In a world awash with fleeting trends and fast everything, a beacon of mindful luxury has emerged—nestled amid Somerset’s rolling green hills, no less. Commune is the new name on every insider’s lips. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Kate and Remi, this self-care brand is rewriting the rules of conscious living, marrying chic design with an unwavering commitment to nature and community. Imagine bottles so striking they deserve pride of place on any vanity, formulations carefully conceived with only the cleanest ingredients, and a down-to-earth ethos that transports you away from the city’s buzz to the serenity of the English countryside. Intrigued? You’re not alone.
Thank you both for taking a moment to chat with Institute. Let’s start at the beginning: How did Commune come to be, and what void did you feel it filled?
Kate (Co-Founder of Commune):
We actually started with the name. Commune symbolizes a gathering of like-minded individuals who value authenticity, harmony with nature, and a sense of togetherness. Remi and I both hail from fashion—I was on the commercial side, and he was immersed in creative, product, and sales. Our time in Vancouver sparked a massive shift in our outlook. It’s a place where wellness is a way of life, and Remi’s role as Head of Brand at Lululemon really underscored how vital community can be. We wanted to bring that sense of warmth and inclusivity back to the UK, bottling it up—quite literally—in beautiful, design-led packaging.
Remi (Co-Founder of Commune):
Exactly. We saw a gap in the market for refined self-care that doesn’t compromise on sustainability. While most brands perfect a formula and slap on some run-of-the-mill packaging, we approached it differently. The vessel had to be as delightful and meaningful as the product inside. Think of our aluminium bottles as statement pieces—something you’d proudly display on your bathroom shelf.
Q: Your packaging is certainly elegant—very Institute-worthy. How did you land on such a striking aesthetic?
Remi: We took a page from our fashion backgrounds: every curve, every tone of the bottle has purpose. We asked ourselves: Would this look beautiful in someone’s home? Would it spark joy? By devoting as much time to design as to the formula itself, we created something that feels integral to one’s personal style, not just a utilitarian item.
Q: And Somerset—what does this dreamy countryside setting contribute to your brand and lifestyle?
Kate: We moved here after Vancouver, craving that same strong connection to nature. Our tiny hamlet near Bruton was so tight-knit, it almost felt like an actual commune—neighbors walking together, cooking for one another. That sense of real community cemented our brand’s name and ethos. Somerset has a certain magic; you can practically feel the seasons change in the air. We realized that slower pace was an extension of how we wanted Commune to grow: thoughtfully, in harmony with the people around us. We even opened a shop and warehouse in Bruton to welcome everyone into the fold.
Q: Do you have plans to expand beyond body care?
Remi: Absolutely. We’re venturing into candles, solid perfumes—always following our guiding principles of ethically sourced ingredients, clean formulations, and impeccable design. Beyond products, we’re also focusing on experiences—gatherings and workshops that unite people around a shared philosophy. Think perfumery classes, wellness talks, maybe even a supper club. We want Commune to be more than an impulse buy. It’s a community.
Q: You’re partners in both life and business. How do you keep everything in sync?
Kate: It helps that our skill sets dovetail perfectly. I steer formulation, sourcing, and overall operations, while Remi handles the creative direction. We share an aesthetic and the same core values, so we rarely clash. The only downside is we live and breathe Commune around the clock—but it’s a passion, so it hardly feels like a burden.
Remi: Exactly—we’re driven by a vision that’s bigger than either of us. We’re also in the process of applying for B Corp certification, so everything from our supply chain to our community initiatives is under scrutiny. But we welcome that accountability. If we’re going to be a global name, we want to do it responsibly.
Q: It sounds like Commune isn’t just about skincare—it’s about a movement, in a way.
Remi: Yes, we see ourselves as change agents. It’s easy for massive companies to rely on plastic or questionable chemicals under the guise of “scalability.” We’re proving there’s another way. By leaning on design and craftsmanship, we can inspire consumers to rethink how they shop and how they treat themselves—and the planet.
Q: Thank you both for a fascinating look into Commune. I can’t wait to see—and smell—what’s next.
Kate: Thank you so much for having us! We’re thrilled to share our story with Institute readers.
In a season obsessed with novelty, Commune is that rare gem combining sumptuous design and intentional living. From meticulously crafted glass bottles to sensuous scents informed by the fragrant fields of Somerset, this brand encapsulates a lifestyle that refuses to sacrifice ethics for beauty—or vice versa. The result? A quiet revolution in self-care, where each product is a graceful reminder to pause, breathe, and engage with the world more deliberately.
For insiders, Commune’s story resonates with the hopeful notion that, yes, we can have nice things—and do good at the same time. Grounded yet aspirational, familiar yet refreshingly new, the brand illustrates that when two visionaries join forces in an idyllic corner of the English countryside, they can set a new standard of luxury we can all feel good about indulging in.
For more information on Commune’s product line, visit commune.
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