5 MINUTES WITH… Eleanor Nadimi of One Nine Eight Five

Founded by textile designer Eleanor Nadimi (pictured top right), One Nine Eight Five is the enterprising sustainable homeware brand championing considered pieces and UK craftspeople

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP ONE NINE EIGHT FIVE?

I always loved the idea of having my own business, but it wasn’t until I was in my first job as a print designer with H&M that I realised what that could look like. While I was extremely appreciative of the opportunities I was given, the longer I worked in the fast-fashion industry, the more I began to question the ‘throwaway’ culture that comes with it. It was this that led me to set up One Nine Eight Five, a homeware brand with core values in considered design, sustainable production and ethical trading. Ultimately, it was driven from a passion to close the loop on waste, while ensuring quality is never compromised.

WHERE DOES THE NAME COME FROM?

The thought of having my name out there felt too scary but I wanted the brand to stand out from everything else, without losing my personality. So instead of naming it after myself, I chose the year of my birth: 1985.

HOW DO YOU BRING SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR

DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES?

My throws are a good example: they’re crafted from recycled cotton or wool salvaged from offcuts in garment-making factories. The fabrics are broken into fibres, re-spun into yarn, then woven and hand-finished in British mills using traditional techniques. It’s great to be able to support local craft, while bringing the two industries together. I work with lots of nearby craftspeople, including one of the UK’s last velvet makers.

YOU OFTEN COLLABORATE WITH HEAL’S. HOW DO YOU TIE TOGETHER THE ETHOS OF YOUR BRAND WITH THEIRS?

Our values follow a very similar path, which makes the collaboration all the more special. Heal’s has always supported local craftspeople, producers and designers, just like me! The process begins with the team sharing their moodboard for the season and the key colour palette. From there, I start playing around with concepts that sit well alongside the other products sourced and designed by and for them.

AND THE BIGGEST INTERIORS TRENDS OF 2020? Sustainability, longevity and craftsmanship – we’re becoming more aware of the environment and how it’s filtering into our lives and homes. I’ve also noticed a real sense of bringing nature indoors. I think it’s important to connect with the environment as a way to transform your space into a haven: not just with plants, but through the use of organic materials and nature-inspired palettes too. Natural textures and fibres, such as cottons, velvets, bouclé and soft wools help to create the perfect blend of cosy comfort with plenty of style.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN STYLE AT HOME…

It’s eclectic and nomadic. As my studio is in my home, it’s important that I’m able to live with my designs and see how they make me feel. The home is a space for creating memories and finding joy. Rooms filled with colours, textures and lovely memories make me very happy. For Eleanor’s textile designs, go to onenineeightfive.co.uk