Simple and distinctive, casual but elegant, practical and pleasurable, tea green aims to offer a contemporary and individual collection of handbags, purses and more. Established in 2013, tea green is a small design business set up by Frances Bayliss, based in Somerset, England. Whilst studying for an MA in Textiles and Fashion, Frances developed a way of digitally embroidering onto leather and wool fabric. This technical and decorative process has added a unique edge to her accessories, encapsulating her passion for colour and understated detail.
The design work is often influenced by the several years that Frances spent in the Far East, where she was surrounded by glimpses of bright, vibrant and rich colour. The simple motifs used on the leather and wool add texture and relief. Initial design work for the collection originated from the simple tea bag, hence the accessories are named after different teas. Inspiration is taken from a variety of sources where simple lines and shapes can be abstracted and then put into repeat.
Frances designs all the products, applies the digital embroidery and finally they are assembled in a small workshop in Somerset. The legacy left by the leather industry here in Somerset has underpinned her research and vision to utilise the traditional craftsmanship in the creation of these accessories.
The leather used is from a variety of sources. Some skins are from Pittards, in Yeovil, Somerset, one of the few tanneries left in the UK. Vegetable tanned leather is sourced form Italy where the leather is processed traditionally using natural tannins making it the most eco-friendly product. Other component parts such as zips and rivets are all sourced within Europe.