Welcome to Melissa's blog posts
Welcome to my new blog – a chance not only to share with you what goes on behind the scenes at Kettlewell (whether it’s shooting new collection in South Africa or model casting in London) but to explore what colour means to me and how it has come to play such a big role in my life.
It’s been 12 years since John and I set up Kettlewell, and it’s no exaggeration to say that colour is what drives my passion for the business and inspires everything I do, from the clothes I put on in the morning (even if it’s just a flash of a lace camisole top beneath a neutral merino cardigan) to the way I furnish and decorate my home. It aims to be a celebration of colour and its power to energise, uplift and transform you into the very best version of you. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to introduce more of it into your life – if you haven’t already – and to embrace it in your wardrobe.
Somehow it seems fitting that we’ve chosen autumn to kick off this blog, not least because it’s the most vibrant and flamboyant time of year – the show-off season, as I like to think of it – when the trees turn from green to a glorious kaleidoscope of oranges, yellows, flashes of crimson, russet, bronze, conker browns and burnt coppers, and colour drenches your senses. I might be a spring person and these shades might never make it into my wardrobe – I’m all about warm, bright and fresh colours like mint green, flamingo pink and turquoise – but autumn is a highlight of the calendar for me, Nature’s last hurrah before we move into winter.
It is also a great time for a city break, which neatly leads me on to a little travel secret John and I discovered recently when we visited a knitwear and jersey factory in Portugal to check on quality control and look at some new fabrics for Spring/Summer 2017. Lisbon gets all the press, but if you’ve been before you’ll appreciate what I mean when I say that Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is one of Europe’s hidden gems – a medieval heart with a modern buzz and lots of breathtaking gold-leaf-laced churches. Not to mention a certain tipple. While we were there, we also happened across a rather fabulous little shop that sold blankets and handbags – all made from pure wool – in a rainbow of colours. From deep teal purses to lime-green handbags, it was the sort of place that you might go hunting for a navy handbag but come out carrying a scarlet one. Or a tangerine blanket you had no idea you either wanted or needed in your life. In other words, my kind of shop.
Mary Daniels on Mar 30, 2022 12:25 AM
Hi. I’m an older lady whose skin is getting Loose. I love the comfort of wearing your tank tops andcould use a shelf bra built in. Since I live I. Florida, this feature would allow me to forget the bra.
Dianne on May 10, 2021 12:04 PM
Just received my Faux Wrap 3/4 Sleeve in Sky Blue. Absolutely adore it! I was trying to match one of the colours in a skirt I recently acquired. Fortunately, my screen is very good and the colours are true. It was a perfect match. Well made. Fits like a glove. Even sent the website link to one of my friends, as she is always searching for the right colour. I just happened to land on Kettlewell website by chance via a search engine. No doubt I wil be ordering again soon. Many thanks. Dianne
Richard on Mar 31, 2021 6:10 PM
I'd just like to say "Thank you".
The people at Kettlewell and the people who use Kettlewell have given my wife great enjoyment ever since she discovered you. And the clothes look great on her too 🙂
Kettlewell Colours on Oct 31, 2016 4:49 PM
Patricia - the shop was called Burel. The address is at the following link. http://www.burelfactory.com/lojaporto.php?lg=eng
Muriel Gee on Oct 29, 2016 7:38 PM
How strange you mention filming in South Africa. We are touring in a motorhome right now and started in Johannesburg going through the Kruger, on to the Chobe safari park in Botswana & now in Namibia & the Etosha safari park & terrible sandy, washboarded roads. Brilliant trip!
Margo on Oct 29, 2016 5:23 PM
Love this blog especially as you have started with Autumn colours. Porto looks very interesting too
I have recently had my colours done at the age of 65 and have since purchased lots of Kettlewell pieces to help my transformation from black and grey. Looking forward to lots more and your ideas today are very interesting. Best wishes. Margo
Mona Snow on Oct 29, 2016 3:11 PM
love the range. I have a pair of the jersey trousers in a yumpscious shade of green from a previous season and they always look elegant.
Patricia Bacchus on Oct 29, 2016 8:43 AM
Are we allowed to know the name of your lovely shop in Porto?! My daughter, also a client of yours, has just moved to live in Portugal from Brazil.