We had the opportunity to meet and talk to the Founder of Orwell+Austen, Jessica Schuhle-Lewis and learnt a bit more about her London life and brand. 

When did you launch Orwell+Austen and what inspired you to?

 I launched Orwell + Austen in late 2012, but it had been an idea of mine for a lot longer. I was inspired to start the brand when I noticed that there weren't many luxury cashmere scarf brands in bold fashion prints that were using non-synthetic blends with their cashmere (such as modal mix). I wanted to make luxury scarves that only uses luxury materials. That's why all our pieces are either pure cashmere or contain a very high percentage of cashmere blended with silk (for a lighter feel). We source our cashmere from Nepal, a region world renowned for making the finest woven cashmere pieces.

5ive Words that describe your work?

All Orwell + Austen pieces have a signature style. They are all colourful, bold, statement pieces, made from the finest quality materials (cashmere and silk) with a playful luxury edge.

Your advice to a first time visitor to London?

Walk as much as you can, you see so much more that way that just hopping on and off a tube. If you're going to Notting Hill (where my home is) then don't just stick to Portobello. Two great roads just off Portobello are the Golbourne Road (which crosses the far north end of Portobello) for antique furniture, bric and brac, the best Portuguese tarts you will ever taste and a more colourful flavour of the area, and Westbourne Grove(which intersects with the middle of Portobello) for great designer fashion, people watching and gorgeous cafes like Granger & Co.

What is planned for 2014?

The brand is expanding our sweater collection, adding a wool and silk scarf blend and launching cashmere beanies for AW14. So lots going on.

What is in your London Blackbook?

My favourite places are London Fields (East), Notting Hill and Kensal Rise (West), Primrose Hill (North) and Chelsea (South West).  All have their own feel, fashion and style, are totally different bu twith so much to offer. I also love heading to Hampstead Heath in the summer, as when you are walking through the park it feels like you have escaped the City for a while without having to go to far!

To learn more about Jessica and her work please visit Orwell+Austen