dog&boy

Behind the Brand

Scarves are one of the most underused accessories. Scarves are an essential travel companion, the perfect wrap for a cool summers night, and the ultimate splash of colour on a dark winters day. Scarves are timeless; you can wear them a million different ways (I’m not exaggerating). Scarves are like shoes, you can never have too many! 

dog&boy create luxury designer scarves. I had the pleasure of interviewing Sonya Michele the designer from dog&boy. Her story is inspiring and reminded me to see the magic in each moment.

Sonya’s obsession and devotion to scarves led to the creation of dog&boy. The name dog&boy came from her goofy and very lovable labrador called Barry, and an energetic and highly imaginative young boy, Sonya’s son Nicholas. 

Who are your role models?
My parents have always been strong role models in my life. They were small business owners (dairy farmers then newsagents) and worked very hard to give my siblings and I whatever they could. When I was a child my dad would always push me to be strong, be the best I could be and not give up.  

During the journey to launch dog&boy my mum was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away within a month. The feeling is not something I can even begin to explain, apart from it feeling like huge black hole. It’s so true that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

My mum, bless her, loved all the simple things in life. She wasn’t extravagant or showy with anything. It was the simple love of her family and her beautiful garden that made her happiest.

Where do you find inspiration for your collections?
The desire to create dog&boy was to solve a practical frustration – I couldn’t find scarves that I loved.  Lots that I liked, but not loved.  When it came to what the scarves would look like, I looked no further than the things I love most, my son and family. dog&boy designs tell a story of a moment in time, for example the Magnolia Imprints design was created from an original sketch drawn by my mother. They could be anyone’s story on their journey of everyday; anyone’s dog, anyone’s boy. ​

The original sketch for the Magnolia Imprint design was created by my mum who loved magnolia flowers.​

Why do you do what you do? 
My first answer is because I love it. But that doesn’t fully answer the question. WHY do I love it?  

Of course there are the practical advantages of owning your own business, working your own hours and being solely in control of the creative journey, but in my heart I love it simply because I want to connect. I want to connect with others who love and appreciate beautiful things, literally and figuratively – the soft light at sunrise each day; the unprovoked sentiment of love from a child; the smell of rain; the tactile desire evoked from a gorgeous fabric; or the quiet appreciation of something a little different.

What is a must have item for women in 2016?
A scarf of course!!! I really I believe scarves are underrated and under used as a wardrobe piece. I want to teach women (and men!) that it doesn’t just have to be a bit of fabric you throw around your neck when you’re cold. A scarf should be the finishing touch or statement piece to your outfit.  ​

For ways to style a dog&boy scarf visit dogandboy.com 
Make sure you sign up to their newsletter to recieve a discount code! 
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For more ways to tie a scarf see the YouTube video below.

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