Our latest obsession: agricultural chic. It’s a real thing, and it was brought to our attention by Madison James, a little-known brand with big talent that hails from Paris, Kentucky (the destination alone screams agricultural chic, though not necessarily in that order).
Founder and namesake, Madison James, is a visionary with a design background that includes another OR favorite (Ralph Lauren — you may have heard of it), and a sensibility fit for the pages of our bible, Garden & Gun. Madison sources and manufactures her ideas in the hills of Amish country, where the daily routines of a simpler time inspire exquisite, handmade creations for “field, garden, and home.”
Products we never knew we needed, until now: heavy Belgian linens with point-to-point stitching that become better with every wash; reversible sheepskin throws featuring vintage livestock paintings on the skin side; a gender-neutral field apron for messy cooking or muddy potting; and the ultimate outdoor gratification — richly scented Flyaway Sticks (special to OR, a starter pack for only $18).
For those of us who have tried every available citronella candle and natural bug repellant to deter mosquitos and other pesky insects at dusk (the fall season is no exception), Flyaway Sticks are welcome accessories. The wood wands are hand-dipped in lime, cedar, and other essential oils from a leading perfume house for a pleasant woods-y fragrance, and when lit, provide a warm amber ambience to your outdoor gathering. Simply drive a couple of them into the ground wherever you entertain, or insert them in dirt-filled containers for covered areas where soft earth isn’t available. Each Flyaway Stick will burn for four hours, even repelling horseflies and hornets, without harming nature’s winged irritants. They are easy to pack-and-go for picnics on the beach, grilling by the pool, or on-site camping at your next equestrian event. And in keeping true to Madison James’ brilliant agriculturally chic concept, Flyaway Sticks are packaged in re-purposed, tin wax farm feed bags sewn by the Kentucky Amish, of course.
photos: Madison James, Very Goods
