Haberdash House: jewellery with a story

When a jewellery label’s pieces make up a fantastical story you know there is a lot of thought that has gone into the concept.

Haberdash House was started up in 2007 by Marie Liddell. Marie had been working in an office and wanted more from life. She decided to study art and design at college before gaining a place on the textile course at Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating in 2006, Marie worked for Helen David at English Eccentrics before setting up Haberdash House.

Haberdash House places an emphasis on fun and frivolity. The first collection was based on an imaginary world where an eclectic group of animals took a trip to the Big Apple and clash against the New York urban landscape.

The second collection was inspired by current events and combined them with memories and fairy tales to allow you to purchase your very own country cottage, complete with wildlife, without the hassle.

The third collection, named ‘Roll Up…Roll Up…’ is inspired by bright lights, animals and decorations of circus life. Primary colours and bright shades were used to reflect the vibrancy of the circus.

The current collection, called Urban Jungle, features their trademark animal pieces and is inspired by graffiti, tattoos and street style. Fluorescent brights and gold add a touch of bling to the collection.

When asked what inspires her, Maria replied: “I am inspired by childhood memories, everyday life and overheard conversations on the bus. I then throw some animals into the mix and see what happens.” She loves clean lines, beautiful shapes and all her collections use a simple colour palette to allow the shapes to tell a story. Maria uses Perspex and plywood to create her necklaces and brooches, and for fabric brooches she uses hand embroidery techniques.

Watch what you say on the bus because you never know if Maria is listening for new ideas for a collection. Check out Haberdash House’s latest story here.

Jenny Rodgers