Kestin Hare, Store Launch, Stockbridge.

Last Thursday, The Brotique were invited to join our old neighbour, Kestin Hare, launch his new collection and remodelled store. It was an incredible evening full of celebration, birds and Bond. James Bond that is.

Kestin Hare SS15 takes inspiration from “Birds Of The West Indies”, a book first published in 1936 and written by American ornithologist, James Bond. Ian Flemming spent time living in Jamaica and as a keen bird watcher was familiar with Bond’s book. He chose the author’s name for the central character in his series of iconic spy novels, which started with Casino Royale in 1953.

The Man of the Evening, Kestin Hare

The Bird Watchers collection maintains a clean aesthetic with versatile lightweight garments and minimal detailing. The modern cuts and technical fabrics are contrasted with a nostalgic 1950’s colour palette. Cool base tones of navy ranging through to steel, with subtle notes of khaki and sand with bright accents of teal, coral and canary yellow make up the SS15 colour palette.

Hand-drawn repeat bird prints are present throughout the collection in shirtings and linings of garments. This season introduces a collaboration with Scottish print designer Victoria Murdoch and her luxury silk brand "Silken Favours" whose cushions also helped decorate the store. Gone with the old overhead bed frames and in with contemporary clean lines, marble, copper and the best use of chipboard we've seen since the 1970's.

Guests thoroughly enjoyed delicious nibbles from 'Alright Trecle' and drinks from Martin Millers Gin and Alechemy Ale before heading downstairs to 'The Last Word Saloon' for thank you's and live music. The goody bags were on top form thanks to some of Kestin's neighbouring stores. Inside the new branded bags were gifts inlcuding a scent library and travel size tin of Penhalligons including new scent Ostara, Beard Oil from one of our favourite local brand Hudson & Armitage and a voucher for our Queen Street Store. To say we're pleased for Kestin's accomplishments would be an understatement, we are so pleased to have been apart of the evening and cannot wait to see what's to come in the future.

You can visit the new Kestin Hare store at 46 Saint Stephen Street or shop the collection online at kestinhare.com.