Hello and welcome to Withnell. I'm Paula and I hand make beautiful garments in my garden studio at the foot of the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire. My passion is for natural fabrics and a soft tonal palette. Every part of Withnell has grown organically from my dreams and my passions.
The landscape influences the colours I use. The silhouettes celebrate femininity, nature and nostalgia. I use a lovely range of premium natural fabrics, natural threads and trims. My intention is to provide quality garments that will last a long time and at the end of their life they are totally recyclable.
From an early age I have loved designing and making. After training in fashion and textiles, I had a wonderful time working for several UK manufacturers who supplied ladieswear and childrenswear to most of our high street stores. I became disillusioned with the move towards fast fashion and poorer quality so I stepped away from my role and focused on family for some time.
It has always been a dream to develop my own brand and now I am lucky enough to be realising that dream. There is a wealth of quality and talent in the British Isles from beautiful Irish linen to natural corozo buttons from Gloucestershire and I want to showcase it at its very best with timeless, quality British designs.
The collection includes a range of lovingly made dresses separates and accessories for every day luxury. All pieces are designed for a comfortable fit with deep pockets and deep hems as standard. Each item comes with a bespoke repair kit so that any everyday wear and tear can be easily fixed at home.
Withnell, meaning 'a hill where willow trees grow' is the place I live. Inspiration comes from in the form of nature, family and heritage. In the hills are lost farms and quarries, the valleys are littered with reminders of the cotton industry. This is beautifully woven into the story telling of every garment.
I hope my garments will bring joy and pleasure to you and will be cherished for years to come.
