Stories

In this Spotlight, we ask talented fashion illustrator Gigi Thanawongrat, or @handmadebygigi, to discuss her creative journey, inspirations, and love for illustrating fashion.

In her latest blog post for Kemi Telford, renowned food writer and cultural commentator Charlotte Druckman shares her deep admiration for the brand, recounting her love for the Benin Drawstring Dress and highlighting her top wardrobe picks, Charlotte also offers readers a taste of her New York City life, from must-visit bakeries to hidden literary gems, blending her passion for fashion, food, and culture into a delightful read. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or planning a trip to NYC, Charlotte’s insights are not to be missed.

In her culinary offering, Charlotte Druckman, celebrated food writer and author of Kitchen Remix, shares a delightful Onion Tart recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This savoury tart, featuring a unique rice crust and creamy onion filling, is part of her inventive approach to cooking, where she combines sets of three complementary ingredients into different, delicious dishes. Alongside this recipe, we honour the late photographer Aubrie Pick, whose beautiful imagery brings Charlotte's creations to life. Explore this recipe and bring a touch of Charlotte's kitchen into your home.

Behind every name is a story, and Kemi Telford has its tale to tell. Born from a blend of my Nigerian heritage and my journey as Yvonne Telford, our name symbolises empowerment and cherished identity. 'Kemi' – short for Oluwakemi, meaning 'God cherishes me', combined with my marital name, Telford, represents the fusion of cultures and personal history that define our brand.

Meet Claire Bale: equality advocate, anti-racism blogger, and avid bookworm. In the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, Claire embarked on a journey of self-reflection. As a mixed-race woman, she realised white authors predominantly shaped her reading habits. Join us as Claire shares how this realisation sparked a commitment to diversifying her literary repertoire and advocating for inclusivity.

In a world where external validation often takes centre stage, I find solace in the timeless wisdom passed down through generations of Nigerian upbringing. My mother, a beacon of strength and wisdom, taught me a fundamental truth: the power of self-praise. Growing up, she would remind me of the proverbial lizard, gracefully leaping from a high Iroko tree and landing on the ground with no audience. It would nod, acknowledge its own feat, and proclaim its greatness to an empty forest. This image stuck with me, serving as a potent reminder that we don't need validation from others to recognize our worth

I've been diving into "Style and Substance: Why What We Wear Matters," curated by Bay Garnett.

It's not just about fashion; it's about self-expression and owning our narrative. Each Kemi Telford piece we choose tells a story. Let's explore the transformative power of fashion together, Kemi Telford style!

Stay tuned for more insights and reflections as we continue this stylish journey.

Proverbs carry the wisdom of our ancestors, offering guidance and perspective. For me, they evoke a sense of nostalgia, bringing back memories of childhood mischief and parental wisdom wrapped in the simplicity of a proverb.

I grew up in a tiny village on the northeast coast of England during the '80s and '90s, where most people's fashion choices were dictated by the need to protect against the elements or prepare for a horse in a muddy field. Suddenly, I was thrust into a world of dressing for dinner, accessorising outfits, and matching bags to shoes. Also, it wasn't minus 10 outside or blowing a gale, so there was no need for a wide-striped polyester parka...

I spent hours - HOURS - in a Spanish shop called Globe (now sadly closed) choosing a burgundy red jacket with embroidered flowers on the back and matching sage green wide-leg trousers and a spotted mustard blouse. And to top off the outfit, a treasured pair of gold ballerinas (now, distressingly, long lost)

Gabriella Swallow is a celebrated cellist known for her versatility and talent. Trained at The Royal College of Music, she won the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal. Gabriella's career highlights include premiering works by renowned composers like Mark-Anthony Turnage and Paul Max Edlin, establishing her as a leading figure in contemporary music.

We asked George, aka @awomancalledgeorge, to write a love letter to her younger self to celebrate Valentine's Day. What love letter would you have written to your younger self? 

Tap on the link to here to watch her recording. 

In the tapestry of my life, woven with threads of risk, resilience, and gratitude, November 26, 1996, stands as a pivotal date. At 24, I arrived in England with little more than a KLM ticket and £250, a journey born out of leaving behind my university education in Nigeria. Fast forward to today, at 50, England has become my cherished home, and I proudly embrace the title of a grateful citizen.