New colours for the Croissant

The Croissant is now available in another two colours, Paprika and Nettle.

Nettle has been an immediate hit since it was first introduced into my shop for the Honeycomb style, and the spicy vibrant Paprika is sure to follow suit.

Both Nettle and Paprika are a ribbed cotton canvas fabric, which is very different to corduroy. Ribbed cotton canvas is handwoven and has a much stronger and quality hand feel.

Currently available in 4 colours:  khaki green, paprika, nettle, black

The Carrylight

Easy to wear, easy to carry, and easy to use. Simply grab and go!

This is the concept of 'The Carrylight'. A new, chic bag with no fuss. The detailing is functional for either creating the shape or reinforcing the workmanship and construction. The bag is fully interlined.

What does interlining mean? Well, a great number of budget/mass-produced bags either use iron-on man made interlining, or no interlining at all. This makes the bag much easier and quicker to manufacture, and reduces costs. However, at the expense of true quality. My interlining is all 100% natural British cotton canvas, sourced from the mills of Yorkshire and made in England. Yes, this does increase the cost and making time considerably as each piece must be individually stitched inside, but a higher quality, more durable finish is achieved, as well as better shaping.

The Carrylight interior is fully lined and includes one large zip pocket, a trigger hook for keys, and three compartments for cellphones, ipods, letters, books, etc...

Currently available in new colours lime, chestnut, and vanilla. Custom colour orders are possible.

English Heritage

Traditional English shirts have always had a renowned reputation of the highest quality, and rightly so. Beautiful fabric, quality buttons, and impeccable workmanship all go into making the English shirt. However, having said that, their style is almost always very formal looking, business-like, or slightly old-fashioned.

So, this got me thinking and designing over the last few months on why not create a modern shirt that has a casual contemporary style but follows the same ethics of the traditional English shirt of high quality workmanship.

I've been developing prototypes of my shirt so that I can compare the fit and workmanship, and see which suits the Minus brand and my design the best. I will keep you posted on how I get on.

Duo messenger

I've been working on the the new Duo messenger over the last couple of months, as I have been wanting to introduce a new messenger choice. It uses a combination of two tonal fabrics with a textural contrast to give a great messenger in the 'middle.' (i.e. not too smart, but not too casual either). It really feels like a tardis, having no bulk but lots of interior space.

Easily holds laptops, ringbinders, files, paperwork, textbooks, magazines, lunchboxes, etc... whether going to the office or university.

Fully lined with high quality 100% cotton sateen, and the base is interlined with heavyweight cotton canvas and wadding for additional strength and protection. Inside contains two pockets ideal for a mobile phone/ipod/iphone and a trigger clip for keys. Outside a sleeve pocket is featured at the back, while the adjustable strap is 100% cotton webbing.

Currently available in khaki, graphite, and charcoal.

Fold top plus

I have been developing the new Fold top plus for some time and I'm finally happy with finished proportions. Not too large but not too small, not too bulky but not too dinky. I really feel this size is just perfect, as it can hold a wide range of laptops and still look stylish.

It can achieve a very natural slouchy look but it has a durable strength as it is fully interlined with a medium weight cotton canvas.

I must admit it is probably my favourite style. Well....until my mood changes.

Currently available in charcoal or pewter brushed cotton canvas.

Nettle for honey

The honeycomb is now available in another new colour for Spring/Summer. Nettle is a lovely fresh lush green and the fabric is a wonderful natural ribbed cotton canvas and not corduroy. It is like an ottoman type of fabric which is much harder wearing than corduroy.

The other four colours available are cappuccino, black, dusty mint, and bubblegum.

Campanula purse

Another new style has now been added to my shop. The Campanula purse. It follows the Minus philosophy of being clean, functional and above all pragmatic, but I've added another ingredient...femininity.

The shape is loosely based on the bell flower, hence the name... and gives it a cute but feminine touch. It's a useful handbag that can be carried with its handles or worn as a shoulder bag. Also, by adding the removable and fully adjustable shoulder strap, it can also be worn like a messenger.

I guess the size is most useful for commuting, when you need somewhere to put your latest paperback, magazine, lunchbox, and everyday essentials.

Inside there is a zip pocket which runs almost the whole width of the bag, and a further two pockets plus a trigger clip. The bag is fully lined and completely interlined with a natural heavyweight cotton canvas, so that it provides strength and rigidity.

Outside the curved flap is fastened with a snap fastener and d-ring while at the rear of the bag there is a full width sleeve pocket with magnetic fastener, useful for things that need to be close to hand.

Its currently available in black or bubblegum, but I will be adding another new colour in early Spring.