With a background in Savile Row tailoring, Sara Kelly founded her eponymous label with business partner Paul Vincent in 2009. Based in Shoreditch – the traditional heart of London’s rag trade – S.E.H Kelly works with a handful of British workrooms, each of which is a specialist in one type of garment. Materials are sourced from the finest mills, makers and foundries in the British Isles.

This season, S.E.H Kelly has produced an exclusive collection for Trunk. The collection is based on muted spring–weight cottons, each sourced from a handful of mills in Lancashire. With the collection now available at Trunk Clothiers and in our online shop, we sat down with S.E.H co-founder Paul Vincent to chat about mills and makers, and life and work in East London.

Trunk: S.E.H Kelly is new to Trunk – Could you introduce the brand for those who might not be familiar with it?

Paul Vincent: What we do is make useful and versatile clothes, well, and with good cloth. Sara, the other half of S.E.H Kelly, previously worked on Savile Row, for a couture and tailoring house with a predilection for high-end British cloth and make. Thus the makers and mills we work with are among the best in the Isles, with most of whom Sara became acquainted during her time on the Row.

– Paul Vincent and Sara Kelly.

T: What is the story behind the collection you've made exclusively for Trunk Clothiers?

PV: We found a small new cotton mill in North Lancashire at the beginning of the year. The collection is based upon muted cottons – twills, oxfords, and cotton-linen military-reproduction cloth – from that mill and others nearby.

T: Where do you find design inspiration?

PV: It comes mostly from places we visit. We find out about little mills and makers up and down the Isles, visit them, learn what they're good at and what they like making, and go from there.

T: What are you currently working on? – and when will we be able to see it?

PV: A small bunch of things made with linen from a mill Northern Ireland. We've devised a new washing and softening method to make the cloth softer and more pliable than usual. A few shades of blue and a couple of oatmeal are the colours, across shirts, jackets and hand-rolled pocket-squares. Everything should be done and dusted and at the workshop in April.

T: Where do you call home?

PV: Our workshop is in Bethnal Green, and our dwellings are in Leytonstone, so what we think of as home are those places and the bus-routes that join them.

T: Would you mind telling us about some of your favourite local places?

PV: Near to the workshop, there's the Whitechapel Gallery (a calming place whatever they're showing) and Barry the Barber (a nice man called Barry who cuts hair) and That Flower Shop (an excellent and clever florist around the corner from our workshop). Nearer to home, any number of about a dozen local boozers – preferably ones in tottering distance of the forest.

T: Do you have a favourite travel destination for work or pleasure?

PV: For work, our travel is always domestic. Last week we visited a woollen mill in South-West Wales, which also happens to be where Sara grew up. The Cresselly Arms, Auntie Vi's tea-room, and Bosherston Lily Ponds are places we try to get to if we have the chance.

T: What are your five essential items for travel?

PV: If you don't take long-johns and thick loop-backed cotton socks (irrespective of weather) and at least three books, you are asking for trouble.

A warm thank you to Paul from all of us at Trunk for taking the time to chat. For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

MCR is a small Italian shirtmaker that primarily produces private label shirting for luxury fashion houses. At Trunk, we work directly with the factory, cutting out intermediaries and allowing us to offer exceptionally high quality shirts at an affordable price. Having worked with MCR since Trunk opened, we are also able to offer an exclusive made–to–measure service, allowing the customer to personalise things further.

The process begins with a customer trying a few shirts on. Several sizes and styles are provided in order to find the best fit and ideal combination of collar and chest size. The next step is take measurements for sleeve length, and the length of the shirt itself.

With considerations of size and fit taken care of, the customer is let loose upon the myriad of customisation options. After poring over swatches of fine Italian fabrics, from classic crisp white poplin to livelier checks and stripes, the customer will choose his ideal cuff and collar, in addition to considering placket and pocket options. Finally, as an optional finishing touch, a monogram may be added.

MCR made–to–measure shirts are typically delivered within four weeks. Their quality, fit and personalisation have customers returning time and again for a new fabric or collar option, or simply a top-up of their perfect work shirt.

To book a made–to–measure fitting or for further information, contact us or pop in to Trunk.

Back for another round of Staff Picks is Tim, Trunk's shop manager. Since his last appearance on the Blog, Tim's grown a beard, shaved it off again, and been on holiday to South America. When choosing his SS14 picks Tim had one thing on his mind: sun. Lightweight layers, colour and pattern are the order of the day, resulting in a versatile selection that would work well together as a spring outfit, or individually as warm–weather wardrobe updates.

1. S.E.H Kelly Tour Jacket
- Tim: This is brand new in, and is a great casual jacket. I love their coats and the collar on this one in particular.

2. Common Projects Achilles Low Perforated
- T: Common Projects are just about my favourite casual footwear brand, and I love the colour of these. The perforated leather is good for summer too. 

3. Barena Venezia Rampin Trousers
- T: These are a bit jazzier than I'd usually wear but I like the colour and pattern - they'd go well with trainers and a t-shirt. 

4. Zanone Ice Cotton V-Neck Sweater
- T: I'm always a fan of green and this looks great with a white shirt or polo.

5. PORTER x Trunk Zip Tote
- T: This is our new tote bag made by PORTER and it's marvellous. It's the perfect size for a laptop and a folding umbrella, the straps are long enough to go over your shoulder and there are loads of pockets.

6. Drumohr Short Sleeve Polo
- T: I bought one of the long sleeve polos from Drumohr for a recent holiday and loved it. This is next on my list.

For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

The Alden Cordovan Penny Loafer and Longwing are back in stock

The Birkenstock Boston in Suede. Now available in our shops and online

With the launch of our accessories shop Trunk LABS last year, we also introduced a new brand to the West that had never before been sold outside of Japan. Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu is a bag maker with an uncommon, longstanding dedication to a set of principles that, in recent years, have become buzzwords – tradition, craftsmanship and quality. For Ichizawa however, these principles are no trend. The company has remained a family enterprise for four generations, making and selling canvas bags in Kyoto for more than one hundred years.

Each bag that leaves Ichizawa’s Kyoto workshop is made by an expert artisan working in tandem with an apprentice, who must gain at least seven years’ experience before being allowed to sew their first bag together. This level of dedication to quality and craft permeates every aspect of the business, making an Ichizawa Hanpu bag one of the most luxurious accessories in the world, despite its utilitarian origins and aesthetic.

Trunk remains the sole, exclusive stockist of Ichizawa outside of Japan. This spring we have expanded our range, introducing new models and colours to our selection of tote bags, and offering a rucksack for the first time.

Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu products are not available to purchase online. please contact us to enquire about making a purchase.

– Two Tone Tote. Available in Natural/Navy.

– Tote Bag. Available in Off White, Grey, Olive, Dark Brown, Blue Grey, Navy, Black.

– Tool Bag. Available in Yellow, Navy, Grey.

– Rucksack. Available in Olive, Grey.

– Zip Bag. Available in Beige, Olive, Black.

FARMERS' by Welsh Lavender Ltd. is a collaboration between Nancy Durham, owner of a small lavender farm in rural Wales, and Helen Lowe, a leading artisan in the development of cosmetic creams. All FARMERS' products are handmade by Helen in her North Wales studio using lavender oil distilled on Nancy's farm, complemented by a range of natural, beneficial ingredients.

The products have proved to be a huge hit at Trunk, with customers returning time and again to stock up on hand cream, or buy a set of miniatures as a gift. Nancy visits London regularly and always pops by for a chat, so we thought it was high time we sat down to find out a little more about the business and Nancy's farm. As ever, we also asked for a few travel tips, and with a background in international journalism, Nancy was a great source of ideas.

Trunk: Can you tell us a little about FARMERS' – your products and the philosophy behind the brand?

Nancy Durham: Our products are inspired by the labours of Welsh hill farmers, our neighbours on the rainy windswept hillsides of mid Wales. This is sheep country but we wanted to see if something different might thrive here so in 2003 we decided to plant 2,000 lavender plants. Today we have around 12,000 lavenders and are considering growing other herbs.

In our exposed location we are up against the elements day in and day out and I liked the idea of developing body creams that would stand up to all weather and all occasions. Our creams and balms – all handmade in Wales – provide tangible benefits quickly. We value the stylish simplicity of our labels and the clean, soft feel of our London–made aluminium jars.

Our philosophy is like our tractor logo: authentic, well made, and utilitarian.

- Nancy Durham. Photo by Mats Klingberg

T: What are you currently working on?

ND: FARMERS' SCRUB is set to launch in late spring. It is robust yet gentle and leaves your face, elbows or toes - any part of your body in need of a little polish - feeling soft. Minuscule walnut and almond particles deep clean while lavender, geranium and frankincense oils encourage moisture retention.

With winter coming to an end, we are tidying up the gardens and lavender fields and spring cleaning the out buildings, generally getting ready to welcome all the visitors who come to see how we manage to grow lavender in this sometimes inhospitable climate. Visitors are welcome to roam the fields, take in the lavender distillation process and swim in our pond. I grew up swimming in ponds, lakes and rivers in Canada. Over here this activity is regarded as rather exotic and these days it’s called 'wild swimming'!

We’re also very excited to be building a FARMERS’ shop. We scoured Wales for nice pieces of old wood in need of a new home so our store is being made with wood from a former schoolhouse in South Wales and floorboards from an old Swansea house. Its shelves will be stocked with our creams and balms of course, along with other locally made products. 

T: Where do you call home?

ND: Home is right here on our farm, Cefnperfedd Uchaf. There is much debate over the meaning of Cefnperfedd, so we have taken some poetic license with the Welsh language and settled on "in the midst of the highest ridge" as this aptly describes our situation at 1100 feet with stunning views in all directions. Uchaf means upper.

My favourite restaurant is right here on the farm when my husband, the philosopher Bill Newton-Smith, is cooking which is most nights.

T: Where is your favourite travel destination?

ND: My life as a journalist took me across Europe, China, Africa and the Middle East. I worked in every corner of the Balkans where I fell in love with a dish called Ajvar made with tomatoes, peppers, garlic and olive oil. Serbs, Croats and Albanians all make it with their own twist and with flair. These days my destinations are small, smart towns in the UK and the cities of London, New York, Toronto and sometimes Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz make the best felt slippers in the world and I would be lost on my travels without one of the pairs I've picked up at Tumar Art Salon in Bishkek.

London is a city for constant discovery. My association with Trunk has drawn me to Chiltern Street which I adore. It is fun watching it develop anew and it's an exemplary street for shop windows that pull you inside. Chiltern has gone from quiet to rocking in a very short space of time. When I was a student I did lots of waitressing and bartending and this past year I have done a few stints at the new Monocle Café in Chiltern [Nancy is also a regular on Monocle 24 Radio] and loved the way a tray and an apron transported me back to my teenage years. The success of this neighbourhood is testament to the vitality and imagination of its shopkeepers.

My partnership with Ace Hotel's Shoreditch location has lured me to the east end of London reacquainting me with places like the Columbia Road flower market and the narrow streets of Shoreditch. I relish the tiny shops, some the size of a closet with shopkeepers smiling, welcoming and selling! If I find myself in London on a weekend I head for a Morty & Bob's grilled cheese at Netil Market.

T: What are your 5 essential items for travel?

ND: 1. A good book.

2. A notebook and a variety of pencils and pens. I am fussy about my pens, pencils and paper.

3. A map of the city and countryside, wherever I will be.

4. I use our own products so I always carry a set of FARMERS' creams and balms plus a few to give away.

5. Portable radio, iPhone, iPad and laptop.

A warm thank you to Nancy from all of us at Trunk for taking the time to chat. For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Poolside prints from Timo. Shop the full SS14 swim collection at Trunk

The Birkenstock Boston in premium suede

Pinpoint oxfords and lightweight plaids from Gitman. Perfect for the warmer weather

The latest arrivals from Boglioli include the Dover suit in fine Italian cotton

A handful of bold printed handkerchiefs rounds out Massimo Alba's SS14 collection

We've just received a delivery of Postalco's beautifully crafted leather goods

Postalco is a husband-and-wife business founded in 2000 by Mike and Yuri Abelson. At the time, Mike was working as a bag designer, while Yuri's background is in graphic design. Starting in Brooklyn, New York, the couple moved their lives - and the business - to Tokyo over a decade ago. What sets Postalco’s designs apart are their fundamental utility and ineffable warmth, combined with the beauty of understatement. While stationery remains at the heart of the business, Postalco has since expanded into producing a beautiful range of leather goods, bags and rainwear, in addition to its work as a design agency with an enviable international client list.

At Trunk we've recently received a delivery of Postalco's elegant leather goods to complement our selection of stationery, so we decided it was a great time catch up with Mike to discuss the thought process behind his product design, his latest project and life in Tokyo.

Trunk: Can you tell us a little about the philosophy behind Postalco?

Mike Abelson: I think that fashion often is answering questions of 'who' we are. Science is asking ‘what’ we are. When looking at ‘what’ we are, so many issues emerge, large and small, to be resolved. A wallet or a notebook won't change your life. But I think that small differences in things we use constantly everyday do add up. Postalco strives to invent well made objects to solve our problems in a beautiful and satisfying way.

T: The Postalco Snap Pad is something we hadn't seen before, that has proved particularly popular at Trunk – how did you come up with the idea for the product?

MA: I was inspired by the piles of paper that build up like snow drifts around all copy machines. In the paperless age there seems to be more paper than ever. Now that paper is an option I can appreciate its immediacy more. We made a series of paper holders called Snap Pads to capture all those loose sheets. We used leather, paper board, and fabrics for the bindings- it is fascinating to see the varying effects of different materials all used to bind paper.

– The Postalco workshop, Tokyo.

T: Where does your design inspiration tend to come from?

MA: Great products are born in a certain place to solve a certain problem. Urushi miso soup bowls are a good example. You may be able to take that same object to a different environment and use it, but it would not have been born in that specific way without that environment. We are inspired by daily life around us.

T: Do you have any new projects currently in the works?

MA: We are working on a collaboration with one of the great modern artists's foundation for the fall of this year.

T: Where do you call home?

MA: Tokyo.

T: Would you mind telling us about some of your favourite local places?

MA: In Shibuya there is a small yakitori (chicken grilled over coals) place called Morimoto. It is a tightly knit group in the open kitchen, watching them it is almost like a jazz band. They specialise in free range chicken and the subtle flavours are fantastic.

T: Do you have a favourite travel destination for work or pleasure?

MA: I love going to Yakushima island – famous for its old growth forest and ancient cedar trees. The shapes of the trees are unbelievably complicated and beautiful. There is a trail called Shiratani Unsui Kyo; one of the greatest places for walking.

T: Finally, what are your five essential items for travel?

MA: Pen, notebook, good tea, mouth harp, dried fruit.

A warm thank you to Mike from all of us at Trunk for taking the time to chat. Shop the entire Postalco collection here. For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

The Drake's silk knit tie strikes the perfect informal balance

After a recent trip to Paris, Kiyoko didn't have to look far to find inspiration for her latest Staff Picks. Her selection features a smattering of travel essentials, alongside some of her favourite items from this season's collections. Read on for Kiyoko's take on each item and a few of her favourite places to visit in Paris.

- Kiyoko: Paris is one of my favourite cities. I like the way its historical side co-exists with contemporary Parisian culture. I often take a short trip to Paris to get some fresh air, seeking some inspiration, and most importantly for the sun.

1. Arpenteur Brehat Tee
- Kiyoko: A navy striped top is one of my summer wardrobe essentials. It will give you an instant summery look. This slightly short-length top is very comfortable and relaxing, so it's great to wear to Sunday brunch.

 – Marché des Enfants Rouges – An ideal market for a relaxed Sunday brunch.

 – Rose Bakery – Healthy yet beautiful food and drinks.

2. Glanshirt Regular Oxford Shirt
- K: I like to pack a white shirt in my suitcase when I’m travelling. You never know when you will get invited to a formal dinner or new gallery opening. I also like to wear a white shirt when I’m visiting a museum.

 – Fondation Cartier – Contemporary museum for inspiration.

 – Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Always has great fashion exhibitions.

3. Aspesi Cotton Cashmere Sweater
- K: I always go to the cinema when I’m in Paris, so it’s essential to bring an extra layer with me. I love this light grey colour and the softness of the cashmere. 

 – UGC Danton – A small, cosy cinema near Odéon.

4. Castañer Pablo Canvas Espadrilles
- K: Espadrilles are perfect for the summer look. These are made by Spanish brand Castañer, which has been making espadrilles since 1927. The addition of a rubber outer sole allows you to walk around in beautiful Paris for as long as you like.

– Jardin Du Luxembourg – The perfect place to take a walk and read a book.

5. BAG’n’NOUN Canvas Toolbag
- K: I love to visit book shops and pharmacies on my travels. So I always end up carrying lots of things in my bag. This canvas tool bag is very light and packable with many pockets, so it's perfect for someone like me.

 – Shakespeare and Company – Cute book store with a great selection.

 – Citypharma – Best pharmacy in Paris.

6. Trunk Notebook
- K: I like to carry a notebook with me so I can jot down whatever comes to my mind, from some inspiration for my work to a shopping list for the supermarket.

7. Delfonics Quitterie Zip Case Medium

- K: This durable zip case is great to travel with. This is one of my favourite items and I have all sizes. You can use the large zip case for your ticket and passport, medium case for foreign currency, and the small one for keys.

 – Delfonics Paris – Japanese stationery shop.

8. Tabio Striped Cover Socks

- K:I like to wear a pair of cheerful socks during my journey as a pair of slippers.

9. Sun Buddies Type 02

- K: Always a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses when travelling.

10. Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy

- K: This scent refreshes me from a long or short journey.

Thanks Kiyoko! For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Our menswear buyer Hugo's Staff Picks take inspiration from a recent trip to the opera at Glyndebourne. Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the Glyndebourne festival hosts six productions each year in a 1,200 seat opera house, situated in the grounds of the Glyndebourne estate in East Sussex. Hugo's selection is perfectly suited to this grand setting, featuring an evening wear outfit complemented by the requisite accessories.

- Hugo: My parents moved near Glyndebourne a few years ago and they've been going as often as possible since – I go whenever I'm lucky enough to get my hands on a ticket or two. The operas are produced in a fresh and unique way, and not many opera houses can boast the grounds that Glyndebourne estate does. A stroll through the grounds beforehand, and a picnic during the interval make it an experience that can't be beaten.

1. Caruso Wool Mohair Tuxedo
- Hugo: As we've taken a less traditional approach in putting together this tuxedo, with dual vents and using a lightweight wool-mohair blend in navy, Glyndebourne's relatively laid back evening wear dress code is the perfect occasion for it.

2. MCR Slim Dress Shirt
- H: To make a shirt suitable for a Trunk tuxedo we tweaked our popular MCR Slim Fit shirts by choosing a panama cotton with a delicate sheen and a single french cuff for cuff links. The single cuff is traditionally the more formal but we like them especially as they don't get caught in your sleeves of your jacket.

3. Drake's Formal Bow Tie
- H: Most of our customers will be familiar with Drake's' quality when it comes to ties so it wasn't difficult to find Trunk's perfect bow tie for formal occasions. The subtle texture of this Barathea silk contrasts nicely with the satin facing on our tuxedo's lapels.

4. Bresciani Ribbed Cotton Socks
- H: These Bresciani black cotton socks are lightweight and have slight sheen to them, so work very well for formal occasions and are comfortable in warm weather.

5. Simonnot-Godard Plain Pocket Square
- H: This clean white pocket square from Simonnot-Godard will top the outfit off and won't bulk up the chest of the jacket too much as it's smaller than your traditional handkerchiefs.

6. London Undercover City Gent Umbrella
- H: You never know with the English summer!

7. Alden Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher

8. Alden Cordovan Paste Wax

9. Sun Buddies Type 01

10. Eleanor Pritchard 525 Line Blanket

Thanks Hugo! For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

If you're in London, pay us a visit at our shops in Marylebone's Chiltern St.

New to Trunk, Barton Perreira is an eyewear brand dedicated to pure luxury

Hugo's Staff Picks take inspiration from a recent trip to the opera at at Glyndebourne