B meets Johanna Sands
Now if you could make clothes, what would you make? I’d probably try and run up a few simple floral dresses, a couple of loose midi skirts, oh maybe a frilly shirt… reality is it took me a whole weekend, 2 sewing machines, help from a very experienced sewer and a little bit of alcohol (when it all got too much) to make (drumroll) two cushion covers. ITS HARD!
Now Johanna Sands, of her self-titled label, began handmaking leather and sheepskin jackets over 12 year ago, which we first started with on Studio B when we launched in September 2017. You might never have heard of her brand, or you might have seen it on Instagram, where Johanna often models her own wears, and we must say looks bloody amazing in them!
Since then we've worked with Johanna exclusively at Studio B on a four piece linen summer dress capsule which launched last summer, and was such a hit we've been making to order the favourite two styles ever since (the pink Concetta and the white Amalfi dress). And now we're about to launch our second summer dress collection end of May 2019, some same styles in new colours and some brand new designs - seriously be very excited!
SIP THAT WINE AND SHOP OUR EXCLUSIVE CAPSULE HERE
A LABOUR OF LOVE
I’d describe my brand as luxurious, chic and minimal. Every dress is handmade by me from premium linen fabrics which are ethically sourced from the UK and Italy. Many (many, many!) hours are spent making patterns, cutting and sewing which does influence my selling price, but they really are very special, limited edition pieces not just an off the peg.
IT’S IN THE FAMILY
I grew up surrounded by design, sewing and fashion as my mum is a designer/tailor. I worked with her from a young age and then studied fashion at Liverpool John Moore’s University. When I left University, I started making clothes for people and began to specialise in leather. When I met my husband 12 years ago he owned vintage motorbikes, which inspired me to design the perfect leather jacket and I started my label. We had our first son 13 years ago and I began making mini leather jackets for boys.
TRUE CLASSIC
I find inspiration from old films and style icons from the past. My latest collection is inspired by Françoise Hardy and Ali McGraw. I am always inspired by trips to Italy and Paris and my mum!
STYLEGRAM
I also look to other brands and Instagram for style inspiration, such as Acne, Johanna Ortiz (B - personal fave if I had a luxury budget), The Row and Les Coyotes de Paris. Style wise I love @umeromaan @lucywilliams02, @uhlalaland.
B STYLE (Or in this case J Style)
My pieces, the leather jackets and the linen dresses, are so versatile I wear them with everything, that is why I love them so much! I spend the month of August in Italy with our family and never have the dresses off!
B – You can't beat a gorgeous linen dress, they're so loose and comfy to breeze around too. I must admit i lived in my pink Concetta and Amalfi dresses last summer and have had to add to my personal collection again with the new editions! An eternal wardrobe classic, your wardrobe needs at least one!
HOMELIFE
I work from my home in Liverpool, where I live with my husband and three boys (B - her photographer/singer husband and three blonde haired, child model looking adorable boys). My favourite part of the city is The Georgian Quarter and Sefton Park and I love the Quarter for breakfast and 60 Hope Street for dinner.
ADVICE FOR DOING IT? WORK HARD, BE KIND & NEVER GIVE UP!
