A renowned vintage and retro emporium is branching out with the launch of its first-ever clothing and accessories collection.
Monmouthshire-based vintage specialist Phil Terrett, who founded the Moody Mabel brand, is expanding by stepping into the world of fashion to unveil the ‘Old Souls’ collection.
With his range of ethically-made unisex T-shirts, hoodies and tote bags, printed with minimalist, nostalgic slogans, the collection invites enthusiasts to wear their passion for the past.
The collection features six vintage-inspired slogans, including: ‘Reloved, Reused and Remarkable’, ‘I don’t buy new I buy stories’ and ‘They made things properly back then,’ turning them into fashions statements.
“I came up with the idea for the clothing range for people who, like me, love vintage, antiques and all things with a story,” explained Phil, who is based near Usk.
Phil describes the sustainable collection as ‘capturing the spirit of salvage, the poetry of patina and the gentleness of slow style.’
“Moody Mabel has always been about celebrating character and the beauty of imperfection. ‘Old Souls’ is another way to share that message, but this time through fashion,” he added.
Referring to the slogan ‘I don’t buy new, I buy stories’, Phil added:
“People buy things with a story behind them that they can take home and become a discussion point with visitors. I attach a little laminated story to some of the items I sell that gives a mixture of its provenance and background to give new owners that sense of history.”
Moody Mabel is already well-known among collectors and vintage fans for its eclectic mix of antiques, curios and reimagined treasures.
Run primarily online, with a retail presence at ‘The Malthouse Collective’ in Stroud, Gloucestershire, the business offers everything from antique furniture, books and mirrors to refurbished step stools and imaginative creations like printer’s trays turned into tables.
Following successful careers in the corporate and broadcasting industries, Phil and his late wife Ruth, both devoted dog lovers, began their entrepreneurial journey in 2016 founding ‘Johnny Muttley’ selling gifts for dogs and their owners.
“We bought a few things at auction, sold them on Ebay and enjoyed it so much that we built a Shopify website and the business grew from there,” said Phil.
In 2019, they turned their shared passion for antiques and retro items into a thriving new business after attending a local antique auction.
“After Ruth passed away, I took the decision to relocate my retail space to The Malthouse Collective, home to the Cotswolds’ largest antique centre.”
Phil admits he has always collected ‘things’ from a young age and has a passion for the Georgian and Edwardian eras.
“I appreciate good design and buy things that I like that I would want in my own home.”
Phil curates Moody Mabel’s stock with an eye for character and craftsmanship.
“I sell items ranging from mixing bowls to Turkish olive wood bread boards, mirrors, interesting books, furniture, vases, hand tools and blankets,” said Phil.
“Everything I choose has character, something unique that sparks curiosity or reminds you of the past.”
That same appreciation for craftsmanship and nostalgia has inspired his venture into fashion.
“For me, ‘Old Souls’ is about sharing a love of the past and giving people something they can connect with, a design that carries personality and a sense of history, “ he said.
Samples from the collection will be on display at The Malthouse Collective, with all items available to order exclusively via the in-store QR code or from moodymabel.com
