Shrimps founder Hannah Weiland helps throw fabulous parties. Known for throwing happy London celebrations with Dolly Parton and Cher tribute numbers, chintzy decorations and the most kitsch of catering, the designer is the most popular hostess – and more. When it came to throwing household itemswith an edit of checkered crochet knit table pieces that she will expand over time, it seemed only fitting to mark the occasion with something typically cheerful and maximalist.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Wiltshire location Parent’s house, a stone’s throw from Hannah’s country home, was about to open for private rental. The restored Georgian mansion, with interiors by Barlow & Barlow, has invited friends of Weiland and Shrimps to cut the ribbon for its seashell enclave, woodland glades and crocheted lawns, which will soon be splashed on Instagram during its summer of It-weddings. When the margaritas came out at midnight, Weiland knew it was another hit.
“Kin House is such a beautiful place, the atmosphere was perfect for Shrimps,” says the designer, who has invited model Greta Bellamacina and her poet husband Robert Montgomery, gallery owners Phoebe Saatchi Yates and Arthur Yates, and actor Anna Shaffer to join the festivities. “I loved the idea of our plaid mesh dinnerware set being amongst all these beautiful textures, it fits in perfectly,” adds Hannah of the eclectic luxe interiors that are a perfect match for her brand.
Weiland has introduced housewares into its core offering since last winter, when it couldn’t resist creating hot water bottle cover versions of its best-selling cardigans. A knitted blanket with the same pom pom embroidery and contrasting trim followed, along with exceptionally cute woolen baby accessories perfect for swaddling. Needless to say, they raged with anyone prescribing the cool-girl version of Hannah.
“I think what’s so great about homeware is that you don’t have to launch a big collection, you can do it in a more organic, piecemeal way,” Weiland says of her process. “It’s a whim, like our new tableware. I saw the crochet knit swatch and thought, wouldn’t this be a nice doily, and the set evolved from there. I especially like the little blanket/sleeping bag for your knife and fork.
Outfitted in the ’70s-influenced Pre-Fall 2022 collection, Kin’s party Shrimps evoked the era’s “hedonism and disco fever” and proved to be the perfect ambassadors for Hannah’s world. What else can we expect from the brand this year? “Let’s hope for a lot more parties!” says the accomplished professional in the field. “We like to have fun and bring joy, in all aspects of the brand, apparel and artwork we create to the parties we host.”
