Perhaps The Clothes Are Just The Beginnng?
One of the unexpected joys of building House of D has been discovering that I seem to be building something rather different from what I first imagined.
When we started, the premise was delightfully straightforward.
D has an overenthusiastic wardrobe.
We thought it deserved a second life.
The idea was to carefully rehome his clothes, tell a few stories around them and, hopefully, introduce them to people who would enjoy wearing them as much as he had.
Simple enough.
But somewhere in the process of creating House of D, I realised I had started asking myself a different question.
Not, “How do we sell these clothes?”
But, “Who are we hoping will feel at home here?”
D and I are very different people.
He’s the connoisseur of clothes. I’m the storyteller.
He notices the cut of a jacket or the craftsmanship of a pair of shoes. I’m more likely to notice the character of the person wearing them, or imagine the adventure they might accompany next.
But I’ve realised we are drawn to many of the same things.
Well-made objects. Interesting people. Quiet craftsmanship. Good conversation. Small rituals. The pleasure of discovering something made with passion and care. The little moments of delight that sit quietly in between busy lives.
Perhaps that’s something we’ve always had in common.
And perhaps that’s what we’re trying to build.
Part of this project has always been personal.
When we began House of D, the goal was helping D find good homes for an overenthusiastic wardrobe.
What I hadn’t expected was to rediscover something about myself.
As we’ve built the world around House of D, I’ve realised how much I enjoy creating stories, asking questions, connecting ideas and inviting people into a conversation.
Although you’ve only seen the first few pieces we’ve published, behind the scenes we’ve been busily dreaming up stories, sketching characters, recording ideas, planning conversations and wondering what House of D might become.
Some of those ideas may never see the light of day.
Others, I hope, you’ll begin to see over the coming weeks and months.
As we’ve developed those ideas, I’ve found myself becoming much more interested in creating a place people enjoy returning to than simply another online shop.
A place where clothes are discussed, certainly.
But also books.
Craftsmanship.
Stewardship.
Curious people.
Thoughtful living.
The little rituals that make ordinary days feel just a little richer.
Perhaps a jacket is simply the excuse for a conversation, a new connection.
And then I found myself thinking about what happens after one of D’s jackets finds its new owner.
Of course I hope it fits beautifully.
I hope it becomes a favourite.
But more than that, I hope I hear from its new owner.
Where did you wear it first?
Did somebody notice?
What adventure did it accompany you on?
Because the story doesn’t end when a garment leaves the wardrobe.
Its next chapter begins.
There is still so much to share with you.
Stories that haven’t yet been published.
Characters you haven’t yet met.
Conversations with D that are still waiting to happen.
I hope that, over the coming months, as those pieces begin to appear, this article will make a little more sense.
I don’t know exactly what House of D will become. That’s part of the fun.
I hope you’ll join me on the journey. Who knows where it may lead?
For now, I’m simply enjoying the journey.