After a Christmas spent with family and New Year celebrations with friends, we are pinning up a new calendar and planning the year ahead.

2018 was an exciting and busy year for Campbell Cole as the product we had been quietly working on for some time, designed in collaboration with photographer and influencer Oliver Hooson, finally came to fruition. Looking back we had no idea how the launch of O Tote would be received and this was the main reason we decided to work with one local maker to produce small batches rather than a factory with high minimum order quantities. We were so pleased when the bags sold quickly and found there was a demand for more. Following the Black, we introduced the Stone and have seen many customers buy both - a testament to how much they have enjoyed using their first.

The project, which came about from throwing ideas around with a similarly-minded creative, has grown into a product and friendship that we are very proud of. We are currently working on a new style with Oli, which we hope to launch in the coming months. As for the maker, Ray has said the project has totally changed his outlook and been the boost he very much needed this year. Having a positive impact on such a lovely person makes us very happy, and we couldn't have done it without the support of everyone who has bought an O Tote.

September saw the launch of the Simple Key Toggle, which utilises more of the leather we previously had been throwing away. A personal favourite, we love the way it develops a sheen over time and starts to feel like a conker in your hand!

This year, we welcomed new stockists from Japan, Russia, the USA and Grenada, as well as The Conran Shop, Graham & Green, Bonds Hackney and Form & Thread in the UK. Our Chalk collection was also featured at The Miami Beach Edition Hotel to coincide with the Art Basel show.

So here's to 2019... a few projects are already underway, which you will be the first to hear about. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our news and if you have treated yourself to one our products, we very much hope it is serving you well!

Wishing you a very happy 2019.

Ian & Felicity

Photograph by Haarkon.