Cornwall-based Refined Brands, the parent company of Celtic & Co and Frugi, has added womenswear brand Kettlewell Colours to its growing portfolio of fashion businesses.

Refined Brands acquired Frugi in November 2022 and Turtle Doves earlier in January.

Founded in 2004 by Melissa and John Nicholson, Kettlewell Colours specialises in colourful clothing for women.  Headquartered in Somerset, Kettlewell Colours sells wardrobe essentials in over 300 colours to customers internationally – working predominantly with small, family-run factories in Portugal, Turkey and the UK.

The company uses sustainable fabrics made using plant-based fibre lyocell, which is made from raw cellulose extracted from wood pulp, and also eco-friendly viscose, made using cellulose fibres by Lenzing.

Nicholson said: “I am thrilled to be joining a fantastic group of entrepreneurial British brands with sustainability at their heart. I am really looking forward to partnering with the Refined Brands team to accelerate the growth of Kettlewell Colours in the UK and internationally, introducing more people to the powerful benefits of wearing your best colours.”

James Williams, group managing director of Refined Brands, said: “We have long been admirers of Kettlewell’s philosophy, renowned for products that offer longevity with a focus on maximising your full wardrobe and a cost per wear ethos at the heart. Working alongside the team, we are looking forward to extending natural, organic and recycled fibres through the range over the coming seasons.”

Ben Barnett, chairman of the group, added: “Refined Brands seeks to create a differentiated family of sustainable fashion brands, alongside founders and teams that share our passion and vision. Melissa, John and the Kettlewell Colours team have built a phenomenally engaged community built around a deep understanding of colour.””

Kvika Bank acted as financial advisor to Refined Brands during the transaction while Berkshire-based BCMS acted on behalf of Kettlewell Colours. Financial details of the acquisition were not revealed.

According to Refined Brands, Kettlewell Colours reported revenue of £8.9 million in the last 12 months.