Sailmaker Ratsey & Lapthorn launches handcrafted accessories
The expansion is described as a 'bold new chapter' for the heritage brand, which has made sails for some of the world's most iconic vessels, including Lord Nelson's HMS Victory, John F Kennedy's Manitou, the Gucci family's Creole and British and American challengers for the America's Cup.
Under the stewardship of former seasoned fund manager Simon Brazier (chairman) and sailing industry veteran Jim Hartley (chief executive), the new premium accessories collection comprises styles that echo functional pieces from its archive, celebrating both the spirit of classic sailing and the beauty of its craftsmanship honed over nearly 250 years of continuous operation.
The collection has been designed to highlight the brand's 'deep but lesser-known history as a maker of bags,' with Ratsey & Lapthorn producing some of the earliest precursors of the modern tote, dating back to the late 19th century. Originally fashioned from decommissioned sails and surplus cloth, these were used to transport coal and ice to ships in harbour. Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn
The newly designed range, in collaboration with UK-based artisans, including Ratsey and Lapthorn's own sailmakers on the Isle of Wight, is described as a 'natural extension' of the brand's legacy in both form and function, with each style inspired by authentic and utilitarian pieces in the brand's archive.
The launch collection comprises of eight styles, made in small, numbered editions, which have been handmade in England and Italy. Each of the bags draws inspiration from the world of sailing and utilises the same heritage techniques and materials, such as hand-woven cord and individually tied knots, to hand-sewn brass eyelets and intricate rats' tails. Selected styles are customisable with bespoke sailors' knot charms, and all include embedded NFC technology enabling traceability. Ratsey & Lapthorn expands into luxury lifestyle sector with bag collection
Commenting on the collection launch, Hartley said in a statement: "For over 200 years, Ratsey & Lapthorn have been custodians of a living craft, passed down meticulously from master to apprentice.
'We believe in a quality and soul that comes only from the human hand, and we are resolute in our commitment to keeping these skills alive for the future. Breathing new life into our long heritage in bags is a critical part of this effort.' Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn
Highlights include the 'Ditty,' a bucket silhouette, priced at 2,000 pounds, which has a structured leather base, drawstring rope closure, and linen canvas outer. The bag is constructed by hand in Somerset by British craftswoman Katie Robarts-Arnold before heading to Ratsey's sailmakers to insert eight brass eyelets and refine the leather base, before being finished by Sue Pennison, a member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, who hand-makes the cord, ties the lanyard handle and fastens the ropework to the bag. Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn
Other key looks include the 'Ratsey' structured canvas tote with leather handles, a sturdy Italian leather base and diamond stitching reinforcement, the 'Ratpack' a versatile duffel shape bag inspired by the stackable bags used by crew members in the mid-20th century, and the 'Rat' clutch, which offers a playful style that celebrates the brand's unique red crescent sail marque in two sizes.
The debut collection is available direct-to-consumer via the brand's website. Prices range from 300 to 2,000 pounds. Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
44 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Dundee Utd tax accusations explained: HMRC allegedly scammed out £1m
R&D tax relief was created in 2000. The aim was to fund and facilitate advances in science and technology such as a new drug or a form of artificial intelligence. ZLX, a firm established by former Hamilton Academical director Stephen McCallion, advised the wholesaler that installing a cold room could attract £30,000 in R&D tax relief. Robbie Patterson's accountant took a different view. And when James Mackie Wholesalers changed their minds over making an R&D relief claim ZLX pursued legal action in pursuit of the £8000 fee they believed they would have received if the the transaction had gone ahead. In Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sheriff Stuart Reid was critical of ZLX and rejected the claim. The subsequent publicity concerning a tax row over a fridge attracted the the interest of Dan Neidle, a former lawyer with one of the world's largest law firms. Niedle advised corporates, governments, regulators and central banks now runs Tax Policy Associates, a not-for-profit company found to improve tax and legal policy and public understanding of the complex issues involved. As he tells Herald Sport now: 'Not only did ZLX think that they could make a claim for a fridge but then they got the poor guy, the greengrocer, in to court to try and force him to do it. And they were humiliated.' The case prompted Neidle – a thorn in the side of former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Baroness Michelle Mone - to pay closer attention to some of the other R&D tax relief claims submitted by ZLX and he found that Dundee United were one of a number of British football clubs to have benefitted from the scheme. Hibernian, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest were others and it's now believed that 33 clubs in the UK are under investigation by HMRC. United face a £600,000 bill after the club was order to repay a portion of its successful £1.28m claim for research and development tax relief. The tax relief claim covered 24 per cent of staff and player wages from July 1 2021, to June 30 2022. The Tannadice club also claimed for 80% of the club nutritionist's salary, 90% of the player analyst's salary and 21 % of the Tannadice heating and lighting bill. 'R&D relief is designed for people who are being completely innovative and in sport the first people who did data analytics in football could have claimed R&D tax credits for that,' explains Neidle. 'That's a legitimate innovation. 'It's possible that clubs might be doing innovative scientific work, you don't want to say it never happens. 'But not in this Dundee United case. Not based on the description given. 'And you certainly can't claim in court for staff wages as if your players are out there doing scientific research. 'Some people have said that maybe Dundee United didn't know what they were doing, that maybe they were just misled by ZLX. Whatever the reason it's difficult to see how they could have thought that this was legitimate.' Dundee United's tax relief claim centred around The United Lab. Launched in April 2020 the project was set up by former Sporting Director Tony Ashgar, recruitment coordinator Sean McGee, performance consultant Ryland Morgans and head of football research Dan Parnell to broker 'new channels for ideas and innovation.' All four men have now left the club with a Dundee United statement to the Courier confirming that the lab had ceased to exist in 2023. A spokesperson said: 'Dundee United Football Club can confirm we remain in constructive dialogue with HMRC regarding a Research and Development (R&D) tax claim submitted in 2021. 'As this is an ongoing process, we are unable to comment further on the details of the matter at this time. However, the club is fully engaged in the discussions and remains confident in a satisfactory outcome of the process for both parties. 'The R&D initiative known as 'The Dundee United Lab' ceased operations in March 2023 and no longer exists in any form, with all personnel previously involved in the project no longer employed or affiliated with the club in any capacity.' The plot thickened further when United's former finance director denied signing the document made public by Neidle last week. Employed at Tannadice between December 2018 and April 2023 Derek Bond – now a partner with Edinburgh firm Bond Accountants - is seeking legal advice after claiming the signature on the document was not his. The co-signatory on the document was ZLX Business Solutions consultant David Purvis. 'The document I've seen that purports to have my signature on it, isn't my signature,' he told The Courier. 'You can see on the document that someone has just typed 'Derek Bond'. 'That's not my signature on that document. 'I've spoken with a solicitor about that document. I've not signed that document.' Distancing himself from the HMRC investigation he added: 'It's galling, I don't want to be attached. 'There's a document with my name on it. I'm not saying it's forged. But somebody's typed my name and made it look like my signature but it is definitely not my signature.' While ZLX has yet to comment, Dundee United has assured fans the 'historical matter has no impact on the club's current or future operations'. 'HMRC won't say anything on the record,' adds Neidle. 'But I think they woke up rather late to the ways in which this R&D scheme was being abused. But it is an abuse. 'HMRC are pretty sure they will be able to get the cash back on this one. And it wouldn't surprise me if they try to charge penalties as well. Whether Dundee United can pay those as well is an interesting question. 'This is money which is being taken from the pockets of taxpayers at a time when we are all paying more tax because of the lack of tax revenue going into the government this is making it worse for everybody else. 'So, yes, it's an example of football taking money from the rest of us and it's not on. 'There is also a question, I think, for the Scottish League on the grounds of financial fairness. Generating free money by making fake tax claims doesn't seem very fair. 'It may need to go a little further but, really, the football rules should say that clubs are not allowed to do anything improper when it comes to tax.' While SPFL rules on HMRC obligations allow for punishment of tax arrears any disputed claim against a member club by the tax authorities can't be actioned 'until such time as a final determination is made on HMRC's claim.' In 2024 Hibernian also banked £1.2million in tax relief earmarked for research and development and Niedle believes the issue extends well beyond the boundaries of the SPFL Premiership. 'Across the UK we think 33 clubs are being investigated by HMRC across the UK over sums totally £13million. 'It's possible that some of them are not as crap as Dundee United's claim. It's equally possible that some of them are worse.' Earlier this year Neidle was invited to speak on a radio programme about the impact of Employee Benefits Trusts on football clubs in Britain. The financial impact on Rangers on the scheme proved catastrophic in 2012, posing an obvious question. When will football clubs actually learn their lesson when it comes to iffy tax schemes? 'You will know the answer to that better than me. 'The problem is that when you put that money into the pockets of well paid footballers public sympathy is likely to be thin on the ground. 'But I suspect that people who are desperate for money are not as critical as they should be when they are faced with free bags of cash…'
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Full list of 35 surnames that might mean you're related to the Royal Family
MyHeritage has identified 35 surnames that could suggest a link to nobility - and is giving you the chance to find out if you're related to the Royal Family for free Many of us are eager to explore our ancestry, family history and potential kin. The days of painstakingly sifting through heritage records and census data are long gone, thanks to numerous online platforms that make this process simple and accessible, including MyHeritage. At the moment, MyHeritage is offering a 14-day free trial, giving individuals the opportunity to chart their family tree, uncover new relatives and delve into billions of historical records. They've even put together a list of 35 surnames that could potentially indicate a link to royalty. The company suggests that certain surnames have traditionally been associated with nobility and could strongly hint at a Royal lineage. If users carry one of these 35 surnames, they might be in for a shock when it comes to their family tree. While having these surnames doesn't guarantee a link to the royals, it offers an excellent starting point for those fascinated by their heritage. To find out more, individuals simply need to visit MyHeritage and begin building their family tree using the platform's tools that allow users to input names, dates, photos and stories to share with other potential relatives, before exploring historical archives containing census data, birth and death certificates, as well as marriage documentation. The platform also offers DNA testing services, providing customers with insights into their ethnic heritage and connecting them with family members. For those not taken by this service, there are alternative DNA platforms available, such as Ancestry. This service offers DNA analysis from £79, helping to organise and link customers with their relatives whilst offering insights into family roots. Another option is 23andMe, which provides DNA testing featuring ancestry breakdowns, personalised health information and additional services starting from £89. Here's the comprehensive list of 35 surnames that could suggest you're distantly related to the Royals: Windsor: The current British royal family's surname since 1917. Tudor: The Welsh dynasty that produced monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Stuart: A Scottish house that ruled England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. Plantagenet: A royal house that provided England with monarchs from Henry II to Richard III. Capet: The dynasty that ruled France from 987 to 1328. Bourbon: A European royal house that ruled France, Spain, and other territories. Habsburg: A prominent royal house of Europe, known for ruling the Holy Roman Empire. Hanover: The British royal house from George I to Queen Victoria. Valois: A cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty that ruled France. Lancaster: A branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, known for its role in the Wars of the Roses. York: Another Plantagenet branch, also central to the Wars of the Roses. Bruce: A Scottish royal house, with Robert the Bruce being a notable king. de Valois: A French royal house that produced several kings. de Medici: An influential Italian family that produced royalty and popes. Savoy: A royal family that once ruled parts of Italy and France. Orange-Nassau: The Dutch royal family. Oldenburg: A European royal house that includes the current Danish royal family. Glucksburg: A branch of the House of Oldenburg, associated with Danish and Norwegian royalty. Romanov: The last imperial dynasty to rule Russia. Baskerville: A noble family name with historical ties to English aristocracy. Darcy: A surname associated with medieval nobility and landowners in England and Ireland. Neville: A powerful English noble family with significant influence during the medieval period. Percy: An aristocratic English family known for their role in British history. Astley: A noble surname linked to the English peerage. Capell: A distinguished English family with historical ties to the aristocracy. Howard: A prominent aristocratic family in the UK, holding the title of Dukes of Norfolk. Seymour: The family of Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, with ties to the Dukedom of Somerset. Grey: Associated with Lady Jane Grey, England's nine-day queen. FitzAlan: A powerful medieval family, former Earls of Arundel. Courtenay: A noble family with connections to English and French royalty. Manners: The surname of the Dukes of Rutland, a high-ranking noble family. Russell: Connected to the Dukes of Bedford, an influential aristocratic lineage. Cavendish: The surname of the Dukes of Devonshire, a powerful British noble family. Talbot: A noble family holding the Earldom of Shrewsbury. Spencer: The family name of Princess Diana, tying it to the modern British royal family. MyHeritage boasts an impressive 4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot. One satisfied customer commented: "Immediate accurate statistics of my immediate family members." Another user said: "Regular updates of discoveries, positive results. This site is not just about the money, it is about genuine results for the family history researcher. "My family history has expanded and the format is easily understood. Changes are quick and easy. Thank you," another user remarked. However, not everyone was impressed, with one user expressing: "I don't fully understand it. I can't find a user guide, difficult to navigate, Help Center does not always understand my problems." However, another amateur genealogist described their use of the site as an 'enjoyable experience,' stating: "Finding related families and information relating to individuals has been a wonderful experience. MyHeritage has made it even easier to trace ancestors and verify relations." The DNA tests and platform can be accessed on the MyHeritage website.
Fashion United
an hour ago
- Fashion United
Shapermint brings its inclusive shapewear to the UK
Shapermint, the U.S.-based shapewear brand known for championing size inclusivity and unretouched campaigns, has officially launched in the UK. It is a notable expansion for a brand that has already served more than 12 million customers globally. With a product offering that runs from size XS to 4XL, and a portfolio of best-selling comfort-driven designs, Shapermint arrives on British shores with a clear message: compression doesn't have to mean discomfort. Founded in 2018, Shapermint is part of a broader wave of direct-to-consumer brands reshaping the intimates market. In the U.S., it has achieved mass-market success through distribution on Amazon and Walmart, riding a wave of changing consumer expectations around bodywear. British shoppers will now be able to access the full collection via the newly launched UK e-commerce platform. Where traditional shapewear once promised sculpting at the expense of comfort, Shapermint is selling a different proposition, soft, seamless, roll-resistant support that prioritises ease of movement. Its hero product, the All Day High Waisted Shaper Short, has been lauded for its breathable compression panels and ability to disappear under clothes — without the tell-tale signs of pinching or rolling. The brand's wireless bras, including the Supportive Comfort and Sweetheart Contour models, have developed a loyal following, thanks in part to influencers like British body confidence advocate Iskra Lawrence, who boasts over 5 million followers on social media. Shapermint's messaging, comfort-first, digitally native, and visually honest, reflects a wider shift across the lingerie and shapewear industry. Brands such as Savage X Fenty, Skims, and Good American (all of which offer sizing up to at least 4XL) have upended an industry long dominated by narrow ideals and restrictive garments. According to research firm Edited, size-inclusive lingerie lines have grown by more than 34 percent globally since 2020, with comfort now a key purchasing driver. Gabrielle Richards, Brand Director at Shapermint, explains the pivot: 'We're seeing a shift in consumer expectations around shapewear, it's no longer about squeezing into something restrictive for a night out. Today's shopper is looking for confidence-building pieces they can wear all day.' The UK market presents both opportunity and competition. Brands such as M&S, which dominates the domestic intimates space, have also expanded their shapewear ranges in recent years, and newer entrants like Skims have seen success with Gen Z and millennial audiences alike. Whether Shapermint's pared-back, comfort-first philosophy will resonate with British consumers accustomed to either high street price points or Kardashian-level branding remains to be seen. Still, in an era where the visual language of fashion is increasingly shaped by authenticity and access, Shapermint's arrival in the UK adds another voice to the growing conversation around bodywear that works 'with: the body, not against it. Summary Shapermint, a U.S. shapewear brand known for size inclusivity and unretouched campaigns, has launched in the UK, expanding its reach after serving over 12 million customers globally. Shapermint prioritizes comfort and ease of movement, offering soft, seamless support in sizes XS to 4XL, reflecting a shift in consumer expectations towards confidence-building, all-day wear. The UK market presents both opportunity and competition for Shapermint, as it enters a space with established brands like M&S and newer entrants like Skims, requiring it to resonate with British consumers through its comfort-first philosophy.
