Tag: Studio

  • Studio & Shop Visit: Common People

    Studio & Shop Visit: Common People

    A couple of weeks ago, Barclaycard Freedom Rewards contacted us to invite us shopping at one of the local businesses in our city. We chose Common People, a Scottish menswear label which just opened its first flagship store in Edinburgh last August.

    Common People was founded 3 years ago by Kestin Hare, former Head of Design of English label Nigel Cabourn. After working in the industry for 10 years, Kestin decided to move back to his hometown, Edinburgh, to start his own brand.

    Common People focuses on quality, craftsmanship and local sourcing while creating affordable products as the same time. With a small team of three designers and a brand manager and designer, Common People has already made a name for itself in the Japanese and South Korean markets, and is now planning an expansion in the UK.

    The label’s customers are people with appreciation for premium quality and an interest in local sourcing and production, who show a support for British brands. These values are reflected in each of Common People’s designs – with pieces completely made in England and Scotland – and also with the label’s collaborations with other British brands.

    If you’re in Edinburgh, don’t miss Common People store on 46 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. During our visit and after a few minutes checking all the amazing pieces on the racks, we decided to take home with us a pair of petrol blue brogues similar to the ones on the photos below!

    www.commonpeopleclothing.co.uk

  • Studio Visit: Emily Millichip

    Studio Visit: Emily Millichip

    For a while now, we’ve been wanting to visit Emily Millichip’s studio. We met this Edinburgh based designer at the Stitch Lounge and really liked her aesthetics and the bright fabrics she uses in her designs.

    Emily’s studio is based at the Art’s Complex, which used to be a colossal office space now converted into studios for local artists, designers and start ups.

    We spoke to Emily to find out what inspired her to become a fashion designer and know more about her favourite places in Edinburgh. Read the interview after the photos.

    When did you first start designing? Also, who or what inspired you to become a designer?

    I started designing in my early twenties, mainly through an extreme hatred for all of the clothes that were in the shops. Things have improved in the UK but for a while there seemed to be a misconception that the country was populated by 16 year old supermodels. I was really into the style of the 1950s and was ordering clothes from California. Eventually I thought that it would be cheaper and easier to learn to make the clothes myself. It was also probably the result of getting a ‘proper’ degree and doing a string of horrible jobs in admin. I decided I needed more colour in my life and waved goodbye to being able to pay my rent on time.

    What do you draw inspiration from?

    I am inspired by high trash, interesting people, crazy grannies, reading, adventure, music and cheap red wine. When I have time I look at personal style blogs as I find them much more relevant than fashion magazines which bore me to death. I also like to go on solo camping trips and get drunk on rum and concoct new plans around the campfire.

    When you’re designing, what woman do you have in mind?

    I am always designing for myself. I tend to imagine an amazing scenario I want to be in and then go about making the outfit I would need for such a scenario. This involves a lot of imaginary trailer parks and trips to Mars. Frequently it involves ridiculous Hawaiian prints, silver sequins and pink wigs. In reality though I have mostly made some great outfits to go and buy milk from the shop.

    Tell us about your favourite places in Edinburgh.

    My favourite places in Edinburgh are all of the beautiful old graveyards, Portobello Beach, little old man pubs and anywhere in Leith. Leith is amazing. Why would you want all of the dignified grandeur of the New Town when you could have the chaos of Leith?

    www.emilymillichip.com

  • Studio visit: ALOHA TATÁ

    Studio visit: ALOHA TATÁ

    Aida Menéndez is the founder of forthcoming fashion label ALOHA TATÁ. After studying Fashion Design at IED Madrid, this 23-year-old Spaniard decided to move to London to gain some industry experience doing several internships for different fashion houses.

    Aida is now back in her hometown, Gijón, working from her studio space on the launch of her new business. To find out more about ALOHA TATÁ we paid her a visit on our latest trip to Spain and asked her a couple of questions.

    Why did you decide to start your own fashion label?

    I founded ALOHA TATÁ because I wanted to start a project I truly believe in. After doing some internships at several fashion houses, I decided to start my own brand.

    In terms of timing, I don’t think there are good or bad moments for being self-employed if what you’re offering your customers is really worth it. I think that the best thing about working for yourself is the creative freedom and being able to spend a big amount of time on your own project.

    What are the challenges you have come across so far?

    Every day is a challenge, but I really enjoy seeing how I move forward and learn new skills. Designing my own website, visiting factories, modifying sewing patterns, creating data sheets…these are just a few of the challenges I come across every day at my
    studio.

     www.alohatata.com

     

     

  • Studio: Future Positive

    A visit to our space in Edinburgh.