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Behind the design: the Shrimps x Oliver Bonas collaboration
Breakfast just got stylish, as we collaborated with London fashion label Shrimps to create an exclusive tableware collection designed to celebrate the art of brunch. The collaboration brings Shrimps’ illustrative playfulness and textile-led aesthetic to ceramics and homeware, resulting in a sophisticated take on dining that turns an everyday ritual into an event.
We worked with fashion-industry pioneer Hannah Weiland, founder and Creative Director of Shrimps, renowned for challenging the luxury sphere with her colourful faux-fur coats. Hannah discusses the inspiration for the collection, while Head of Design Kate Butler and Head of Buying Kate Salmon from the Oliver Bonas Home & Gift Team take us behind the scenes to explore the fusion of materials and techniques.
The art of brunch
The concept for the collection was rooted in nostalgia, inspired by Hannah’s treasured memories of Sunday morning bagel breakfasts with her family. ‘The creative vision was to honour the everyday ritual of brunch - those calm, considered moments around the table.’ The OB Home & Gift Team wanted to capture that sense of warmth and togetherness in a range of dining and kitchen accessories designed to be as expressive as they are functional.
‘While brunch can often be quite laidback, we also wanted to add a sense of occasion,’ says Kate Salmon, ‘so that setting the table for the most important meal of the day can become an intentional way to make time for your favourite people - or even just time for yourself.’
The unique and characterful 21-piece collection includes intricately designed ceramic mugs, jugs, plates, glassware and textiles, with a warm and sophisticated colour palette and soft, hand-painted stripes. Lively pops of Bellini pink, acid yellow, marmalade orange and warm terracotta are balanced against a neutral backdrop that accentuates the vintage-inspired silhouettes and design details. Selected pieces come in distinctive Shrimps x Oliver Bonas packaging created in our in-house studios, and features dramatic florals and a majestic lion character, providing stylish gifting for interiors enthusiasts.
From concept to creation
A key part of the design and production process was reimagining texture, taking Shrimps’ soft, tactile knitwear and translating it into ceramic form. ‘We developed a technique where we could work in hints of braiding across the collection,’ explains Kate. ‘Two of the mugs have been designed with plaited ceramic handles, and the pattern for the knit-inspired mug was added to the mould, then individually painted to finish.’
For the ceramic basket, each strip was hand-laid to give the feel of a knitted weave, and the woven technique was replicated across textiles for the placemats. ‘It’s been exciting to see something so integral to our fashion identity come to life in a completely new medium,’ says Hannah.
Central to the range is a distinctive lion character named Lenny, illustrated by Weiland herself and symbolising strength and the union of two creative British brands. Lenny features in both sculptural accents and hand-drawn motifs, from the regal lion-shaped butter dish to the five-piece serving platter, anchoring the visual identity with personality.
'We were keen to challenge our skilled supply base to translate Hannah’s hand-sketched lions into a 3D design for the butter dish,’ explains Kate Butler. ‘The idea to add the feet came from Hannah, inspired by the shape of an antique cabinet.’
Three distinct glassware styles include a classic tumbler, a delicate striped coupe and an organic-shaped wine goblet inspired by a vintage glass Hannah’s father once owned. Pulling it all together and setting an elegant foundation for the tableware is an intricate hand-crocheted tablecloth. ‘Paired with the silver metal candleholders and delicately twisted candlesticks, it really elevates the look,’ says Kate Salmon.
The introduction of floral elements was important to Hannah, referencing her love for the flower-filled garden of her family home. The team incorporated this into the designs for the daffodil candleholders, the ceramics hand-painted with simple daisies and the striking florals that decorate the packaging.
Shrimps’ founder Hannah Weiland discusses how the collaboration took shape and talks about the choice of colour and materials, and the joyful ritual of setting the table.
A fusion of creativity
The team were excited by the idea of collaborating with a fashion brand for a homeware range. Combining Shrimps’ texture-led talent and playful approach with our own distinctive take on contemporary home design has led to the creation of something fresh and unique. 'We've long admired Shrimps for their bold aesthetic and storytelling,’ says Oliver Bonas founder Olly Tress. ‘Working with Hannah has inspired a collection that ranges from the exquisitely elegant to the mischievously charming.’
From initial mood boards and draft pencil sketches to precise deliberation over colour swatches and packaging samples, every inch of the collection has received detailed attention. ‘This has been a really special project, from the early concept conversations through to thoughtful design and product development to bring Hannah’s vision to life,’ says Kate Salmon. ‘The collaboration represents the very best of what happens when imagination meets craftsmanship, and the end result is something we’re incredibly proud to share.’
