THE LONDON DIARIES
VOL.2
Colours of arley
THE LONDON
DIARIES
VOL.2
colours of arley
LOUISA TRATALOS
Meet Louisa, the talent behind @coloursofarley and next on the list for our East London Diaries. We sat down and discovered how her desire to create a striped bed for her dog Patch led to the creation of her business renowned for its colourful stripes.
Colours of Arley: @coloursofarley
Photographer: Nicole M Gomes @nicolemgomes
LOUISA TRATALOS
Meet Louisa, the talent behind Colours of Arley and next on the list for our East London Diaries. We sat down and discovered how her desire to create a striped bed for her dog Patch led to the creation of her business renowned for its colourful stripes.
Photographer: Nicole M Gomes @nicolemgomes
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Colours of Arley born?
Last year, I was designing a dog bed for my rescue terrier Patch and struggled to find the perfect stripe. My Dad has a manufacturing company that makes fabric for hospitality projects, and I convinced him to create a bespoke stripe for Patch's headboard. I found the process of choosing the colours, the stripe size and deciding on the fabric so enjoyable, I decided to launch a brand offering others to do the same for their curtains, footstools and cushions.
What comes first when decorating your home?
Well, I know the answer to this, as I'm deep in a house renovation. The first thing for me is where my vintage pieces are going, I've built all my rooms around the pieces that I love. My boyfriend has a rare book archive @record28books so we also need to consider where they all live! Not forgetting how I can incorporate bespoke stripes in the space, so far, I've ticked off a colourful stripe in almost every room!
What do you take into consideration when selecting your yarns?
At the moment, it's Pickle & Alderley Edge. I've had the seating area in the shop upholstered in it with matching cushions and a lampshade. It's an unusual pairing of bright green and a light sandstone colour, it also reminds me of gherkins & burger sauce, and I love that.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
My wardrobe is made up of jumpsuits, dresses and two-pieces, my worst thing in the morning is pulling together an outfit, so complete outfits are always my go-to. Then I like to accessorize with jewellery, a cute bag or a colourful scrunchie.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
The Kim & Kayley Pinstripe suit, I love this outfit! I can wear it at the store during the day, but it's dressy enough if I have an industry dinner or event in the evening. I always like to add something playful, so I've added a lime green scrunchie.
I've paired the Hibiscus denim dress with my platform Crocs, it's quite a conservative dress being classic denim and so long, so I've brought in a different energy.
The Kyle knit vest and the Koi trousers are so comfy but I like that it still looks chic and professional enough for work events and to be in the store. I found all the outfits were a perfect mix of sophisticated and feminine whilst still being practical which is ideal for me.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Colours of Arley born?
Last year, I was designing a dog bed for my rescue terrier Patch and struggled to find the perfect stripe. My Dad has a manufacturing company that makes fabric for hospitality projects, and I convinced him to create a bespoke stripe for Patch's headboard. I found the process of choosing the colours, the stripe size and deciding on the fabric so enjoyable, I decided to launch a brand offering others to do the same for their curtains, footstools and cushions.
What comes first when decorating your home?
Well, I know the answer to this, as I'm deep in a house renovation. The first thing for me is where my vintage pieces are going, I've built all my rooms around the pieces that I love. My boyfriend has a rare book archive @record28books so we also need to consider where they all live! Not forgetting how I can incorporate bespoke stripes in the space, so far, I've ticked off a colourful stripe in almost every room!
What is your favourite colour combination?
At the moment, it's Pickle & Alderley Edge. I've had the seating area in the shop upholstered in it with matching cushions and a lampshade. It's an unusual pairing of bright green and a light sandstone colour, it also reminds me of gherkins & burger sauce, and I love that.
What does being a female-led business mean to you?
Interiors are quite a female-dominated industry which is great, and I've worked in tech, in fashion and tv, and there's definitely more female energy compared. I love to collaborate with and support other female-founded companies and have recently worked with the likes of Glassette and Vinterior. It's so important to me to champion female makers and creatives where I can, such as Christie Leigh who does the flower arrangements for my new East London shop, to the curtain and cushion makers I work with daily who make the most beautiful items from my stripes.
Proudest career moment?
A woman recently bought a cushion from me, and she explained that her daughter had grown out of her favourite cardigan and as a family they were heartbroken. She'd chosen the stripe colours for her cushion to resemble the tones of the cardigan, to remind them all forever of her daughter wearing it. I thought that was very special. I also just sent some stripes to Goop in the Hamptons which was pretty cool to see Colours of Arley cross the Atlantic with such a powerful, female-centred brand!
What is your favourite colour combination?
At the moment, it's Pickle & Alderley Edge. I've had the seating area in the shop upholstered in it with matching cushions and a lampshade. It's an unusual pairing of bright green and a light sandstone colour, it also reminds me of gherkins & burger sauce, and I love that.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
My wardrobe is made up of jumpsuits, dresses and two-pieces, my worst thing in the morning is pulling together an outfit, so complete outfits are always my go-to. Then I like to accessorize with jewellery, a cute bag or a colourful scrunchie.
Wardrobe staple?
Docs & Crocs.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
The Kim & Kayley pinstripe suit, I love this outfit! I can wear it at the store during the day, but it's dressy enough if I have an industry dinner or event in the evening. I always like to add something playful, so I've added a lime green scrunchie.
I've paired the Hibiscus denim dress with my platform Crocs, it's quite a conservative dress being classic denim and so long, so I've brought in a different energy.
The Kyle knit vest and the Koi trousers are so comfy but I like that it still looks chic and professional enough for work events and to be in the store. I found all the outfits were a perfect mix of sophisticated and feminine whilst still being practical which is ideal for me.
Wardrobe staple?
Docs & Crocs.
What are you reading right now?
The Devil's Cloth - it's the history of stripes. I've already read it, but I am forever going through it for good stripe quotes and references! It has a permanent place on my bedside table.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
So many brands are based here in London, so I love to take inspiration from independent brands and their founders. Whether that's Good Squish for scrunchies, Camilla Bloom for cute knitwear or Steph Metal for jewellery.
Wardrobe staple?
Docs & Crocs.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
So many brands are based here in London, so I love to take inspiration from independent brands and their founders. Whether that's Good Squish for scrunchies, Camilla Bloom for cute knitwear or Steph Metal for jewellery.
