Catching up with Silken Favours.
The designer behind Organic Cucumber Daily AHA Tonic
A London-based illustration brand that brings quirky illustrations to life via scarves, cushions, ready-to-wear and more, we’ve been collaborating with Silken Favours on limited-edition gift sets for years. And, with Ready Steady Glow Organic Cucumber Summer Limited Edition, we’ve teamed up again. Check out the whimsical British-garden-inspired bottle and read our catchup with Creative Director Vicki Murdoch, to hear how it all came about.
Tell us about you and your brand.
Hi, my name is Vicki, I’m the founder and Creative Director of Silken Favours. My brand came about from my love of drawing and my obsession with vintage silk scarves. I create nature-inspired, hand-drawn designs that evoke pretty yet trippy imagery. They're then digitally printed in Britain onto silk scarves, silk cushions, silk shirts, wallpaper and fabrics that can be worn, sat on and treasured forever.
Why is what you do important to you?
I feel passionate about the intricate process of drawing and designing, it makes me feel relaxed and happy. I want my creations to bring delight to those that choose to home them. My art isn’t serious, it is full of colour, life and humour. Life is far too serious already so it’s important to me to bring some joy to the world with my designs.
We’ve worked together before, do you have a favourite collaboration and if so, why?
Getting to work with REN has been a dream come true as I adore their products and sustainable ethos, I think our combined love for nature makes for a beautiful collaboration. My favourite design would be the ‘Get the Glow’ box. It has my illustrations of a seahorse-turned-sea-zebra with a bright orange background. I loved creating this exotic creature and was excited to discover that he actually exists in real life and not just in my mind. The boxes are all 100% recyclable with biodegradable lamination and vegetable-based inks. I ended up keeping all of mine and I use them in my studio and at home to keep organised. The sea-zebra box is filled with all of my acrylic paints, which I use regularly when painting with my daughter.
What are your favourite REN products and why?
Oh, I love so many REN products, but my everyday go-to is ‘Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic’. It makes my skin brighter, tighter and smoother, which is definitely what I’m after. I’m also in love with the Atlantic Kelp and Moroccan Rose Body Oils as they are so quick to apply and have kept my skin super moisturised through this winter, and the & Now to Sleep Pillow Spray is the ultimate pre-bedtime treat it smells incredible.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Being someone who is obsessed with nature, sustainability is something that is always at the forefront of my mind. Running a small brand I have a responsibility to do my best in cutting out waste, that is why I reuse all my silk off-cuts to make new smaller pieces like notebooks and scrunchies and only print and manufacture locally in England. Keeping my brand small and a one-woman run business also helps with staying sustainable. It’s so encouraging and inspiring working with REN as their whole ethos has such a strong focus on sustainability, every business needs to follow suit if we are going to help towards fighting climate change.