TROY Lifestyle
The British Design Hub: Meet Bell Hutley



My aesthetic is constantly evolving but I always want my designs to emulate colour and detail; I think it’s important to be bold with colour and not be afraid to use it! It brings light and excitement into the house. My work has always been inspired by nature, and nature makes people happy, I want my designs to emulate this in colour and detail. My aesthetic is always changing and is very seasonal.
Another way I learn is through my customers. Feedback is very helpful, as well as picking up on what other designers and artists are creating. I always feel like a sponge, trying to watch and absorb everything 24/7. I also think it’s important to make mistakes, you learn SO much from getting things wrong.
I’ve always loved rebels like McQueen, people who take their industries and turn them on its head - they break all the rules. It’s so important to always question trending styles and fashion. I always aim to try and steer clear of being the same and try and push the boat out and innovate. You're never going to please everyone, that’s important to remember.
Over lockdown I’ve gone for more walks, I’ve done so much cooking and I’ve taken up yoga. I find my mind much clearer when I either take some time off for a walk or do a yoga practice. It’s now really important for me as sitting at my desk for too long can make me really stagnant and stunt my creativity. My brother and I are still hooked on yoga and do it together in our garden in Ladbroke Grove on most days.
Lockdown was a strange moment for my business, initially, we were scared as the factories and shops shut, nobody knew what was going to happen. But once the initial fear subsided it was an amazing time. Online sales soared, and I was able to take the time to focus on new projects and designs, without the rat race pressures of normal life. I feel very lucky not to have been hit too hard and feel very sad for those who have.
I love designing for my placemats, they are the closest to a piece of art in my mind. My illustrations print onto them like little round canvases. They are manufactured in Lincolnshire by a family-run business who have been so lovely and helped me a lot, especially when I first started out. Linens and fabrics are so much fun to make too. I’m still learning a lot about how my designs translate onto the different textures. My designs are also printed up North in a big printing mill. I’m constantly on the hunt for new factories. My aim is to have everything made in the UK and Europe. There's a lot of amazing craftsmanship out there and I can’t wait to explore it further.
I love the shape of the Pinafore shirt, especially the shoulders flicking up, it’s so elegant and flattering. Also white goes with absolutely everything, it’s so feminine and graceful; perfect for summer evenings. It’s also very diverse, you can style it up with a big necklace and belt or wear it with a simple pair of floaty trousers.
I hope to just keep creating new artworks and finding new exciting products to create. I have had so much fun in the last two years creating my brand. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, working with brands like Troy and working with new materials.







"The world needs fantasy, not reality. We have enough reality today"