The Mi-Pac Indies - BERT & bella
The Mi-Pac world is a big place. Our bags are available internationally from east to west and north to south. As part of our Indies series, we talk to the independent stores about their Mi-Pac collections, what makes their city special, and a special look to go with a Mi-Pac of their choice. Mi-Pac is all about the world's inspirations and exploring its cities and its inhabitants, celebrating all things creative.
BERT & bella is a concept store located within Nantwich, Cheshire. The on and offline shop stocks brands including Native Youth, Dr Martens and Brutus, alongside Mi-Pac favourites from the Neoprene collection to the Splattered print. We spoke to Jade from BERT & bella about the store's vibe, the market town of Nantwich and their local Mi-Pac style.
What's your favourite Mi-Pac from your store collection?
I love the Links Weekender because I am obsessed with geometric prints and the gold zip detail is beautiful. Also, it's grey and cream so it goes with EVERYTHING in my wardrobe!
Tell us about your store
BERT & bella has an urban vibe and focuses on casual street wear. We like cutting edge, unusual pieces that you wouldn't easily find on the high street. The store is a concept store which means that our regular customers can come in and chill with us while they browse the stock.
What's the best thing to do in your local area (whether it's to eat, to visit, a venue, etc)
Nantwich is an Historic Market Town so the buildings, many Tudor, are beautiful and there's some great places to eat and drink here. Street is a street food and cocktail bar which is really trendy and attracts lots of local young people. Breakfasting in Nantwich is also a must- there's so many cafe's that cater for every imaginable desire. I like the Nantwich Book Shop Cafe-Upstairs is full of Chesterfield sofas and because of its age the floor and ceiling is totally uneven with wood panelling throughout. It's great for instagram pics!
What's the local customer like?
Nantwich is surrounded by universities and colleges so some of my customers are really edgy, cool young people looking for something a bit different. My older customers appreciate good quality and classic designs and usually love the colour palette we favour in the store-muted and understated. We have a whole mix of customers here, many of my regulars entire families who can all find something they want!
What do you wear with your bag/Mi-Pac?
Black and Grey! My staple pieces are skinny black jeans, an oversized coat or jacket (usually by Native Youth-I LOVE them) and a pair of WODEN Scandinavian Sneakers. Scandinavian and Dutch fashion is my inspiration; minimal looks finished with a HENRY LONDON timepiece and a MASSIVE MI-PAC weekender or duffel.
Head over to www.bertandbella.com to check out their online stock, or see their Instagram at @bertandbellaofficial
