M&S & Kelly Hoppen Homeware Design Preview!

A very special Midweek Musings #6 - Come and join me at this VIP event. Plus a sneak peek of the A/W collection and a minor mishap.

Imagine my surprise when an email arrived from Marks & Spencer with this little invitation. My first thought was of utter joy and excitement, but that soon turned to: “What the hell am I going to wear?” and a deep concern about the very last line of the invitation (which I’ve removed as it contained someone’s email address). It read: ‘For interviews with Kelly Hoppen please contact…’ - was I going to have to interview her? Crikey Moses, Joseph and Mary, what the hell would I ask?

Suddenly I had visions of my very own supremely awkward Notting Hill moment with me as the fumbling Hugh Grant character being hurriedly ushered to a small, confidence-syphoning room where the ever-graceful, renowned British interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, would be waiting, peering above her own brand spectacles.

“So, you and M&S hey! How about that? I bet you’re pleased. Is your hair naturally curly because if not, then you’re incredibly good at it. Very bouncy I must say! Do you want a peppermint?” Guffaw!

I find the best way to build myself up to an event like this (everyone thinks I’m an extrovert, but I promise you I am far from it) is to find out whether there will be any close friends and allies attending. Thankfully, my Insta pals Justin Coakley (design_at_nineteen) and

Hygge for Home by Reena Simon

and James Rotherham (marksandspencer_james) would be there, so that calmed my nerves.

Other than an incident with a pair of white briefs, the trip to The Big Smoke went according to plan and thankfully I was not asked to make a complete twat of myself in front of the guest of honour. I decided to wear white linen trousers, a midnight blue linen shirt and matching t-shirt, the blue being slightly off-piste for Kelly (get me on first name terms!), but I was sure she’d appreciate the nod to the monochrome.

The problem was I needed a white pair of briefs and my own drawer was all out, so I borrowed a pair of my husband’s - one of the joys of being gay. I hadn’t seen them before, thought they must be new. There was a diagonal line of press studs on the front, designed to keep everything in its rightful place. I did think they were a bit on the saucy side, but didn’t have time to question it. Oh how I wish I had!

As soon as I sat down on the train the top stud popped open, followed by the next one down and the next below that. What the hell was I going to do? Suffice to say, I spent the majority of the afternoon breathing in. If anyone was thinking I had a slightly pained expression on my face, now you know! If I’d seen a pair of M&S briefs in the new men’s clothing collection I might have nabbed them.

The M&S and Kelly Hoppen Homeware Collection

The Kelly Hoppen collection at M&S launching 12th September.

180 Studios on The Strand is enormous, I had no clue, but the warm, welcoming vibe was present from the front door all the way to Kelly Hoppen herself. The event was executed with precision and panache. A select handful of influencers and writers like myself were invited to this preview before the main press day, which is today, along with distinguished guests and the brilliant M&S team. Champagne and canapés were served by astonishingly good looking young men, who seemed to have been chosen for their chiselled jaws, square shoulders and gleaming white smiles. I wasn’t complaining.

We all exchanged pleasantries and had a catch up and then we were allowed to see the new collection, which launches on 12th September 2024. Wow! Crisp clean lines, soft inviting textures, sculptural elegance and an attention to detail second to none, all at a very affordable price too! The 75-piece collection includes statement lighting, ceramics and textiles across bedding and bathroom, in a variety of sizes and colourways, all underpinned by the perfect neutral palette.

Kelly Hoppen says: “I’ve loved every minute of designing my first collection with Marks & Spencer. It’s been an amazing experience. Each piece has been designed with care and attention to detail, blending style and comfort to make every home feel special. Working with such a beloved brand has been a dream come true, allowing me to bring my vision to life in a way that feels both modern and welcoming.”

The M&S Autumn/Winter collection

I have to say I was blown away by the new homeware collection for the new season, as much as I was the men’s clothing range. I literally wanted everything. The homeware is a warm, earthy mix of terracotta, blues, greens and soft neutrals, linked with wood and nature-inspired elements, along with geometric shapes and an almost arts and crafts feel. Here’s a few of my highlights. A lot more of the items you see will be available very soon.

Floral blue ceramic vase - £15

Wooden pillar candle holder - £9.50

Ridged green glass hurricane candle holder - £9.50

Glazed Ceramic planter - £19.50

Pure cotton geometric bolster cushion - £17.50

Cotton quilted patchwork cushion - £17.50

Christmas

You know I love it! After this event I am definitely excited for the festive season this year. We have our American besties flying over to stay with us, so I am keen to give them a traditional English Christmas, lots of red and green, nutcrackers, holly and ivy, the whole shebang. I’ve been reliably informed that all items will be available very soon. Here’s a sneak peek of what M&S has coming up as well as three of my favourite pieces available now.

Extra large winter berry wreath - £65

3 pack of Gold glass jewel baubles - £12

Scotland Nutcracker room decoration - £12

…and finally

I couldn’t leave without showing you the new men’s clothing collection. I’m going to need to save up as I want the whole range. I hope you enjoyed coming along to this wonderful event and that I’ve got you excited for the months ahead. See you on Sunday!

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