Behind every stunning photograph, reel and social media post that we have created lies a story; a tale of dedication and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Last month we hosted a Christmas photo shoot that not only showcased our beautiful pre-loved fashion but also celebrated the spirit of giving. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that unfolded at the enchanting Welbeck Manor.
The Setting: Welbeck Manor
Nestled in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, Welbeck Manor stands as a testament to history, charm, and timeless beauty. Built by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1849, the manor has witnessed the passage of time while retaining almost all of its original features. Recent refurbishments under new ownership have revealed the manor’s true potential, transforming it into an elegant and stylish haven for those seeking a luxurious getaway.
Welbeck Manor provided the perfect backdrop for our Christmas photo shoot, a place where the past seamlessly intertwined with the present. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the manor exuded an aura of tranquility and sophistication, creating an ideal canvas for our festive fashion showcase.
The Heart of the Matter: Pre-Loved Fashion
At b.kinda, we believe in the power of pre-loved fashion to make a positive impact on the environment and the lives of those less fortunate; one hundred percent of the money paid for our mystery boxes is given to St Luke’s Hospice to pay for end-of-life care and support.
Our models, all wearing carefully curated pre-loved clothing from b.kinda, embodied the essence of sustainable style and Christmas sparkle! Each garment told a story of its own, a tale of reuse, and a commitment to reducing fashion’s ecological footprint.
The mix of our fashion against the backdrop of Welbeck Manor underscored the timeless nature of both. The fusion of pre-loved clothing and a historic venue created a visual narrative that celebrated the beauty of sustainability and the importance of preserving our shared history. It was the most perfect setting.
A Grateful Heart: Thanks to Welbeck Manor
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of Welbeck Manor’s owners and staff. We extend our gratitude for their kind donation of this magnificent space, allowing us to bring our vision to life. Their support not only made our photo shoot possible but also added an extra layer of elegance to the entire experience.
Welbeck Manor, with its rich history and commitment to refinement, perfectly aligned with our mission at b.kinda. The collaboration between a historic venue and a pre-loved fashion brand exemplifies the beauty of blending the old with the new, creating a harmonious synergy.
The Models: A Special Thank You
To our incredible models(Victoria’s friends), who generously donated their time and energy to make this event a success, we express our deepest appreciation. Your dedication to our cause and willingness to be a part of something meaningful has not gone unnoticed. It’s through the collective effort of individuals like you that we can make a real difference.
We thought we would introduce them and showcase their thoughts on the fashion looks that we created for this photo shoot – with all the clothes selected and styled by ‘Victoria’ from the rails at b.kinda HQ.
Kitty
I am 23, 5 ft 8”, a size 8 and the ages that I like to dress is 19-24.
I am a potter. I like to wear black, green, orange – I don’t wear much yellow/pink/purple. I like to wear earthy colours.
Kitty’s thoughts on the photo shoot and the pre-loved items that she modelled:
“I thought the venue was fantastic, it was a beautiful building and the chosen outfits were grand! The first was probably the furthest away from my usual style, a short, one shoulder dress with accessories and patterned tights. I really loved being in something different though and think it is great to experiment with fashion. The second outfit was a fantastic bright pink jumpsuit! I loved wearing this, again, not something I would have thought to buy for myself but I chose to keep it as part of my mystery box as I think it will be perfect for the festive season! The third was a real show stopper – a short sequin wrap dress from Topshop. I would never have felt brave enough to try this on before, but I felt really great in this outfit too, it was very fun. I think, being in the studio everyday, I am often in my overalls getting covered in clay, so it was really fun to be able to dress up!
I love-preloved. I am not sure what more I have to say other than it just seems to make sense to me. The quality of items you can get second hand and preloved, for less money whilst also being more sustainable, seems like a no-brainer? Even with second hand, I am quite particular with what I buy, if it is not going to be staying in my wardrobe, then it is not for me!
I love the message of b.kinda. It is slowing down fast fashion and the mystery boxes add that feeling of it being really special.”
Tanya
I’m 55 , 5’7 and I wear a size 10 . When it comes to ordering from b.kinda I always go much younger that my actual age. I choose the 20’s! I’m young at heart!
I’m a carer/ end of life / palliative care worker, have been for most of my adult life and I love my job ! I tend to choose much brighter colours now I’m naturally grey … pinks , greensand ochres, I find these also seem to brighten my day!
“The location was incredible, your team always seem to find the most incredible places . Steeped in history too. I wore a little black dress with some ‘frou frou’ around the top and shoe string straps topped off with a fur coat! It felt really special dressing up, I never usually get the chance so I loved this! I also had a little dark green number too which was sleeveless, velvet and figure hugging. The fit was awesome but the colour did nothing for me. To be honest they were all bloody marvellous, especially the quality being pre-loved and all. I have always bought second hand clothes. Ever since I left school and went to art college. Having no extra cash I used to buy from the charity shops, sew bits up, patch knees, rip bits off and tie them round my hair!I’ve passed this in to my three children too; they all wear pre loved. Shopping is so much more exciting when you grab yourself a bargain! And you are helping the planet to so it’s a win-win .
So I love b.kinda, for all it stands for; the ethics. I know how important hospice work is, especially in my field of work. (I volunteered in St Jospeh’s hospice in Hackney when I was in my early twenties), the monies that they raise are invaluable for the care of people at the end of life. And of course, the importance of re-using, pre-loving and re-cycling. The word has never been more important to push .
Just want to add that my friend Victoria (Head of b.kinda clothing) is just amazing at what she does ! Passionate and powerful in her field, she makes the photoshoot days run seamlessly and they are always such fun!”
Diliana
I’m 45 years old, and 1.58 in height. I’m a size 14 and like to dress for age 35.
I’m an art teacher and artist.
Navy is my favourite colour
Don’t like brown but love leather.
“The manor house was stunning and the interior really inspiring and the outfits we perfectly chosen. The green ball dress was a classic taffeta and felt very festive on. I loved the silver skirt as pretty but easy to wear and the wrap dress was flattering.
Pre loved fashion for me means that I buy quality and fashion but also sustainable and good for the environment. I love b.kinda and support their philosophy fully – good luck!
If you would like to order your b.kinda box with ‘something festive’ in it, then make sure you get your order in by 8th December to guarantee arrival before Christmas. Together, we can make the world a little brighter, one pre-loved garment at a time.