Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-credit-Dan-Smith.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-credit-Dan-Smith.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-credit-Dan-Smith-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-credit-Dan-Smith-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-credit-Dan-Smith-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image / by Dan Smith</figcaption></figure>



<p>Harriet Eccleston is a designer who is on the up. Her hand-crafted, timeless shirts and jackets &#8211; inspired by stories from the past &#8211; have been described as ‘stylish, revolutionary and nostalgic&#8217; by <em>Vogue</em>. Quite the accolade, eh? Since launching her first collection in 2019 from her Matlock studio, she&#8217;s won awards, been singled out globally as a top emerging talent and has shown at catwalks in Russia, London and Paris. Muddy caught up with her as she prepared to immerse herself in London Fashion Week and asked her to let us in on her favourite local places and where she travels to be inspired.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peak-tor">Peak Tor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Peak-Tor-Derbyshire-by-Harriet-Ecclestone.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3348" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Peak-Tor-Derbyshire-by-Harriet-Ecclestone.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Peak-Tor-Derbyshire-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Peak-Tor-Derbyshire-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Peak-Tor-Derbyshire-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>History and passed-down stories have always interested me and inspires a lot of my work.&nbsp;My favourite relaxing walk that captures the local scenery and little snippets of a time gone by is to Peak Tor.</p>



<p>Start at the Nine Ladies and wind down the woods to Lees Road which takes you past many reminders of the Lees Cross Quarry.&nbsp;Nature has taken hold of the 1850s quarry but the cutting shed, smithy and abandoned stones can still be seen dotted along the path. Continue down the hill towards Caudwell’s Mill and up to the top of a steep hill speckled with trees.&nbsp;You’ll get gorgeous views of the rolling hills as well as walk amongst the trees that tell love stories. Initials and dates are etched into the trees (pictured), some possibly before being separated by war.</p>



<p>After the beautiful but hilly walk, sitting by the open fire with a local pint and a bacon and brie sandwich at the <a href="https://flyingchilders.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flying Childers</a> in Stanton in Peak is the perfect finish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kinder-scout">Kinder Scout</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Kinder-Scout-by-Harriet-Ecclestone.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3346" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Kinder-Scout-by-Harriet-Ecclestone.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Kinder-Scout-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Kinder-Scout-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Kinder-Scout-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The perfect place to take in the views. Early Spring is my favourite time of year &#8211; when the sun is out, new life is starting to show and it’s crisp. But coming back to see the scenery change throughout the year, especially from Kinder Downfall, is really special.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frances-and-rose-studio">Frances and Rose Studio</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Frances-and-Rose-studio.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3347" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Frances-and-Rose-studio.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Frances-and-Rose-studio-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Frances-and-Rose-studio-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Frances-and-Rose-studio-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I have always been creative and at my happiest with a project on the go! My brother and I would come home from school and my mum (now a ceramicist) would have an art project for us to do. I met Marianne Slater, a floral designer, writer and artist who runs <a href="https://www.francesandrose.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frances and Rose,</a> shortly after launching HARRIET ECCLESTON and took part in one of her wreath-making workshops. It was my favourite things combined &#8211; being creative and being with nature. Marianne grows and picks her own flowers and the seasons drive her creations. She puts you at ease straight away and allows me to challenge my creativity in a way I’d not done before. Her workshop is a hive of creativity, relaxation and nature, but a close second is curling up on the sofa with her gorgeous book and a cup of tea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scarthin-books-cromford">Scarthin Books, Cromford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3352" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Scarthin-Books-Cromford-x-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s often quite hectic and demanding in the studio and as much as I love it, taking some time out is really important to remember. Somewhere to hide away for an hour or so is<a href="http://www.scarthinbooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Scarthin Books</a> in Cromford which my Dad introduced me to. As soon as you walk through the door you are surrounded by books. he rooms are filled to the brim with stories, accounts, poems and plays, and the rooms go on and on. It is so easy to get totally absorbed, you never know if you’ll stumble across that book you’ve been meaning to read for years or a hidden treasure. There’s even a gorgeous little café to sit with a cup of tea and get absorbed in your new find.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-v-a-london">The V&amp;A, London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3358" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/VA-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When I’m in London I often find myself in the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">V&amp;A</a>. It’s either an hour in between appointments or marking out an afternoon to get lost amongst the history and design. I find it really interesting and inspiring. The last exhibition I saw was <em>Fluid Fashion</em>, a great example of pushing boundaries and changing perspectives within fashion. Long may that continue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alnmouth-northumberland">Alnmouth, Northumberland</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Northumberland-by-Harriet-Ecclestone.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3349" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Northumberland-by-Harriet-Ecclestone.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Northumberland-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Northumberland-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Northumberland-by-Harriet-Ecclestone-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My family established a menswear shop in the late 1800s in Northumberland. The quality, craftsmanship of the time and stories from in and around the shop inspire my work.&nbsp;I have a receipt for a pair of gloves to be dry-cleaned, signed by my Great Great Grandfather for the customer Emily Wilding-Davison.&nbsp;Nine months later Miss Davison was hit by the&nbsp;King&#8217;s&nbsp;Horse at the Epsom Derby which marked a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s equality.</p>



<p>My Grandparents lived in the North East and I always loved visiting, spending time on the beach and in the gorgeous Northumberland countryside.&nbsp;I moved up to Newcastle in 2013 to study Fashion at Northumbria University.</p>



<p>Heading back&nbsp;to Northumberland&nbsp;now is such a relaxing break. The perfect day is&nbsp;wandering&nbsp;around Alnmouth and The Old School Gallery which is full of stunning local artwork. I love the Derbyshire countryside but there is just something about being by the sea, it reminds me of childhood holidays and picnics with my grandparents. The sand in-between your toes and just watching the waves is one of my favourite happy places.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-sewing-by-Dan-Smith.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3350" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-sewing-by-Dan-Smith.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-sewing-by-Dan-Smith-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-sewing-by-Dan-Smith-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Harriet-Ecclestone-sewing-by-Dan-Smith-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Check out Harriet&#8217;s beautiful collections <a href="https://www.harrieteccleston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at her website here</a> or follow her on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harrieteccleston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@harrieteccleston</a>.</p>


My favourite places: fashion designer Harriet Eccleston

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