Shop Small Saturday: Maze

Welcome to Shop Small Saturday, a weekly feature where we celebrate our community of independent boutiques, from Bath to Berlin.

Starting life as a menswear store in Taunton back in 1985, Maze is now based in Bristol and has since expanded into womenswear and homeware, solidifying itself as a staple in Clifton Village, the bustling shopping district brimming with independents.

“Maze is an extension of our personal style,” owner Hannah explains. “We only showcase pieces that we love and are excited to share. We stay true to our ethos of thoughtful style for good living, favouring a pared-back aesthetic that is relaxed, understated and accessible.”

We sat down with Hannah, part of the second generation of this directional family business, to chat about cultivating a signature style and curating their favourite brands of the moment.

“I love to lie in ‘til the last minute - my two young daughters often scupper those plans - but Saturday always means pancakes for breakfast, no matter what. Then, it's usually a quick routine to get ready and out the door.

The first thing I do when I get to the shop is make a double espresso, to set me up for the busy day ahead. Afterwards, I get the music lined up. Music plays a really important part in creating a good atmosphere in store, our music is soulful with a feel-good vibe. 

Then the rest of the team arrives for the team talk before we open at 10am. We discuss bestsellers, new products and set out our aims for the day to make sure we can all have the best day possible.”

“My parents started the business when I was young and I have very strong memories of being at the shops, roller skating around and playing in the boxes. It was home from home and still is. 

Thanks to my parents, I’ve also grown up with a very sure-footed sense of style. It’s down to their keen eye and skilled reinterpretation of the pieces we buy that has given Maze a distinctive style. 

We represent many, varied collections in the store, but the way we present them means the shops always have their own, clear aesthetic. That’s what makes it work. The collections may change but Maze remains the same.”

“When deciding who to work with, we need to connect with a product and the story behind the brand. The people behind the scenes are just as important as the product and we find that thoughtful creation and design always shines through. There are so many things produced in the world today so we try to seek out those with a little bit of soul. We concentrate on the essential aspects of the design that make the product or brand different, and we also always buy sustainable products where we can.

Some of our current favourites with our customers include Sideline – a British brand creating pieces that are designed to transcend the seasons, loved and lived in for a long time. Their eco-credentials are excellent and the clothes include beautiful details in the design. In menswear, Universal Works and Folk are top of the pops with their hardworking everyday staples – the perfect blend of form and function. We’re also excited to introduce two new brands this season - Ordinary Fits and Howlin’ knitwear will be joining us in October. Watch this space.”

“We are really lucky to be situated in the heart of Clifton village in Bristol. It’s a vibrant area next to Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge and it’s buzzing with independent businesses. From cafés like The Mall Deli and Spicer & Cole, restaurants The Ivy and Milk Bun, and retailers Truce and Grace & Mable, Clifton is filled with interesting things to see and do, and it has some of the best views in the city. Our newest neighbour is Livingstone St. Ives, an art gallery that has ever-changing exhibitions. It's a pretty special spot.

Saturday night for me though is all about heading home, catching up with family and enjoying some good food. Fortunately, my husband is a chef so the cooking doesn’t fall to me!”

Shop Maze now on Trouva or follow them on Instagram.