It all started with a dog and a walk. A "luxury" collar that didn’t quite work, leash that didn’t feel right and to top it off looking worse for wear despite being relatively new. That moment of frustration sparked something much bigger—a journey to question why everyday objects are often overlooked in the world of design. Why should thoughtful craftsmanship and beauty be reserved only for luxury items?
We believe that the objects we use every day deserve the same level of care, intention, and artistry as the finest luxury pieces. Because true luxury isn’t about rarity—it’s about the beauty of daily use over a lifetime. Should we and can we re-define and re-interpret "luxury" in our world today?
bkd•be kind darling
In our attempt to search for answers, it became clear that the rich heritage and existence of human craft are increasingly being threatened (in some case close to extinction) and replaced due to large scale industrialisation, efficiencies and disconnect - reminiscent of the same challenges faced almost 300 years ago during the industrial revolution. This made us more determined to pursue the path of evolving, whilst preserving and honouring art, craft and design - ultimately human expression.
The brand started to take root in values of refinement, curiosity, and honesty which enable us to design and craft with function, longevity, and the belief that the things we use most should be made to love and last.
The Arts and Crafts Movement: more relevant now than ever
Our exploration naturally led us to the industrial revolution of the 19th century, when similar concerns arose. Britain's Arts and Crafts Movement was the response to the growing industrialisation of society. Born out of a “crisis of conscience,” this movement championed the idea that art, architecture, and design should reflect values, craftsmanship, and intention—not just efficiency.
John Ruskin, one of the movement’s leading voices, once wrote:
“For it is not the material, but the absence of human labour, which makes the thing worthless… It is, indeed, possible and even usual, for men to sink into machines themselves, so that even hand work has all the character of mechanisation.”
These words resonated deeply with us. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, efficiencies and disconnect the Arts and Crafts movement reminded us of the importance of human touch, skilled craftsmanship, and the connection between people and the objects they use.
(The image at the top of the page was taken on one of our walks, when by happenstance we came across Merton Abbey Mills. The River Wandle (seen in the image) drove watermills and provided water for a number of industrial processes in Merton. Merton Abbey Mills were established by Huguenot silk throwers in the early eighteenth century; there were already textile works nearby from 1667, including those that became the Merton Abbey Works, site of design firm Morris & Co, owned by William Morris, who was the most celebrated designer of the 19th century and the leading figure of the Arts and Craft Movement. Today, Abbey Merton Mills is a crafts market and the site of a summer theatre and music festival. As this piece was being written, River Wandle was hit with a diesel spill, affecting the the wildlife and decades of work by volunteers who helped restore the ecologically dead river to a thriving ecosystem.)
Why this matters today
While modern advancements have brought convenience, they’ve also introduced new challenges:
- Environmental degradation: Mass production and waste are taking a toll on our planet.
- Erosion of craftsmanship: Machine-made goods are replacing handmade artistry.
- Disconnect: People are losing touch with the materials, nature, and stories behind the objects they use daily.
Today, products are often designed to be replaced rather than cherished, fueling a culture of disposability and disconnect. But true sustainability isn’t just about better materials—it’s about creating objects that are beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Our Vision: Shaping Contemporary Craftsmanship
At bkd•be kind darling, we believe that art and design should serve a purpose, not just exist for decoration or luxury. The foundations of our philosophy are:
- Timeless design: Creating pieces that remain relevant beyond fleeting trends.
- Sustainable craft: Building objects to last, not to be replaced.
- Honouring heritage and innovation: Preserving artisanal traditions while shaping the future.
We couldn't agree more with William Morris, a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, that:
“The greatest foe to art is luxury; art cannot live in its atmosphere.”
Art and design should be accessible, meaningful, and integrated into everyday life.
Our First Collection: collection0001
Our journey—from a routine dog walk to a commitment to redefining everyday objects—has culminated in our first collection, collection0001. Each piece is a testament to our values: thoughtful design, sustainable craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the traditions that inspire us.
Learn more about collection0001/BK0001
Limited edition leather range: BK0001
From collection0001, is the the one and only designer maker batch of leather models-BK00001. Meticulously, handcrafted by Brian, the creative mind behind bkd•be kind darling who embodies true artistry in his work: a “working thinker and thinking worker, and a gentleman in the best sense.” This is limited in numbers and once they are gone, they may never be replicated, partly due to the threat that the craft and skills used to the produce the materials or the materials themselves may cease to exist. Each of the models are numbered and authenticated.
These special pieces have been designed and made as intended:
- Designed for daily life – Functional, durable, and beautifully made
- Crafted with integrity – Handmade in Britain using the finest materials
- A modern heirloom – One-of-a-kind pieces that won’t be reproduced