We visited Margaret Howell's roots and headed to her flagship store on Wigmore Street in London, England. It's the season when we look forward to Christmas, and people start to show up looking for presents.
Flagship store on Wigmore Street in London, England
How does Margaret spend Christmas? Every year, she spends Christmas at home with family and friends. We spoke to her in our London studio about her Christmas memories and how she spends her time.
--Please start by telling us about your memories of Christmas as a child. Margaret (hereafter M): When I was three years old, I went to meet Father Christmas (Santa Claus) with my two older sisters. I remember going to look at the window displays, so it might have been at the long-established department store Selfridges. Our family had a tray under our bed with presents from Father Christmas on it. It was still shortly after the war, so they were practical things like soap and talcum powder. I remember being very happy when I received my first poster paint when I was seven. I've loved drawing since then. I also remember being engrossed in comic annuals like "Rupert Bear," and books by A.A. Milne and Beatrix Potter.
--What kind of presents did you give to your children?
M: My sisters and I made all kinds of things together. We wove coasters on a children's hand loom. I've always made cards by hand. Since becoming a parent myself, I've pretended to be Father Christmas and stuffed my children's stockings with lots of little presents. It's our family tradition to put an orange on top. Nowadays, I usually prepare gifts based on requests, but we've always decided to only give one main gift.
-- What about Christmas trees?
M: There was a time when we brought in a tree from our garden with the roots still attached, but now we buy a tree cut down from a living tree. The scent of a tree is also an essential part of Christmas. Most of our decorations are old, but we add more when we find ones we like, so our collection is gradually increasing. The dolls we always display are one of them. When I was a child, I used to make paper chains. Glass bowls, lights, and plants are also essential. I enjoy changing them a little each year.
Next week, we'll be introducing Margaret Howell's "Family Christmas." Stay tuned!
【Announcement from Margaret Howell】
■Christmas Gift Campaign
From November 16th to December 25th, Margaret Howell stores nationwide will be holding a campaign in which 120 people will be entered into a lottery to win wonderful gifts from those who make a purchase.
For more information, click here → Visit the official Margaret Howell campaign site
■View the Christmas catalogue
【Inquiries】
Margareth Howell
TEL: 03-5467-7864
www.margarethowell.jp
Flagship store on Wigmore Street in London, England
How does Margaret spend Christmas? Every year, she spends Christmas at home with family and friends. We spoke to her in our London studio about her Christmas memories and how she spends her time.
--Please start by telling us about your memories of Christmas as a child. Margaret (hereafter M): When I was three years old, I went to meet Father Christmas (Santa Claus) with my two older sisters. I remember going to look at the window displays, so it might have been at the long-established department store Selfridges. Our family had a tray under our bed with presents from Father Christmas on it. It was still shortly after the war, so they were practical things like soap and talcum powder. I remember being very happy when I received my first poster paint when I was seven. I've loved drawing since then. I also remember being engrossed in comic annuals like "Rupert Bear," and books by A.A. Milne and Beatrix Potter.
--What kind of presents did you give to your children?
M: My sisters and I made all kinds of things together. We wove coasters on a children's hand loom. I've always made cards by hand. Since becoming a parent myself, I've pretended to be Father Christmas and stuffed my children's stockings with lots of little presents. It's our family tradition to put an orange on top. Nowadays, I usually prepare gifts based on requests, but we've always decided to only give one main gift.
-- What about Christmas trees?
M: There was a time when we brought in a tree from our garden with the roots still attached, but now we buy a tree cut down from a living tree. The scent of a tree is also an essential part of Christmas. Most of our decorations are old, but we add more when we find ones we like, so our collection is gradually increasing. The dolls we always display are one of them. When I was a child, I used to make paper chains. Glass bowls, lights, and plants are also essential. I enjoy changing them a little each year.
Next week, we'll be introducing Margaret Howell's "Family Christmas." Stay tuned!
【Announcement from Margaret Howell】
■Christmas Gift Campaign
From November 16th to December 25th, Margaret Howell stores nationwide will be holding a campaign in which 120 people will be entered into a lottery to win wonderful gifts from those who make a purchase.
For more information, click here → Visit the official Margaret Howell campaign site
■View the Christmas catalogue
【Inquiries】
Margareth Howell
TEL: 03-5467-7864
www.margarethowell.jp
