waterproof credentials! I haven’t road tested the jacket but I am assuming that it would be the same.

The gilet is 100% wool and dyed in this yummy deep berry red. To have a pop of vibrant colour in your arsenal of winter outerwear would not go unappreciated I don’t think. It fitted perfectly under the over-sized wax jacket which is unlined so you would want a warm under-layer on a cold day. The gilet comes up snug so I would recommend sizing up, particularly if you want to layer it as I have here.

My fair isle knitted tank top is made by a family run business from North Scotland; established in 1929 by the great-grandfather and grandfather of the current owners. As the granddaughter of a Scotsman, I particularly love this! The colour combination is so pretty. It would actually look lovely over the dress that mum is wearing.

The colours in this blanket are sensational and I can vouch for its warmth - and softness. It is made from the highest quality Peruvian alpaca and hand knitted in northern Ecuador, way up in the mountains, by amazing artisans. Fun fact, the makers are also responsible for the ‘home knitted’ jumpers that the little boy wears in the film ‘About a Boy’ (with Hugh Grant)!

The little box bag that I am using looks a bit like an old fashioned camera bag. The combination of the crisp white and camel is so striking and one that would slot into all casual outfits. I own a little box shaped bag like this and I find it incredibly handy, the perfect size for a wallet, phone and keys - stops you carrying too much too!

On a completely aside note, these apples that we are eating are some of the tastiest apples that I have ever eaten. Alex brought them along for us all as a snack. They are Russets and I assume are in season so I would highly recommend seeking one out if the opportunity arises! On that note, I will leave you to the rest of your week….

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA MOONEY

Sue wears…

Dress, £159, Plumo

Sleeveless Jacket, £179, Plumo

Corduroy jacket, £249, Plumo

Jumper (around shoulders), £139, Plumo

Bag, £298, Plumo

Earrings, £69, Plumo

Loafers £169, Plumo

Hannah wears…

Knitted vest, £169, Plumo

Shirt, £198, Plumo

Trousers, £219, Plumo

Waxed jacket, £389, Plumo

Hat, £98, Plumo

Boots, £298, Plumo

Bag, £259, Plumo

Striped blanket, £289, Plumo

-SHOPPING EDIT-

-The Plumo pieces on our Christmas list-

(click on the right hand image to scroll along)