Kite’s New Collection Launch: Storytime at The Cowshed
On Tuesday 19th August, we hosted our Storytime collection launch fpr AW25– and what a special day it was. Set in the stunning surroundings of The Cowshed in Lytchett Matravers, the beautiful barn venue was the perfect backdrop.
Rooted in the magic of childhood classics, fables and fairytales, Storytime brings together nostalgia and imagination with a stylish, modern twist. Across both childrenswear and womenswear, the collection celebrates pattern, colour and storytelling, with everything from 60s and 70s-inspired florals to heritage motifs and whimsical prints that spark curiosity and wonder.
We met Charlie and Hazel, the wonderful owners of The Cowshed, earlier this year at the Muddy Stilettos Awards drinks, and instantly knew their stunning barn would be the ideal place to host our first ever Kite PR launch. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it set just the right tone for a day filled with creativity, community and celebration.
The Children’s Tea Party
The afternoon kicked off with a family-friendly tea party event. Guests included local influencers, friends of the brand and the much-loved children’s author Rachel Bright, creator of The Lion Inside. Rachel treated us to a special reading of one of her favourite stories, as well as an exclusive sneak peek of her brand-new book before its release.
Children were kept entertained with a range of story-themed activities – from a cosy storytime corner filled with handpicked books, to a colouring table and biscuit decorating activity that went down a treat with little hands (and tummies!).
Storytime Corner
A cosy space filled with handpicked books
Biscuit decorating
Tasty storytelling-inspired treats
Colouring corner
Prints from our new collection to colour
Goody bags were a big hit!
Before heading home, little ones and their families were gifted goody bags brimming with thoughtful surprises. From Kite’s own new-season socks and a voucher to spend on the new collection, to handmade chocolates from Dorset-based Chococo, jewellery by Pineapple Island and wooden toys from ThreadBear Design, the bags were filled with delights. Skincare treats from Green People and Nala’s Baby, plus a signed Rachel Bright book, made them extra special keepsakes from the day.
The Womenswear Drinks Reception
As the sun dipped, The Cowshed set the stage for a relaxed evening drinks reception celebrating the womenswear story within the AW25 collection. With a glass in hand, guests explored the collection up close, heard more about the inspirations behind the designs, and mingled with Kite friends and local influencers.
The evening also marked the official launch of the Kite Digital Bookclub, with Broken Country introduced as our debut read. Guests who signed up were able to take home a beautiful hardback copy to begin their Kite reading journey.
Of course, no one went home empty handed. Goody bags were thoughtfully curated to reflect the spirit of the evening, featuring everything from Cherry Tree Preserves (who we met earlier this year at the Muddy Stilettos Awards event) to UpCircle sustainable beauty, a Bare Faced Beauty lip gloss and Sea & Solder jewellery voucher. Local makers were represented too, with mini hand creams from Lytchett Bay Soaps. And, just like in the afternoon, a pair of Kite socks and a voucher to spend on the new collection were tucked inside too.
A Day to Remember
From Rachel Bright’s magical storytime to the launch of our very first Kite Digital Bookclub, this was a day that truly brought our AW25 Storytime collection to life.
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped make our first ever Kite launch event such a success.
