On Monday i took a trip across the bridge and went to Glastonbury for the day to visit and hang out at Haruka.
So what is Haruka i hear you ask?
Haruka is a boutique filled with a veritable array of colour, texture and pattern of original designs and creations.
Each piece (apart from 3 other brands also sold in store) are designed by the owner Amanda.
Haruka is named after her son, i would say the store and brand is also like another child to her, and rightfully so. Amanda has created something extremely special and i'm going to try and explain why.
The shop is filled with beautiful, flattering and diverse pieces, items that you won't find on the High street or probably see another lady in them ( You know that awkward moment when you get to a gathering and there's someone rocking the same H&M/M&S/Next dress as you.. well none of that here!) Each piece is limited edition, painstakingly designed with ethically sourced fabric and handcrafted by artisans from Nepal and India who have become friends from years of working together.
Amanda regularly travels to India and Nepal to be with the creators of her pieces and to spend time overseeing the production process.
The thing I think i'm trying to get across is this: When you wear a Haruka piece you feel amazing. You feel the quality of the fabric, you feel the time that's gone in to making it, you feel the design come to life and the passion that has gone in to each and every stitch from its designer, Amanda.
You aren't just wearing another mass produced item off of a rail. You're wearing a one of a kind design and creation.
It feels special.
These are items that will be with you and stand the test of time, not just a passing fad or trend. This will be a piece that will see you through the good times and the bad, special occasions or daily wears. This is a piece that wants to be worn again and again.
And you feel it, you really do.
Haruka is a not just a shop, but a way of life that i honestly think we should all be embracing more:
"Our collections are designed to build upon each other year after year, so that treasured favourites can be mixed and matched with new pieces. We use natural fibres, in rich earthy shades, some of them woven especially for us to our own specification of weight, composition and colour. Other fabrics are sourced from the surplus market, using materials that the fashion industry would otherwise throw away. This allows us to get creative, and add spice to our range with limited edition pieces."
Amazing right?
Inside the shop i experienced first hand what its like to be a Haruka Customer. I saw ladies coming in with low expectations of finding anything that would fit or look good on them, only to then leave with a full outfit, beaming smile and a happy heart.
Each person who arrived at Haruka left with something.
And that was incredible to see.
After talking with Amanda and feeling so inspired by her passion I scoured the rails and wanted SO many items. What i first thought was a fully bohemian collection soon turned my expectations upside down (in a good way!). The thing i noticed throughout is that there is something for everybody, whether that be style, body type or age, there is a design that will look and fit you like a dream.
So i hot footed it to the changing room with an arm full of beauties to play dress up, and these are my findings:
Coming in at number one had to be the red dress i had been looking for my entire adult life. Designed and sculpted to flatter, it was an absolute dream to wear. The soft jersey fabric made this comfy and wearable, yet the silk made the dress feel luxurious and special. The combination of fabrics made this dress simply exceptional.
I posted this on Insta and many ladies were interested in it for a possible Christmas day dress.. Yes yes yes.., it is the perfect Christmas dress; the fluted skirt that sways when you walk will make you feel magnificent, yet the soft stretchy fabric will also allow for as many bucks fizz and mince pies as you require.
A very close second favourite was the stunning maxi skirt.
When i first picked this up i was pleasantly surprised to feel how heavy and luxe the fabric feels, it it felt sturdy and provided excellent coverage of the legs unlike some flimsy maxi skirts. Its made of wool and sequin and because of this combination the fall of the skirt is perfection.
It hangs beautifully.
The quality is of course outstanding.
I love this with a sweater like above and below, but would also work well with a silk cami for a special occasion.
Shop the
skirt here
This is such a fab on trend item, but as with Harukas ethos could be worn each year and to many a special occasion.
The stretchy jersey fabric adds a slim fit without feeling restrictive, the deep midnight blue makes it look luxe and will suit many different colourings and be much less harsh than black.
This is party season perfection, especially if you don;t like to get your legs out come winter. The sparkle sash and edging really just scream 'PARTY SEASON'. Add in some silver boots and you will be festive season ready. I love that this would work for a house party or a formal party, either way, it just works.
Shop the
jumpsuit here
A perfect 'Does all the talking' jacket. Ideal for days when you want to keep the rest of your outfit simple.
the first thing i noticed was hoe flattering it is tho the hips and waist. I'm a pear shape, so for me it didn't emphasise my larger area, it skimmed and brought the eye to the front with the gorgeous waterfall style rather than highlighting my hips.
I love the idea of this with blue jeans and a white tee and red boots. The perfect little jacket.
Shop it
here
The type of coat you could wear for the entire season and would work with dresses and jeans equally well. I don't own a coat that can work well with both, but this could. I loved the juxtaposition between sharp tailoring and feminine cut of this coat, which is exactly why it works well with many an outfit.
The cut of the hem is exactly why it will work well over dresses, which is one heck of a hard thing to do, but this dress does.
Alternatively rock it over jeans like me here and swish the attached scarf for a bit of instant glam.
Shop the
Coat here
Its red.. of course i'm going to love it, but honestly i don't think i've ever loved a jumper so much. Its soft and not itchy, it can be worn a few different ways and its nipped in waist makes this one heck of a flattering number. It comes with a rather fab detachable obi style belt (below right) which can either be tied around or left off (Amanda said she sometimes even adds it to different dresses too, which is fun), i left mine off as i like to do a front tuck. It also has a gigantic cowl which can be brought up over your head and keep your ears warm (perfect for the dog walks then 😉) If you're looking for investment knitwear, this could be the one!
Shop it
here
The waistcoat below was also a fab little try on that i would never have normally tried. Needless to say i am a total waistcoat convert!
Small brands like Haruka often don't get the recognition online that they deserve as the atmosphere and quality is often not conveyed as its a tricky thing to capture, but i hope i've articulated just how special it was to experience a brand with not only great ethics but also fantastic creations.
I hope you'll all follow Haruka and show some some internet support to the brand by giving them a follow on
Instagram or/and
Facebook.
Whats your favourite item from what i've shown you?
Much Love
