Les 100 Ciels Blog

How one of the oldest fabrics in the world became the must-have fabric of summer Linen is a firm favourite for summer, loved for its simple and elegant qualities. It is well known to wick moisture away from the body and keep you cool, while being iron-free and highly durable.. what’s not to love!? This summer, linen has gained huge momentum, appearing in store after store in beautiful designs and colours. Most snapping up the trend do not realise the long and fascinating history behind the fibre, so let’s dive in and take a closer look at linen’s journey through the centuries.        Linen, made from the fibres of the flax plant, is one of the oldest textiles in the world. Historians believe the flax plant was first domesticated in ancient Mesopotamia and discoveries of linen fabric have been found dating back many thousands of years.  The process of turning flax fibres into linen is a difficult and laborious one. The plant is temperamental and requires a great deal of attention during its growth and once ready for harvest it is a long process to extract the fibre from the stalk. In addition, flax fibres are not elastic, and therefore it is difficult ...

As we pass the official start of summer, our minds turn to thoughts of fun times in the sun! Whether your idea of summer is lounging at the seaside, touring a European city or going to the countryside.. fitting in time with a good book is just the thing to sate the soul and truly relax and unwind. Here’s a list of our top books to read this summer- from newly released to some older favourites- we’ve got you covered.     See What I Have Done, Sarah Schmidt If you love a true crime novel, this is the book for you. Following the story of Lizzie Borden accused of the gruesome murders of her father and stepmother in 1892, Schmidt retells this notorious unsolved mystery. Taking you on a journey through the mind of a murderer and into the heart of a family devoid of love, this book is a chilling and unsettling and yet impossible to put down.     City of Girls Elizabeth Gilbert From the author of the much loved, Eat, Pray, Love comes a new novel that is bound to enthrall. The perspective has shifted, from Liz Gilbert to 95 year old Vivien as she reflects on her youth ...

Summer is the best time of year to enjoy the beauty of the UK’s natural landscape and what better way to do that, than to explore its waters. Wild swimming has gained popularity in recent years as swimming pools become busier and people search for a deeper connection with nature by finding clean rivers and lakes to enjoy. Imagine a beautiful stream surrounded by verdant greenery where the only sounds are the babbling water and the song of the birds. We’ve put together 5 of our favourite places to go wild swimming and enjoy pure tranquillity. 1. The River Stour, Fordwich, Kent The River Stour offers beautiful swimming opportunities with open areas where the river widens  and narrower points where the trees close in on the banks and small fish can be seen below. An easy access point is the Fordwich Arms in Fordwich where you can also have a spot of lunch after a dip in the river!   2. Waterfall Country, Breacon Beacons, Wales Waterfall Country or Coed-y-Rhaeadr as it is known in Welsh meaning, Wood of the Water, is a beautiful trail of waterfalls, west of Merthyr Tydfil. Start the trail in Pontneddfechan which has signposting for the ...

This season we are proud to announce our new collaboration with Sally Lane Jewellery Founded in 2015, Sally Lane Jewellery has created a style of jewellery that matches the founder’s ambition, to be Strong Yet Feminine within the workplace. Sally Lane Jewellery epitomises women sharing stories with other women, to inspire them to take an honest look at their life and make changes to be happier and healthier. It is about embracing all her elements, without needing to conform to notions that to succeed one must emulate stereotypical masculine qualities. The designs are Strong and also Feminine; bold but understated; wearing Sally Lane Jewellery empowers the wearer to do whatever they set out to achieve and reminds women of their own inner strength.   The triangle is the centrepiece for Sally Lane Jewellery because it so perfectly expresses strength and elegance in its form. It breaks the mould from the traditional circle which is so widely used in jewellery and flaunts daring and bravery with its beautiful but pointed angles. This is jewellery for women who are in control of their own destiny. The jewellery uses Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Plating, to create a unique, well crafted range. Every piece ...

Whether you’re feeling blue or are just killing time, it’s always nice to come across uplifting words and images. Here at Les 100 Ciels we start our mornings following some inspirational accounts as a good way to kick start the day with some positive intentions.  We know the world at large may feel like a scary place, so if you need a little extra help feeling positive and inspired to brighten your mood, read through our list of the best motivational accounts to follow right now – to give yourself the daily dose of happiness and motivation you need!   @abeautifulmess A Beautiful Mess is a lifestyle company founded by sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapmano, focused on creating happiness through a homemade lifestyle. On the blog they share home decor projects, recipes, crafts, natural beauty and more!  If you are looking for some DIY inspiration, this is the right blog to follow!   @beautifuldestinations In need of some travel inspiration today? @beautifuldestinations posts new places to visit every day. Whether you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming, this account will have you taking a mental vacation far away from home.   @Iamthatgirl I am that girl is an epic ...

When Nature Encounters Modernism We are very excited to share some behind the scenes from our early summer 19 photoshoot. The theme was Nature and Modernism – contemporary shapes, elegance, natural materials and simplicity that inspire us to create.   The Location For our shoot, we chose The Barbican Estate- a residential estate that was built between the 1960s and the 1980s within the City of London in Central London, an area once devastated by World War II bombings. The complex is one of the best examples of British Brutalist architecture, described by Queen Elizabeth as “one of the modern wonders of the world”. With its heavy concrete surfaces, elevated gardens, idyllic lakes and striking towers, The Barbican Estate offers a new, unique vision. It offers a new dimension to nature in  spaces where it seems to have no place. However nature manages to grow in the most unexpected places – finding a path through cement as if recovering its own habitat. The Model Our aim was to keep the model’s mood and look very natural. We cast the lovely Marta Jacquier for the shoot and she had a wonderful feel on camera; relaxed, fresh and real. Featuring our favourite styles ...