We are about to take delivery of our first order of Kangol hats for children which enthuses us no end. It is a brand which is familiar to us all and it’s logo is instantly recognisable. The brand, in recent years (okay, 20 years ago!) has been brought to the fore by musicians such as The Beastie Boys and James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, but it has a rich history which we thought that you might be interested in.

In 1918, after WW1, Jaques Spreiregen returned to civilian life and set himself up in business as an importer of Basque berets from France. Marketing them as a post war must have, fashion item, Jaques became increasingly involved in the production and distribution of berets over the next 20 years. In 1938, with many imitators, Jaques created the brand Kangol to distinguish his headwear from that of the competition. The most widely believed theory on the origins of the
name is that Jaques combined the K from knitting, the ANG from angora and the OL from wool.

Officially born in Cleator, Cumbria, Kangol provided berets for the British army in WW2, most noteably for General Bernard Montgomery and also for the British Olympic Team in 1948.

The swinging sixties saw the brand go global and was adopted by The Beatles and included in collections by Pierre Cardin and Mary Quant. In the early eighties Graham Smith designed a range of hats for the British Airways cabin crew. Infact, in 1983 Princess Diana appeared in Vogue wearing one of his creations. This was also the year in which the kangaroo was incorporated into the logo. Many suggestions were made for the graphic, but as the Americans had been going into stores asking for ‘kangaroo’ hats, it was decided not to fight it.

Sported by the likes of Eric B and Rakim, Slick Rick, Grand Master Flash and the aforementioned LL Cool J, Kangol became synonymous with the label touting Hip Hop generation. Kangol caps and hats became the essential accessory in this rising sub culture of designer desirable labels. Almost overnight the ’504′ became the cool fashion accessory.

Today Kangol produces a wide range of head wear which transcends generations and cultures. Not just Hip Hop, not just heritage. Kangol is a fashion fusion, taking the very best of British heritage and retro hip hop to create a fashion forward brand. Here at Mash n Gravy we would like to introduce a new generation of stylish little people to this iconic brand.

Dodged the rain yet again on a camping trip to Loch Lomond with friends

Imps&Elfs originated in 1997 as ‘a modest children’s label without frills and fancies, which concentrates on the shape of the child. Fons Cohen is the owner and founder and Jaqueline Streng is the designer. Based in South Amsterdam their Baby (Sleep) and Toddler (Walk) collections have transcended borders and are sold widely all over the world.

Here at Mash n Gravy, we are delighted to showcase the ‘Talk’ collection ( 3 years to 7 years in our store) which concentrates on a capsule collection of every day items of exceptional quality and superior fit.

Jaqueline Streng considers children to be ‘the most precious gift on earth‘ and this is evident in her choice of delightfully soft, light as a feather fabrics for this seasons tops and tees.

Imps&Elfs works with MADE-BY, a subsiduary of the Dutch Solidaridad fair trade organization, to clean up the production process.

MADE-By is an umbrella label used by about twenty fashion brands to show consumers that their clothes are produced in a sustainable manner. Brands affiliated to MADE-BY use biological cotton and work together with sewing factories which have a social code of conduct, thereby focusing on environmental and working conditions throughout the entire production chain.

We feel that Imps& Elfs Talk Collection fits the Mash n Gravy profile as it has style, a sense of humour, subtle colour schemes punctuated by unexpected shots of colour, not to mention it’s green credentials. We have been so blown away by this first delivery that we’ve had to vocalise our excitement in the form of this post before we’ve had the garments photographed. Keep your eyes peeled, as the collection will be available to purchase soon. In the mean time, please enjoy these styling shots – a taste of what will soon be on offer.

What we did this weekend

Soaked up the Summer – Literally!

Wet weather attire all round.

When is this rain going to stop!!!

Torrential Rain + Saturday Afternoon = Play at Home

In our relentless quest to bring you the freshest trends, we are delighted to introduce Angels’ Face to our store.

We have just taken delivery of their frothy Pettiskirts and HQ has become a riot of colour with frills and ribbon spilling out everywhere.

If you are an avid on line shopper or, indeed a serial browser with self restraint (I take my hat off to you madam!) you cannot have failed to notice the presence of the fuller skirt for little girls, with even the more traditional labels such as Mini A Ture including tulle skirts in their forthcoming collection. Set to be a big trend, not just for the coming season, but for the foreseeable future, voluminous pettiskirts are back. Made wit hover forty yards of soft frills these were just made for twirling.

Perfect as a present Angel’s Face have also designed a stylish hat box which doubles, not only as beautiful presentation, but also as practical storage for the shirt when not being worn.

Little girls across the land who are lucky enough to own one of these will want to wear it to parties, weddings, ballet, dressing up and even with wellingtons in the rain. I know I would if they made them in my size!

Now how are we going to get all of these back in their boxes…?

Schools out!

In Scotland anyway, with the rest of the Uk and Europe hot on our heels.

We’ve already had our summer holiday but for those bathed in glorious sunshine or planning a trip somewhere warm here at Mash n Gravy we have a terrific selection of t-shirts, shorts and dresses to keep your little one cool.

Our summer sale is now on with 40% off most labels. Stock is now limited with many sizes sold out – so if you still have room in your little ones suitcase, don’t leave it to the last minute!

Whatever your plans, have a wonderful summer!

Its the 1st of July, so that must mean our massive Summer Sale has begun … save a whopping 40% Off all of our brands.

www.mashngravy.com/sale

Enjoy!