We absolutely love stripes, so when we starting designing collars and leads there were two important criteria (as well as being practical and machine washable) - there had to be colour and it had to be represented in stripes! But why are stripes so popular? I’m proud that Reg&Bob have a signature stripe but I also love wearing them too - and it seems I’m not the only one.

When I wondered about the history of stripes it was clear their early use was for more challenging wearers. Originally worn in Medieval times, the black and white stripe was associated with criminals, prisoners, clowns, prostitutes and hangmen! While I’m not sure I’ll be recreating that particular stripe for Reg&Bob - it’s a combination I really love to wear so I’m delighted we’ve moved on from the seamier associations of the black and white colour way.

Since then stripes have had so many re-inventions and style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot have all been famously photographed wearing them. I couldn’t wait to dress my babies in stripey Breton tops, knowing it wouldn’t be a look boys would take into their teenage years.

I was delighted one of my absolute favourite Instagram accounts also posted about stripes. Caroline from Good Sorts writes and styles the most eloquent and artistic posts that make me reminisce back to a happy 60’s childhood and aspire to a beautiful and sophisticated lifestyle.

But Good Sorts is also about a fantastic service to help you ‘Organise a lifetime of possessions’ in a sensible, practical and knowledgable way. I wish I had known about them when we sold our family home - a time when you need guidance and knowledge to get you through the emotional rollercoaster. Check them out and follow them on Instagram - you won’t regret it.

But back to stripes - it seems we’re not alone in our love for stripes. See what Good Sorts have to say about stripes and the icons who turned them into the fashion item they are today. There is also another naughty ‘stripe’ inspired post about Picasso which I can’t put here - but do check out on their feed!

Caroline writes ……….

What single article of clothing do you think is in every wardrobe? My Good Sorts experience tells me it’s the stripy tee shirt. If you haven’t got one – or possibly even more than one – you’re a member of a very exclusive club!

The regulation marinière was adopted by the French Navy in 1858. Apparently it was easier to see sailors who had fallen overboard in their striped tops. Coco Chanel turned them into a fashion item at the end of the First World War, selling them at her shop in Deauville. And the rest, as they say, is fashion history.

The photo is Barbara Hepworth – a style icon of a different sort. You may know that Margaret Howell is celebrating the 50th anniversary of her label this year. She has said many times how much she has been inspired by Barbara Hepworth. If you look at the current Margaret Howell collection, you would find a version of everything that she’s wearing in the photo.

I love it. It was taken in Hepworth’s London studio in 1933 when she was 30. I love the contrast of her youthfulness and sweet appearance next to the vases of English garden flowers juxtaposed with the book about Picasso on one of the shelves. And the strength in her hands that are clasped so demurely. She was already a powerful - unstoppable - pioneering force in modernism.

The garden studio at the Hepworth Museum in St Ives has a remarkable feeling that she has just stepped out for a moment - her overalls and sculpture tools are still there ready to be picked up again. If you’ve been there, you’ll know how magical it is. If you haven’t, you absolutely must go – wearing your stripy tee shirt, of course!

So it seems that stripes are key to all aspects of life be it wardrobe staples, fashion icons or collars and leads for the dogs that want to be dogs. But whatever the reason for loving them - stripes are always going to be a part of Reg&Bob and they will certainly be in my wardrobe for many years to come.

Follow Good Sorts on Instagram

Website www.good-sorts.co.uk/our-story/

Who loves a stripe?

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