Partner Article

Local design graduate is barking up the right tree

Inspired by local landmark Alnwick Gardens, a Northumbria University graduate has created a home ware product range designed especially for top of the range tree houses.

Rosie Willet, who recently graduated with first class honours in fashion marketing, has designed and made a range of products to provide tree house comfort. Following a trip to the landmark tree house at Alnwick Gardens, Rosie was inspired to create exclusive soft feather-filled cushions, hot water bottles and pairs of slippers as well as specially designed mugs, plates and tea cosies which feature designs of plants and wildlife. The products are designed for tree houses, but can be used in other outdoor living spaces, such as conservatories, summer houses and log cabins.

Rosie said: “Having conducted market research, as part of my final year project, I realised there was a gap in the market for this emerging lifestyle trend which offers the simple pleasures of nature, and escape from increasingly hectic schedules. Therefore, it became my aim to convert the tree house into a comfortable, homely retreat for top end home owners who appreciate high quality products with individual quirky designs.”

Roger Candy, business partnerships manager for Northumbria University, said: “Rosie is such an exciting prospect, having already set up her own successful business during her first year of University, she has once again done all the right market research in coming up with another innovative idea to cater for this emerging niche market.”

Rosie has already exhibited the range at events such as Graduate Fashion Week, where she was nominated for two awards, and New Designers in London. After developing the range further, she plans to contact boutiques and department stores to stock her products and hopes to expand her unique design into other areas such as stationery and gift wear.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .