Latest news with #Commune
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
A Wellness Brand's Love Letter To Somerset
Bruton High Street in Somerset is not the most obvious place to find an emporium of cutting-edge design. On the face of it, this looks like any other small town in rural England. But tucked away amid the 18th- and 19th-century storefronts is Commune, a light-drenched boutique that is home to a wellness brand rooted in the Somerset countryside but with a fashion-savvy backbone. Step inside, and your senses are hit by the scents of the wild: lavender, clary sage, lemongrass and cypress combine to whisper in the air. Offering body products, scents and candles, the idea for Commune came about in lockdown. While everyone else was banging their pans on the doorstep and waiting for the 5pm news, husband and wife duo, Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux, were busy bringing an ambitious idea to life that had been simmering for a while. 'Nature is our Reprieve' is Commune's tagline. Both Kate and Rémi's careers have criss-crossed the high-wire of high fashion. Kate's CV includes stints as merchandising director at LVMH; while Rémi's pedigree lies in a prior role as art director at Dazed & Confused Magazine and brand image director for Gucci. After he was head-hunted to become the brand creative director for Lululemon, the pair and their family decamped to Vancouver. 'It was a big change from working in fashion in Europe,' says Kate. 'The biggest difference was the lifestyle. It's true what everyone says: in Canada, it's all about the outdoors, no matter what the weather is doing, and people are a lot more connected to nature. We embraced it all and it was there that the idea for Commune began to take root.' Inside the Commune store in Bruton. While in Vancouver, Kate began a perfumery course with iconic natural perfumer and 'nose', Mandy Aftel, hopping on flights to San Francisco to see her. 'The idea of 'distilling' the essence of nature had long been a somewhat whimsical passion of mine but then, under the guidance of Mandy, it began to take shape—I learnt so much. She is a master of perfumery,' she says. When rumours of a lockdown began to circulate, the couple decided to move back to the UK, with the idea of launching a brand together, setting up home in the idyllic village of Bratton Seymour. 'It was a wonderful time,' Kate and Rémi recall. 'The hamlet is very small, so it meant we got to know a lot of our neighbours well—going on long walks, cooking for each other and watching the rhythms of nature.' Kate at work at the perfume organ. The name of the brand, Commune, is a reflection of this time and the strong community that they were part of; while the brand's signature scent, Seymour, is a nod to the village they live in. The fragrance is one that Kate laboured over, collaborating with a local natural perfumer (who fortuitously also lived in the same village) to produce a multi-layered perfume that blossoms on the skin. 'I wanted something that would conjure up spring—new life and fresh blooms, yet it had to have an earthiness to it, giving a hint of wet earth,' she says. The resulting fragrance is Commune's hero one and is used across its core products of bath salts, body wash, body and hand cream, shampoo, and conditioner. Elevate your bathtime with Commune. Seymour is, in fact, an ode to Somerset, amplified with its notes of lavender, lemongrass and clary sage blended with Spanish cypress, Japanese hiba wood and geranium. The brand's solid perfume, which comes in a chic black metal case, like a retro compact, showcases it to its full glory. The design calls on English folklore and motifs of the Somerset surroundings. When it comes to the design, Rémi was meticulous about the detailing. The butter-lemon bottles are large and chunky (refillable and less transport needed) with a design that echoes the arch of the windows of a nearby chapel. A Gothic, curvy 'O' shape, which Rémi calls the 'Eclipse', is a motif that is repeated throughout—from the shape of the perfume cases to the top of the specially-designed pump of the bottles. Woven into the aesthetic are nods to olde English folklore and the surrounding rolling countryside. 'Nature is our Reprieve' is the tagline found on all the products. This 'care for nature' ethos is also carried through to the brand's sustainable and green credentials, which sees the bottles made out of lightweight aluminium, meaning they are fully recyclable, with reusable pumps, no single-use plastic and formulas made with no harsh chemicals. 'The word 'sustainable' is over-used,' says Rémi. 'So, we like to simply say that we are doing our best to be as conscious as we can be.' The brand offers luxurious self-care products. Since launching, the brand is now well on the way to finding its place next to world-renowned luxury names, being stocked in Harrods and Liberty in the UK and Alder & Co and Remedy Place, a social wellness club, in the US, not to mention in a clutch of beautifully-curated stores across the world that align with the brand's ethos. The products are also found at some of the UK's most beautiful hotels, such as Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire and The Newt (found a few miles down the road from Commune). 'In retail terms, Commune sits on the shelf next to brands such as Diptyque and Aesop,' says Kate. 'But, of course, we like to think it stands on its own. What sets us apart from bigger names are our responsible credentials, the story-telling that is woven through everything and the fact we are 100% hands-on as founders.' The store is found in the heart of Bruton. Most notable of all is Commune's bricks-and-mortar store that opened in Bruton last year, and works not only as a window for the brand, but plays host to perfumery workshops led by Kate. 'We see that side of the business growing in the future,' says Kate. 'With more hands-on, immersive projects. People are seeking that connection.' It turns out that Commune is in the most fitting place, for Bruton itself is a hive of artisan activity. The market town is one that is thriving with stores and restaurants that champion craftsmenship and the arts. A few doors down, for instance, is Philo & Philo, a vintage homeware shop owned by fashion designer, Phoebe Philo's mother and sister; nearby is Hauser + Wirth Somerset, a gallery and restaurant carved out of a former farmstead; while The Chapel Bruton is a boutique hotel with in-house artisan bakery and wine store. 'It is a unique and wonderful place to be,' says Kate. 'There is so many like-minded people here and it really does feel like a creative place to live.' Soon to be launched are perfumery workshops at Commune. In the store, you'll pass by the central terrarium filled with moss and plants, to find a white-washed back-room, where visitors can take part in curated perfumery lessons at Kate's bespoke perfume organ ('It was crafted by a local craftsmen out of rare Somerset walnut,' Kate reveals). It is a playground of perfumery, with some 200 different perfume oils to dip into. As well as the recently launched soy and beeswax candle collection, which come with chunky marble trays and are an olfactory riff on the notions of dusk and dawn, the brand is set to launch its second scent, Montague. This time, the fragrance will capture the essence of summer, with heady notes of night blooming jasmine, green mandarin, kumquat and Siberian fir. This, too, is named after a local village—Bratton Seymour. Lox and Nox are the two different candles which are an olfactory play on dawn and dusk. 'Eventually, we will have a scent for each season and each will be named after a Somerset village,' says Kate. 'We have it all planned. After all, Commune is made with love in Somerset and that is where you'll find us.'
Tatler Asia
06-06-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Legacy Building: Commune's Julian Koh on breathing new life into his family's furniture manufacturing business
Above When Koh first entered the industry, he faced a steep learning curve as he was unsure about the best way to run a retail business (Photo: Facebook / Commune) Breathing new life Koh shares that his elders were initially hesitant to venture into retail. 'They were saying how retail wasn't our game,' he explains, noting their uncertainty about investing in this new direction. Despite their reservations, Koh was determined to prove the value of the venture, taking gradual steps to demonstrate its potential. When Koh first entered the industry, he faced a steep learning curve as he was unsure about the best way to run a retail business. He started by designing products he believed would appeal to people's homes. His efforts were not in vain as customers quickly took interest in the brand, leading to the opening and expansion of retail stores in Singapore and China. Over the years, Commune has found its brand DNA, offering human-centric pieces that suit the needs of daily life. When it comes to designing pieces, Koh gets inspired by travel. '[I take time to travel to different exhibitions as well] just to know and feel the vibe of what people are doing and the trends moving forward,' he explains. Above Hegen 3-Way Stool from the Commune x Hegen collection (Photo: Facebook / Commune) Stronger together Collaboration is at the heart of Commune's philosophy. 'We always knew that there was synergy behind collaboration and what we can do to create something exciting,' Koh explains. Since its inception, the brand has partnered with a range of local and international brands, including homegrown mother and babycare brand Hegen, fashion brand Pedro and Singapore Airlines (SIA) to create unique and memorable collections. Read more: From Kimono Mom to Yvon Bock, these are our favourite motherhood stories from Asia Above Continental Wall Valet and Continental Bar Cart from The Continental collection (Photo: Facebook / Commune) One of Koh's standout passion projects is The Continental, a capsule collection created in collaboration with Singapore Airlines as part of their latest initiative, The Upcycling Project. The collection preserves the essence of the iconic products by re-imagining retired SIA craft windows and carts. For example, the Continental Bar Cart transforms a galley cart with a sleek black powder-coated finish, elegant walnut veneer storage shelves and a premium leather utility pouch—giving these aviation staples a stylish new life. Beyond product collaborations, the brand is committed to fostering community. This inspired the creation of Commune Cafe, an extension of the Millenia Walk showroom. Designed with the same warm, contemporary aesthetic as the furniture showroom, the cafe serves as a social hub and a welcoming spot for customers to enjoy coffee before exploring the furniture collections. Above Looking ahead, Commune has ambitious plans for growth (Photo: Facebook / Commune) Staying open-minded When it comes to meeting the evolving needs of consumers, Koh emphasises that Commune maintains an open-minded approach, striving to understand and cater to a diverse range of demographics. This flexibility allows the brand to stay relevant and responsive in a rapidly changing market. Looking ahead, Commune has ambitious plans for growth. In addition to pursuing more collaborations with various brands, the homegrown company aims to expand its presence further in key international markets such as China and Europe, strengthening its global footprint. Driven by Koh and his family's deep passion for the furniture industry, Commune continues to push boundaries by creating sleek, elevated pieces designed for everyday living.
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Jim Morrison's bust was stolen from his grave 37 years ago. Police just found it
Even without the bust, Morrison's grave is a magnet for fans. Scrawls can be seen elsewhere in the cemetery pointing people in the right direction, often simply 'Jim' with an arrow. There is graffiti in multiple languages with messages such as 'Jim lives' or simply the names of The Doors songs. Some fans push the boundaries by drinking, smoking or behaving rowdily, perhaps, in their minds, as the fast-living Morrison might have wanted. Though Morrison is the star, Père-Lachaise, named for Louis XIV's priest, attracts fans of many other interred celebrities of yore. For years, people kissed Wilde's tomb, leaving it covered in lipstick marks. But the makeup was damaging the stone, so after a deep cleaning, a barrier was erected to deter smoochers. Visitors also like to rub the groin area of the bronze effigy of journalist Victor Noir in the belief that the act will bring fertility. As a result, that particular area of his likeness has a marked shine. The cemetery, which has phased out the use of pesticides, is also a haven for foxes, owls and other fauna in the city. Like much of Paris, the cemetery also carries the scent of history. In 1871, the Commune, the revolutionary government that briefly ran Paris, made its last stand there. The French army lined up and executed more than 100 of the last remaining soldiers of the Commune in a place now known as the Communards' Wall.
The Age
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Jim Morrison's bust was stolen from his grave 37 years ago. Police just found it
Even without the bust, Morrison's grave is a magnet for fans. Scrawls can be seen elsewhere in the cemetery pointing people in the right direction, often simply 'Jim' with an arrow. There is graffiti in multiple languages with messages such as 'Jim lives' or simply the names of The Doors songs. Some fans push the boundaries by drinking, smoking or behaving rowdily, perhaps, in their minds, as the fast-living Morrison might have wanted. Though Morrison is the star, Père-Lachaise, named for Louis XIV's priest, attracts fans of many other interred celebrities of yore. For years, people kissed Wilde's tomb, leaving it covered in lipstick marks. But the makeup was damaging the stone, so after a deep cleaning, a barrier was erected to deter smoochers. Visitors also like to rub the groin area of the bronze effigy of journalist Victor Noir in the belief that the act will bring fertility. As a result, that particular area of his likeness has a marked shine. The cemetery, which has phased out the use of pesticides, is also a haven for foxes, owls and other fauna in the city. Like much of Paris, the cemetery also carries the scent of history. In 1871, the Commune, the revolutionary government that briefly ran Paris, made its last stand there. The French army lined up and executed more than 100 of the last remaining soldiers of the Commune in a place now known as the Communards' Wall.
Times
19-05-2025
- Times
Marie Antoinette's lock of white hair sold for €7,500
A locket containing what is said to be a lock of Marie-Antoinette's hair, cut hours before she was guillotined in 1793, has been sold for €7,500. According to legend, the hair of the 37-year-old queen turned white overnight owing to the stress of her impending execution. The lock, tied with a ribbon and black thread, is indeed white. The buyer at auction was anonymous. The brass locket, slightly damaged on the back, also contains a handwritten note bearing the words: 'The hair of Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France, was given to me by a Commune [revolutionary government] prosecutor in charge of inspections of the Temple prison at the time when this unfortunate woman was detained there.' The author of the note is unknown. Jean-Pierre Osenat, the
