Dear Steff,
Thank you for taking this journey with me in my blog series, Tea For Two with Melanie Rose.
This series is about people who live and breathe creativity: the artisans, designers, and educators whose passion runs so deep it spills into everything they touch. I really love how you have re imagined leather into something daring, different and so beautifully crafted. I couldn’t wait for our conversation.
So, to be clear from the very beginning, I love Yorkshire. It brings back so many happy memories of growing up in England. I was probably ten or so when I first visited Haworth, which began my lifelong love of the Brontë sisters. I was always drawn to Anne, the youngest.
And in Leeds, in the heart of Yorkshire, there is Something Wicked. Not wicked in the storybook sense. Not the musical either. No, this is a different kind of wickedness, something modern and exciting. From its earliest history, Leeds has always been associated with the woolen trade, and from the 18th century onwards the city was dotted with woolen mills. And while the woolen business had faded, the buildings remained and today, inside one of those historic mills, a small group of women are doing something extraordinary: designing and handcrafting lingerie that plays with power, sensuality, and sophistication. Every stitch tells a story. Every piece feels like a secret whispered against your skin.
And before we dive deeper — full disclosure — as someone who believes lingerie is an everyday essential, not an afterthought, I do own a set from Something Wicked. Let me just say: it’s beyond gorgeous. It's the kind of lingerie that doesn't just sit under clothes; it changes how you carry yourself. This is clothing as wearable art.
I love the name, “Something Wicked.” What's the particular magic behind the name? When you say "wicked," what sort are we discussing: playful mischief, inherent power, or perhaps just a touch forbidden?
We often get people telling us that they love the name! It’s definitely playful and can be interpreted in different ways. You might read it as cheeky, or forbidden, or desirable. It’s a bit of a tease, and absolutely makes you want to find out more! And that’s what we are all about as a brand – we’re here for the explorers, the perpetually curious and the eternally fearless.
Thank you for taking this journey with me in my blog series, Tea For Two with Melanie Rose.
This series is about people who live and breathe creativity: the artisans, designers, and educators whose passion runs so deep it spills into everything they touch. I really love how you have re imagined leather into something daring, different and so beautifully crafted. I couldn’t wait for our conversation.
So, to be clear from the very beginning, I love Yorkshire. It brings back so many happy memories of growing up in England. I was probably ten or so when I first visited Haworth, which began my lifelong love of the Brontë sisters. I was always drawn to Anne, the youngest.
And in Leeds, in the heart of Yorkshire, there is Something Wicked. Not wicked in the storybook sense. Not the musical either. No, this is a different kind of wickedness, something modern and exciting. From its earliest history, Leeds has always been associated with the woolen trade, and from the 18th century onwards the city was dotted with woolen mills. And while the woolen business had faded, the buildings remained and today, inside one of those historic mills, a small group of women are doing something extraordinary: designing and handcrafting lingerie that plays with power, sensuality, and sophistication. Every stitch tells a story. Every piece feels like a secret whispered against your skin.
And before we dive deeper — full disclosure — as someone who believes lingerie is an everyday essential, not an afterthought, I do own a set from Something Wicked. Let me just say: it’s beyond gorgeous. It's the kind of lingerie that doesn't just sit under clothes; it changes how you carry yourself. This is clothing as wearable art.
I love the name, “Something Wicked.” What's the particular magic behind the name? When you say "wicked," what sort are we discussing: playful mischief, inherent power, or perhaps just a touch forbidden?
We often get people telling us that they love the name! It’s definitely playful and can be interpreted in different ways. You might read it as cheeky, or forbidden, or desirable. It’s a bit of a tease, and absolutely makes you want to find out more! And that’s what we are all about as a brand – we’re here for the explorers, the perpetually curious and the eternally fearless.
You work with exquisite Japanese Plonge leather and French Chantilly lace, what makes these materials the perfect foundation for Something Wicked creations?
Two very beautiful and very different materials, both equally high in quality and created with luxury in mind. They are the perfect foundation for Something Wicked lingerie as they both feel incredible against the skin and are made to stand the test of time. Leather is our signature material and it’s what our customers love the most. The smell, the feel, the sheen… it really is a decadent material to use in lingerie design, and we absolutely love it.
For those who have not heard of Japanese Plonge leather, what exactly is it? Please tell the reader what other artisans are involved in this creative process? You have briefly mentioned a leather artisan, an Award winning beekeeper, please tell me more!
Japanese plonge leather is a by-product of wagyu cattle (you may have heard of wagyu steak or burgers!). It is THE most beautiful, buttery soft, thin leather and is the perfect choice for all our gorgeous leather lingerie. Most people hear ‘leather’ and think it’s going to be stiff and uncomfortable, but we specifically use Japanese plonge leather as it feels luxurious and wonderful next to the skin. We source all our high-quality hides from a reputable leather merchant based in London.
Two very beautiful and very different materials, both equally high in quality and created with luxury in mind. They are the perfect foundation for Something Wicked lingerie as they both feel incredible against the skin and are made to stand the test of time. Leather is our signature material and it’s what our customers love the most. The smell, the feel, the sheen… it really is a decadent material to use in lingerie design, and we absolutely love it.
For those who have not heard of Japanese Plonge leather, what exactly is it? Please tell the reader what other artisans are involved in this creative process? You have briefly mentioned a leather artisan, an Award winning beekeeper, please tell me more!
Japanese plonge leather is a by-product of wagyu cattle (you may have heard of wagyu steak or burgers!). It is THE most beautiful, buttery soft, thin leather and is the perfect choice for all our gorgeous leather lingerie. Most people hear ‘leather’ and think it’s going to be stiff and uncomfortable, but we specifically use Japanese plonge leather as it feels luxurious and wonderful next to the skin. We source all our high-quality hides from a reputable leather merchant based in London.
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We love the idea that leather garments last a lifetime and we were keen to find a leather polish to keep them in tip-top shape. We couldn’t find any that we thought were good enough, so we went on a quest to create our own! We work closely with an award-winning British bee keeper who makes our unique Something Wicked leather polish from all natural ingredients. It smells divine too!
We also have a range of decadent kinky leather accessories which are handmade from vegetable dyed saddlery leather. Again, we were keen to create the very best products we could, so we have sourced real gold-plated chain made by one of the last remaining chain makers in the UK. We use hardware from a saddlery company awarded with a Royal Warrant. Our incredibly talented leather worker makes each accessory with such amazing skill and creativity that every piece really is something to be adored and cherished. |
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It's taken years to find the right suppliers for the brand, but our goal was always to find the best of the best, and I think we have done that.
How do you balance sensuality and empowerment in your designs, ensuring each piece makes women feel strong as well as seductive?
We have several collections and each one has a different look and feel. We also have a range of products within each collection to give as much choice as possible. Not everyone feels confident in a soft cup bra for example, so we offer underwired balcony bras which are more supportive, harness bras, and bodysuits, in a range of styles and fits, so there really is something for everyone. We often describe wearing Something Wicked as ‘having on your under-amour’ as it makes you feel invincible when you wear it (whether it’s on show to the world or not!) Our lingerie is definitely strong as well as sexy, and designed to be transitional pieces that can be worn as outerwear too.
You’re very proud that all of your work is ‘Handmade in Britain.’ That must take extra time and now, post Brexit, cost more. Is that just about quality, or is it your stand against throwaway fashion?
To manufacture in the UK is definitely not the easiest or cheapest option, but it is 100% the right thing to do in my opinion. We want to encourage people to buy items that will last, that are made well, with integrity, and produced as ethically and fairly as possible. Empowerment is more than just a word – it’s at the heart of everything we do. It would not feel right to empower women in one country, yet exploit them in another, which is why is are so committed to manufacturing in-house in the UK. We also offer a complimentary repair service on all our products which is not something that is common practice, but it should be. We are very much against fast fashion. Buy quality, it will last. We like to see ourselves as kinky, yet conscientious.
Do you see your pieces as initiating a dialogue, either internal for the wearer, or external with a partner/viewer? What do you hope that dialogue is about?
We have both customers buying for themselves and customers buying for a partner (we call this Something Wicked for Someone Wonderful!). First time buyers of Something Wicked are often looking to try something new and different, and we love that they are choosing our pieces to start that journey of exploration. We want people to be inspired to be their boldest, most wicked selves. We make lingerie that you can make memories in. Whatever pieces you choose, we’ll be the perfect accompaniment for those pulse quickening moments that you’ll smile about long after.
Okay, I have to ask: what's one rule in the lingerie world you've just completely, happily ignored and which we, as the wearers, could equally ignore?
We don’t bring out multiple collections a year, we don’t follow that traditional route. All our collections are made to compliment each other, and can be mixed and matched. We don’t have and end of line sale every year to get rid of dead stock from old collections that are no longer relevant. And our lingerie is designed to be worn in different ways too, wear it out, mix it with clothing, create your own fierce style. The thrill of lingerie is how it makes you feel.
If you could describe the Something Wicked woman in three words, what would they be?
Desirable, Fearless, Curious.
We have both customers buying for themselves and customers buying for a partner (we call this Something Wicked for Someone Wonderful!). First time buyers of Something Wicked are often looking to try something new and different, and we love that they are choosing our pieces to start that journey of exploration. We want people to be inspired to be their boldest, most wicked selves. We make lingerie that you can make memories in. Whatever pieces you choose, we’ll be the perfect accompaniment for those pulse quickening moments that you’ll smile about long after.
Okay, I have to ask: what's one rule in the lingerie world you've just completely, happily ignored and which we, as the wearers, could equally ignore?
We don’t bring out multiple collections a year, we don’t follow that traditional route. All our collections are made to compliment each other, and can be mixed and matched. We don’t have and end of line sale every year to get rid of dead stock from old collections that are no longer relevant. And our lingerie is designed to be worn in different ways too, wear it out, mix it with clothing, create your own fierce style. The thrill of lingerie is how it makes you feel.
If you could describe the Something Wicked woman in three words, what would they be?
Desirable, Fearless, Curious.
Fast forward: What do you want the Something Wicked story to be? What mark do you hope to leave?
We would love to show to other brands how manufacturing in the UK is possible, and see a lot more in-house manufacturing in this country. It is much less wasteful, you only make what you need, and you don’t have to guess quantities and waste fabrics.
We would love to show to other brands how manufacturing in the UK is possible, and see a lot more in-house manufacturing in this country. It is much less wasteful, you only make what you need, and you don’t have to guess quantities and waste fabrics.
Thank you for sharing your story. Now tea! Which of the below speaks to you?
Smoky Lapsang Souchong – Bold, daring and unforgettable. It’s the perfect tea for a brand that isn't afraid to be different, to be powerful, and to leave a lasting impression.
Jasmine Pearl Green Tea - Jasmine pearls are delicate, hand-rolled, and release their aroma slowly — a true artisan product. It's light, floral, feminine, but quietly powerful.
Yorkshire Tea – I just couldn’t help myself, a good old fashioned brew! Medium-bodied and refreshing with subtle bitterness.
Sugar? Yes? No? If yes, how many lumps/spoons?
Milk?
Thanks for having me, I’ve loved it. Oh, that is an easy question! It absolutely has to be Yorkshire Tea! Drink it STRONG, with milk, no sugar. It has fueled me through this interview and is a staple in the cupboard at the Something Wicked studio! We buy it in jumbo sized boxes. It’s what the team at Something Wicked drink each and every day (the kettle is on permanently) and we simply can’t drink any other tea!
Smoky Lapsang Souchong – Bold, daring and unforgettable. It’s the perfect tea for a brand that isn't afraid to be different, to be powerful, and to leave a lasting impression.
Jasmine Pearl Green Tea - Jasmine pearls are delicate, hand-rolled, and release their aroma slowly — a true artisan product. It's light, floral, feminine, but quietly powerful.
Yorkshire Tea – I just couldn’t help myself, a good old fashioned brew! Medium-bodied and refreshing with subtle bitterness.
Sugar? Yes? No? If yes, how many lumps/spoons?
Milk?
Thanks for having me, I’ve loved it. Oh, that is an easy question! It absolutely has to be Yorkshire Tea! Drink it STRONG, with milk, no sugar. It has fueled me through this interview and is a staple in the cupboard at the Something Wicked studio! We buy it in jumbo sized boxes. It’s what the team at Something Wicked drink each and every day (the kettle is on permanently) and we simply can’t drink any other tea!
Courtesy: Taylor of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea
First of all do you want to use a mug or a cup. You choose.
Treat your water kindly. Run the tap a little so the water's nicely aerated, and only boil it once to keep the oxygen level up. ...
Add tea and water. Pop a tea bag into your mug, pour over the hot water and stir briefly.
Wait patiently. ...
Give it a squeeze. ...
Customize your brew
And that's it!
Treat your water kindly. Run the tap a little so the water's nicely aerated, and only boil it once to keep the oxygen level up. ...
Add tea and water. Pop a tea bag into your mug, pour over the hot water and stir briefly.
Wait patiently. ...
Give it a squeeze. ...
Customize your brew
And that's it!
