MABE - FAVES: Amanda: MABE Co-Owner & Designer

In design I like to mix old & new so I tend to use a lot of vintage/traditional prints & detail and put them into versatile and easy to wear new silhouettes.

Running a business will always have highs and lows & I’m very fortunate to have brilliant business partners and a great team around me. We support each other a lot!

Favourite Gadget

In a digital era, I love the nostalgia of taking pictures with a film camera. I always take my Contax T2 on holiday with me. It’s really simple to use.  I use Kodak Portra 400 film and the colours come out amazing. I love the ritual of having the film processed & putting together a photo album. It’s a brilliant souvenir.

Favourite Icon

I’ve no idea to the background of this picture. I bought it in a gallery in LA. I love both the Rolling Stones and Dolly Parton – both so iconic.  I think Dolly looks so glamorous and beautiful here and in this moment with Mick Jagger they look so happy & at ease.  The picture always makes me smile.

Favourite Drink

Hendricks gin is my all time favourite – it’s very refreshing.  Also making cocktails is a lot of fun! The spirit bottles can be really beautiful so when they are empty I use them for tap water on the dinner table.

Favourite Ornament

I’m always looking out for beautiful design. My 2 Beswick Horses are from the early 1950’s and in mint condition! They are so delicate.  I get a lovely warm feeling of nostalgia when I look at them.

Favourite Way to relax

My piano is one of the big loves of my life. I always feel very lucky to have it.  I get up early and play everyday – it’s my morning song! It’s one of the few things that I do where I am really in the moment. It’s very special to me. 

Favourite City

You can’t help being drawn to Paris. I always feel inspired when I go.  It’s hard to beat for art, fashion, food and design. When I go I walk a lot soaking up the atmosphere. Le Bon Marche is one of my all time favourite department stores – it’s really well edited.

Favourite Accessory

My white leather ‘Chuck Taylors’ are my go to accessory. There’s hardly anything I don’t wear them with.  The more worn the better! I love that the design has hardly changed since the 1920’s.  Timeless

 

Favourite Picture

I love typography. This print is very simple and brilliantly clever. I’ve read it a million times. I wish I’d have thought of it!

Favourite Thing to have at home

I fill the entire house with lots of candles, incense, essential oils etc. I read that pleasant scents are scientifically proven to evoke positive, uplifting emotions and good memories. Whether it’s a great candle, freshly washed clothes, morning coffee or pizza in the oven, surrounding yourself with lovely aromas is really essential to your well-being!

Favourite Perfume

I love Santa Maria Nouvella’s ‘Melograno’ in the summer. It’s fresh, warm and uplifting at the same time.  It’s like nothing else. It includes pomegranate, bergamot, rose, orange and vertiver.  Also the bottle is very beautiful.