Smythson tapped English actors Vanessa Kirby and James Norton as the brand ambassadors of their Spring 2016 Behind the Craft campaign. In an effort to pay homage to those who spend their lives perfecting their art, the brand focuses on the professional work of the two young talents. Smythson has a history of supporting the London theater, which they feel closely resembles their own traditions and culture. “Out of the UK at the moment come these incredibly exciting films and actors and writers and directors. It’s a mixture between being progressive and modern, exciting and classy, traditional and having immense heritage and that’s what Smythson is,” Norton said in a press release.
In their 200-year history, Smythson has catered to Indian Maharajas, European Royalty and Hollywood’s elite. The label is also the holder of three Royal Warrants, having been granted a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen in 1964, HRH the Prince of Wales in 1980 and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in 2002. While holding Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Warrant (which expired in 2007), Smythson was one of only eight companies in the world to hold four warrants simultaneously.
Their rich history and elite patronage is wonderful, but it’s the classic styles, luxury fabrics and stories that really made us fall in love with the brand. They aren’t immune to the trends of today, but their designs maintain the same quality craftsmanship that made them so popular over the last two centuries. “It’s not how many people see the things you do as an actor, it’s just about the play and the playwright and the work and the craft behind it. I feel like Smythson as a company is so similar to that, is so dedicated to real proper things that will last a lifetime,” added Kirby.
Pastels like baby blue, mint green and blossom pink are popular throughout the new women’s collection, while men’s accessories favor a series of neutral browns, cranberry and navy blue—black in both lines is kept to a minimum. Each piece is very angular: mini box bags, envelope clutches and portfolio totes are the focal point of the line. Favorites include blogger-worthy pieces like the lavender Grosvenor Python Large Clutch and cream-tone Mini Dover Crossbody, two bags we're pretty sure even Her Majesty would approve of.
