A little trip to Corgi…

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Rachael

Last week we went to visit our sister company Corgi Hosiery in Ammandford, Wales. It’s the favourite sock company of HRH Prince of Wales and just like us at Dents HQ, is located in a small town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and farmland. A two and a half hour drive and £6.20 toll fare later, we arrived at the Corgi factory just in time for lunch. Welcomed by owners Chris and Lisa, whose great great grandfather founded the company back in 1892, we were taken on a tour of Corgi HQ.

(The machine which knits these gorgeous socks is amazing. When it’s finished making a sock, it comes flying out of a clear tube and into a waiting basket! I will admit I stood waiting for the next sock to come zooming out, all to the sound of my applause…. We even met Chris and Lisa’s Dad, Huw Jones who ran the company until 1997, and he still comes in part time to work on the machines – that’s dedication!)

After our insightful tour we all went off to the meeting room for our big creative strategy meeting, which involved hundreds of sock designs and copious cups of coffee. After picking the new range for the website, we had a little tea break with some traditional Welsh cakes, which were absolutely lush.

The Corgi factory shop is full of gorgeous goodies! In beautiful colours and ultra-soft cashmere, there’s a huge variety of funky socks, woolen jumpers, cardigans, cashmere blankets and even cushion covers!

We had another great meeting the next day, where exciting new projects were discussed for the very near future, so keep your eyes peeled! Corgi will be part of the Coronation Festival this July at Buckingham Palace, where over 200 British companies who carry the Royal Warrant will be brought together for the first time. We had a great 2 days down in Carmarthenshire, even if it was grey and wet. So if you’re ever in the Brecon Beacons or Swansea, pop in and visit the factory shop. It’s fabulous!

STYLE STUDIO #1

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Rachael

This is our first installment of our new blog series, ‘Style Studio’. Here at HQ we’re surrounded by every type of fashion accessory possible, making us all very lucky, and very well accessorised ladies! Taking inspiration from Gwyneth Paltrow’s super casual airport style, we’ve pieced together all the best accessories to get this look.

This is a great look with accessorises that will adapt to be worn with other looks. Shop this style @

1. Dents Women’s leather back driving gloves

2. Gaby’s Gold wreath bracelet (new collection is currently only available through concessions)

3. Gaby’s Turquoise flower pendant (new collection is currently only available through concessions)

4. Stephen Collins Isobel double buckle leather belt

5. Dents leather tote bag

6. Gaby’s leopard print wayfarer sunglasses (new collection is currently only available through concessions)

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN 2013 #5

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Rachael

Stonehenge #5

Dents HQ is located just off Salisbury Plain, 20 miles from the city of Salisbury and only 20 minutes from the world heritage site of Stonehenge. Whether you’re like my Father who has only been once (and that was back in the 70s), or someone who makes a yearly pilgrimage to visit the stones, it is definitely a place everyone should visit at least once in their life.

Located just off the busy A303, I’ve become accustomed to the sight of the stone circle, sat on the hill as I pass-by. Even after the hundreds of times I’ve seen it; it never fails to impress me. Stood proudly a top the round hilltop, looking down at the masses of cars and lorries streaming by below, you’ve got to respect the magnitude of its international reputation. Come rain or shine, Stonehenge is always surrounded by a blanket of tourists, drawing in millions of visitors every year from all over the world. There are few places in the world which could compete against it.

Stonehenge is essentially a national treasure, owned by the crown and therefore property of the country, which seems to make it even more special. What it actually is has been the topic of discussion for hundreds of years, but there is only speculation on the many reasons of its construction. It’s thought to have been built between 3000BC to 2000BC and is made of a selection of different stones, one of which originates from Wales! Stonehenge is surrounded by burial mounds, with some of the remains coming from outside of the UK, which has led many to believe that Stonehenge was a place of healing. Maybe one day scientists and historians will find out the true meaning behind it, but for now it’s a rather magical mystery.

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Henge is actually the term for a circular or oval shaped bank, with an internal ditch surrounding it. Stonehenge is not really a true henge, as its ditch is external. But just 2 miles down the road is Woodhenge, a true henge which is even older than its neighbour! Built in around 2300BC, it’s a Neolithic site made up of 6 concentric rings of timber posts. This has 24 hour access and unlike Stonehenge, it’s free. Another place to visit in the area is Avebury henge, which is the largest stone circle in Europe, and a beautiful village to visit.

I’ve been to Stonehenge twice so far, both have been on 20^th June (my birthday) to celebrate the summer solstice. Every year on the night of my birthday, thousands of people of all ages and nationalities arrive at Stonehenge. I first went when I turned 18, and found it an amazing and unique atmosphere, watching the sun rise over the stones on the longest day. It’s the only time of year you can get up close and personal with the stones, where you can stand in the circle as part of an electrifying crowd, listening to the sound of drums and didgeridoos. You see druids, revellers and sun worshipers, all there to celebrate their individual beliefs. I go because it’s an unforgettable atmosphere, and an experience that is unlike anything else (especially on the night of your Birthday!). No matter if you visit on the eve of the longest day or any other time of the year, you will still get to witness one of the great wonders of the world.

Worshipful gloves and shire horses…

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Rachael

– Master Glover Christopher Dadson congratulating the winners -

The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London @ Peterborough Shire Horse Show

As a British glove company it is important to support the traditions of our trade, a principle which we share with The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London. Dents have a long standing relationship with the Worshipful Glovers, who have come to visit us many a time at HQ, often to present long service awards.

The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London, are an ancient livery company based in the city, who promote and educate with regards to the glove trade in Britain. Back in 1349 they were a trade association, where members were part of the glove making trade themselves. However in modern times with British trades disappearing, the members are not tradesmen themselves, but are still connected to the glove making trade and the city of London. They use their time to contribute towards charities and to promote the great British glove making trade.

– One of the beautiful shire horses at the show -

The current Master Glover, Christopher Dadson, went to Peterborough for the annual Shire Horse society spring show, where he presented a pair of gloves to a selection of the winners. You can see here that for the event, Christopher wore a lovely pair of our trademark luxury peccary gloves. It’s lovely to see two very traditional groups coming together to promote great British heritage.

The everlasting trend of gloves….

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Rachael

Having a wander around our museum last week, it was clear that gloves have been a part of some of the most iconic trends, over the past century. Every decade has had its own unique style, from 20s flapper dresses to 50s poodle skirts, and we still look back at these iconic trends to inspire our current styles (perhaps not the 80s, perms and shoulder pads are not a look we want to revisit!). Here are 5 of the most stylish decades, which were all accessorised by beautiful gloves.

Go retro and finish off the look with a pair of the perfect decade gloves

Welcome to the family

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Rachael

As part of the Dewhurst Dent group, we are always very proud when one of our fellow brands have exciting news. Stephen Collins is the newest addition to the Dewhurst Dent family, with its new home next to us in Warminster. Our ever growing family is made up of us, Corgi hosiery, Gaby’s/ Gabriella/ Sabbella jewellery and accessories, and now Stephen Collins. It’s a fun and friendly group, with all but Corgi living here at the Warminster HQ, we all have our own signature product within the accessories industry.

Stephen Collins was established by the man himself back in 1969, with the help of his wife Evelyne and friend Jack Ingle. The company was a success from the very beginning, being picked up to be stocked in the top stores; Harrods, Selfridges, Fenwick and Harvey Nichols. Their excellent reputation for quality and style, led to boutique stockists and international exports.

It was always a family run company, with Stephen Collins at the helm, and in 2000 his daughters Valerie and Stephanie joined the company. It was his two daughters who kept the company running, after Stephen sadly passed away later that year. Stephen Collins continued to be a leader for leather belts in Britain. We knew the brand would be a great addition to our little family, and this year the Dewhurst Dent group acquired the company.

It’s been an exciting few months, with the Dents design team working alongside them to develop the new S/S 13 collection. The ladies belts are a mixture of luxury and style, catering for all tastes and ages, and are the perfect accessory for any occasion. Here at HQ if we need to style up a plain LBD for an occasion, all we need to do is look to our sister brands and their exquisite accessories! Lucky us

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN 2013 #4

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Rachael

Stourhead #4

Stourhead is a beautiful estate in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside, and is less than 10 miles from Dents HQ. The world famous landscape gardens are the main attraction for most visitors, sat alongside the stunning Palladian mansion. The 2,650 acres is now part of the National Trust, and is the perfect place to have a wander around with friends or family. I went not too long ago on a lazy afternoon, accompanied by my dog, it was a lovely day out for both of us!

Stourhead can quite simply be split into 3 sections; The House, Gardens and Village. When you park up, by-pass the shop and café, and head towards the house. The stunning Palladian mansion sits on a slope, and was built after the owner demolished the original house, but wasn’t finished until 1725.Take the ‘Grand Tour’ of the building, and you’ll feel like you’ve fallen into a Jane Austen novel. Chippendale furniture, beautiful pieces of artwork including some magnificent statues, are some of the gorgeous pieces you’ll see on the tour. My favourite, due to my love of literature and history combined, is the regency library. An exquisite room with an arched ceiling, stain glass windows and a wooden bookshelf staircase, are all so grandeur and traditional.

Stourhead comprises of farmland, chalk downland and landscape gardens. If you have a dog with you, check the website as you can only walk dogs around the gardens during the warmer months. However the farmland behind the house, which is scattered with friendly sheep, provided great fun for my dog. The gardens themselves were quoted as ‘A piece of living art’, and you truly see this as you explore. In the 1740s work began on the design of it, and as you wander through them you will see a distinct Greek mythology theme running through it. Temples are scattered over the landscape; Ceres, Apollo and Hercules. There’s even a grotto and a replica of the Pantheon, sat amongst the trees and plants. The walk around the lake is designed to evoke a journey, similar to which Aenea took to the Underworld. I’m not sure I felt this on my walk….but I did enjoy being immersed in this beautiful garden. You may recognise the temple of Apollo and Palladian bridge, if you’ve seen the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

The village of Stourton is a pretty little place, with vine covered cottages and an old pub, it’s the perfect place to sit and have a break. There is also a café, gift and garden shop back towards the car park, where you can treat yourself to locally made cakes and homemade produce. If you’re green fingered, Stourhead is most definitely a place you should visit. I would say the best time of year to go is in the spring, when the gardens are in bloom with the rhododendrons and azaleas. It’s a lovely day out for everyone, and again is another truly beautiful example of British tradition and culture.

Fun Fact 1 – Lady Penelope’s house in the TV series Thunderbirds, is actually a miniature replica of Stourhead house.

Fun Fact 2 – Stourhead has the tallest oak tree in the UK, at 40.4 meters high.

Dents help a hero

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Rachael

As you may know, Dents HQ is located in the small town of Warminster in rural Wiltshire. However Warminster is not just another countryside town, it’s actually an Army Garrison town. We are located just on the edge of Salisbury Plain, which is a large military training area, with many barracks scattered across it. In the town itself there’s Battlesbury Camp, and the Land Warfare Centre, so it’s the norm to see combat clad men and women walking around the town centre during the day. For many residents, you either come from a military family or you know someone who does, making Army life a huge part of our community.

It’s important to everyone in the community to support the soldiers, both locally and nationally, and at Dents we love to do our bit to help. I heard about Cayle Royce through my brother, who are both in the Light Dragoons and served together in Afghanistan this past year. Cayle was out on a reconnaissance mission, when he knelt on an IED after climbing out of a ravine. He was flown back to the UK, where for weeks he was in a coma in Birmingham Hospital. Royce lost both of his legs in the explosion, and sustained damage to his face and left hand. A very athletic person before, he has spent months at the Military Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court, where he has been recovering and adapting. Due to the severe damage to his left hand, a standard glove didn’t fit and we all know how cold it’s been this winter.

We usually don’t take on bespoke glove requests, as it is a long and expensive process requiring our experts to spend many weeks on them, time they sadly don’t have now. However due to the personal connection to Cayle’s story, our Chairman Robert Yentob insisted we had to do something. So when we received a picture of his damaged hand, Dents went into design mode and came up with a solution. Adapted from our shooting glove pattern, the leather mitt has a silk lining and cashmere cuff, the perfect combination to keep the cold out. Dennis from our Factory came up with the design and made both the mitt, and the right hand glove himself.

Above is a picture Cayle sent us, of him wearing his Dents gloves at home in Dartmouth. We’re very glad they fit him so perfectly, just like a glove! He’s been staying very active during his rehabilitation, trying his hand at hand-cycling and has recently been learning to sit-ski in Bavaria (where his new gloves came in handy!). We are so glad that we’ve been able to help with his recovery, and support those who have been injured serving their country.

Dents Australia in the press

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Rachael

You may not know this but Dents is very much an international brand, stocked all over the world, and we even have a sister brand in Australia. Dents Australia stock only within the country itself, offering a range of different products including our classic leather gloves, which we are so well-known for.

We’ve just had these fabulous images sent over from the Sydney offices, where Dents Australia have been heavily featured. MyStyle is a magazine by Myer, Australia’s largest department store group, and sent is out to over a million customers. Myer stocks some of the biggest national and international brands, including us! MyStyle featured several pairs of Dents gloves for their current issue. We adore these images, they show how you can style up an outfit with a great pair of gloves. There are some great style ideas for the colder months, perfect for this time of year.

A delicious treat for Mum this Mother’s Day….

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Rachael

This recipe is sure to make anyone smile, with the gooey brownie centre and mouth watering topping, it’s the perfect surprise for someone special. This is a family recipe that my Grandmother used, then my mother and now me. Friends have always commented on how delicious they are, and are always requesting them whenever they visit. So why not gift your Mum with the perfect combination of taste and style – beautiful leather gloves and homemade treats…(warning: Do not wear leather gloves whilst eating chocolate brownies)