Ahead of the launch of our RHS Sock Collaboration, we're here to bring you the story behind the design as we speak to textile designer Jennifer Parkinson who's worked at SOCKSHOP for over 16 years.
Can you tell us more about what you do and what your day to day work looks like?
The day kicks off with checking in on ongoing development projects, liaising with textile factories or clients to ensure everything is on track. With those updates handled, the rest of the day opens up for creative work—whether it's developing current projects or starting something new.
For new projects, I dive into trend research, exploring fashion websites, online resources, and look at the retail market for fresh colour and pattern inspiration. From there, I create mood boards to bring the vision together. Once the ideas are clear, I jump into CAD, selecting Pantone colours and swatches, and get everything prepped ready to send off to the factory.
How did the RHS collaboration come about?
The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow. Their mission is to make gardening a way of life that is accessible to everyone – nurturing health, happiness, stronger communities and a more resilient world and we felt that the nature of the brand would be a perfect match for our products.
Horticultural enthusiasts are often outdoors and enjoying their garden, allotment, balcony garden and nature no matter what the weather, we like to think we offer products to help people stay comfortable and happy whilst doing what they love!
What inspired you in your design work with the RHS collection?
The RHS archives were brimming with inspiration. The challenge was narrowing it down and selecting which elements to use for the sock designs!
The RHS Collaboration includes socks for the three SOCKSHOP brands, Heat Holders, Gentle Grip and BlueGuard - how do the designs differ for each of these brands?
Each of our brands offers something different to our customer, so it was relatively easy to ensure the designs matched each of these different brand ethos's.
Heat Holders are all about warmth and comfort, making them perfect for lounging at home or braving the elements in wellington boots. We've designed both crew and long-length sock options, with a range of colours to match your mood, whether it’s a day for cosying up indoors or staying warm outdoors.
Our Gentle Grip socks are designed with a non-restrictive HoneyComb Top™ for everyday wear and comfort. Therefore, we wanted to offer colours and designs that people love and would want to look for everyday when rummaging through their sock drawer! The socks showcase playful designs, featuring bees, beetles, vegetables and floral elements inspired by the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art.
Our BlueGuard socks have been designed for extreme durability, we have so much confidence in the durability of this sock that we offer a lifetime guarantee. The longer length socks pair perfectly with wellington boots, while the crew length is ideal for outdoor boots. We added a bold stripe for a vibrant touch of colour.
If you had to pick a favourite pair from the new collaboration, which is your favourite and why?
I personally live in my Heat Holders socks, they are so cosy and warm. They are my go-to pair of socks especially in the evening when I get home from work. I feel the RHS design assets have really translated well onto the thermal socks. With the large offering of designs options in the style there is something for everybody!
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It has been a real design treat working on the RHS range. It’s inspired me to grab my paintbrushes and get creative outside. I hope the designs are a success and I am very much looking forward to future collaborations with RHS.
® The Royal Horticultural Society. Trade marks of The RHS (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) used under licence from RHS Enterprises Ltd.
