As much as I love the fashion houses, it's always exciting for me to pick from artesan companies, old family boutiques usually that have been going on for years and that specialise on one particular thing. Consumerism has changed dramatically in the last decade, and fashion houses now provide a range of functional "fashion" items, but it still feels more personal when you find products outside of the elite spectrum of "designer".

Smythson of Bond Street is a brand that has never been attractive to me, no matter how large their efforts at reaching the "fashion crowds" (outside of the fashion crowd, no company has an excuse to exist nowadays, do they?). They have come up with stunning contemporary designs, most of which were limited to the notebooks, year diaries and panamas: there have been some wonderful ones- avant-garde amethyst and turquoise combinations come to mind. To be truthful, their organiser range remained very much "classic", and however good quality, not visually stimulating. The last few years have seen the introduction of more female-oriented collections, but still, accustomed to the brand cohesion of fashion houses, Smythson seemed to produce a slightly mismatched catalogue. 

The "Red Viana" is a red as classic and dull as you'd expect to find in a Harley Street doctor's office. Ditto for all the black styles they offer, they all say City Professional to me.  While the blindingly fuchsia, (not) Magenta collection, seems adequately fit for a 10 year old girl. I was tempted, but even in my most "Barbara Milicent" moments, curly locks/pink nails, the pink agenda would still be a parody in my quilted handbag. The finish of the "lapislazuli" style is positively casual, which is a shame given the striking glossy blue printed leather, and it could have worked so beautifully in a more geometric art deco design with sharp hardware. While the arrestingly pretty emerald Peridot leather comes only in zip-around format- way to mock a perfectly good diary.

If they're trying to reach all segments of the population with these varied choices, they will suceed, but it seems to me like they're firm on being "elegant and discerning" so I don't see the coherence.

It didn't take me much thinking to choose the Brown Mara, a rich brown croc leather in a fine 30s angular design with gold hardware, that very much reminds me of my Mulberry agenda but is a lot lighter in every sense. It feels sturdy and compact, but soft and slender. It is very flat and very pleasant to write on. The shade contrasts wonderfully with the signature powder blue/gold paper inserts. (Can't say the same thing of the magenta: with its pale pink lining and powder blue paper, you don't know if "it's a girl!" or if "it's a boy!". I'm only being difficult, I think the pink is fun. But I also urge them to bring us some more shades of pink, ones that don't scream "baby shower" quite so loud.)

I found the Bijou size to be perfect, very similar in size to the Filofax pocket if not the same, with the rings big enough to fit the diary and notes without threatening to burst open, and the pages big enough to write down a full song. I should probably carry a notebook aswell to write down the lengthy discussions I amuse myself with, but it's too easy not to. So there, if there's any other spoilt agenda freaks out there, the little journal is an indulgent necessity. 

Note: I got mine on sale in an event. They are VERY pricey. Plenty of them going on sale for Christmas, though.

No related posts.