APPAREL LIFESTYLE MAKERS
SLOW (LIFE) STYLE MAKERS UNITED
Featuring the best UK independent brands ISSUE 005
ISSUE 005
PAGE 2
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 5 EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome PAGE 8 ISSUE EDITORIAL TEAM Introducing the issue team PAGE 9 SECTION 1 APPAREL MOVES - Meet the UK independent brands PAGE 10 GREEN THOMAS PAGE 15 YARMOUTH OILSKINS PAGE 20 DANIELLE RATTRAY PAGE 23 KILTANE PAGE 28 OUT OF STOCK PAGE 30 THE GLASGOW DISTILLERY X FIODH PAGE 32 THE LEVEL COLLECTIVE PAGE 36 REWOUND CLOTHING PAGE 38 BRORA PAGE 42 IRA & ISLA PAGE 48 SMART WORKS SCOTLAND
Image credits: Front cover - Kiltane This page - Kiltane
ISSUE 005
PAGE 3
ISSUE 005
PAGE 4
WELCOME TO ISSUE 005
Hello, and welcome to issue 005! Step away from your desk, pour yourself a coffee and settle in! When we took the decision for SSEAMS Magazine to champion UK independent brands and additionally put some of the purposefulness into the what you wear and where you go, I never imagined meeting so many talented movers and shakers behind the scenes of brands bursting with visionary ideas. What is truly inspiring is all of the brands significant investment of time and energy into making better environmental impact decisions, and we wholeheartedly back this continued shift. We hear consumers (and our readers) appreciate this too and continue to discover more by way of selfeducation following their favoured brands activities across the channels. By showcasing these emerging brands under one roof at the magazine, our hope is for more readers to adapt their shopping behaviour and look left and right of the high street to seek out these glorious independent brands and retailers who do great work by providing quality, durable and ethically made products in tune with our desired lifestyles. Taking the front cover our gratitude goes to Kiltane, who epitomise knitwear for modern living with sales at home and internationally. They are in great company for this issue who share the stage with a multitude of quality, slow (life) style makers. Enjoy the issue and our new digital home, sseamsmagazine.co!
Diane Click to join me on Linkedin
ISSUE 005
PAGE 5
SSEAMS FEATURES & EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS DIANE RICHARDSON Diane is Editor at SSEAMS. A veteran of the apparel industry. Now based back in Scotland, managing Studio SSEAMS and independently publishing SSEAMS Magazine.
ANDREW DUDGEON Award winning Illustrator and Creative Director at SSEAMS. Andrew helps steer the SSEAMS ship in the right direction.
EMMA VARSANYI Emma is a Features contributor at SSEAMS Magazine whilst taking her distinguished career in international brand merchandising into private consulting.
RUTH KELLY Vancouver based, Ruth is a leading Materials & Textile Innovation expert managing mill relationships at SSEAMS with a passion for guiding the industry on environmental impact work.
HEATHER SUTTIE Heather is founder and presenter of The Book Alchemist and runs book club, Bookface with an audience of 3500 avid readers across 48 countries.
PETER GALLAGHER-WITHAM Peter Gallagher-Witham, former Head of Design at Lacoste Japan, is a UK-based fashion industry veteran with a focus on sustainability and AI in fashion design.
SSEAMS STUDIO SSEAMS magazine shines a spotlight on UK progressive apparel and lifestyle brands, makers and mills that are reshaping our future. Our studio is based in Stirlingshire, Scotland.
ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE Feature your brand in the next issue. For Media pack information, contact press@sseams.co
DISCLAIMER SSEAMS Magazine has taken care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. SSEAMS Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this publication and for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. Materials contained in this publication are subject to copyright and other proprietary rights. The contributors' articles and copyrights for the text and photographs remain with them at all times, unless indicated at the bottom of the articles.
ISSUE 005
PAGE 6
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 49 SECTION 2 - OPEN DOORS PAGE 50 SMI STORE (EDINBURGH) PAGE 52 TORN VINTAGE (EDINBURGH) PAGE 54 FINNIESTON (GLASGOW) PAGE 56 ORZEL (GLASGOW) PAGE 58 W2 (GLASGOW) PAGE 61 SECTION 3 - LIFE (CHANGE) MAKERS PAGE 62 BOOKFACE PAGE 63 INTRODUCING POTR PAGE 64 BEARMADE PAGE 67 WELL DRESSED DAD PAGE 70 CRAIG BLACK PAGE 71 THE BOOK ALCHEMIST PAGE 73 ATTIRECARE PAGE 75 REPURPOSED WITH SSEAMS+LAB X KC MANUFACTURING PAGE 77 FASHION’S NEW FRONTIER BY PETER GALLAGHER-WITHAM
Image credit: The Level Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 7
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 81 SECTION 4 - LOCAL HEROES PAGE 82 JESS ELLIOTT DENNISON PAGE 84 TRAVEL AROUND THE UISTS WITH ELLIOTT HEPWORTH PAGE 87 A VERY SPECIAL DINING EXPERIENCE WITH FALLACHAN PAGE 94 ISSUE DIRECTORY & THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE
SSEAMS magazine shines a spotlight on the progressive apparel and lifestyle brands, makers and mills that are reshaping our future. Thank you to our Feature Editors, Photographers and Graphic designers for supporting this issue without you, we would simply have empty pages. www.sseamsmagazine.co SSEAMS Magazine Independently published in Scotland 9 Banker's Brae Balfron Stirlingshire G63 0PY Press team via press@sseams.co Our community approach means emerging & progressive partner contributors will share each issue with their audiences as we build up our readership. Thank you to our readers for supporting us.
Image credit: Jess Elliott Dennison
ISSUE 005
PAGE 8
APPAREL MOVES SSEAMS represents a community of brand aficionados, united in appreciation for quality and durable, well made products. In this issue of SSEAMS magazine we are celebrating all of the passionate and hard working emerging apparel brands that we have the privilege to meet and collaborate with. They bring innovative ideas and they pursue making them a reality with tenacity and vision. They are aware of their impact on the planet and it informs everything they do. They are working hard, supporting each other and learning every day. Kiltane takes the front cover and this brand is playing a great move in showcasing a modern, Scottish lifestyle. If Claudia Winkleman isn’t wearing their garments in The Traitors then it’s a crime! And, as the winter storms settle, we put a spotlight on knitwear, perfect for this time of year with further styles from; Green Thomas and Brora. Anyone working in the field on onshore garment/accessories manufacturing should receive a medal, and our champions medal goes to Yarmouth Oilskins! UK manufacturing experts successfully taking their own brand to market - kudos to you! They are in great company and you can meet some of our favourites over the pages. SSEAMS magazine believes that these inspiring brands and individuals make the world of apparel & textiles a better place. We talked to a select few… Featuring Kiltane (left image) worn by Rosie H Sullivan, a musician studying in Edinburgh. Follow Rosie
ISSUE 005
PAGE 9
Green Thomas Image credit: Green Thomas
Anyone who lives in this fair nation knows knitwear serves as an integral part of our wardrobes, but the cold weather essentials needn’t be paredback. Cue Green Thomas, a knitwear brand founded by Emma Green and Alan Thomas Dibble who originally met on their first day at Central Saint Martins in London and have since launched their own brand with its heart in Scotland. Known for their bright, playful take on premium knitwear they are stocked in independent boutiques and department stores around the globe and have a cult following in Japan. While many other labels outsource production to other countries, Green Thomas sought to craft its products in Scotland, using only the finest wool from a mill in Fife and crafted by a small family run business in the Scottish Borders. The outcome is directional pieces steeped in heritage. Head over to greenthomas.com and use code G&T10 for a SSEAMS community 10% discount.
ISSUE 005
PAGE 10
Image credit: Green Thomas
ISSUE 005
PAGE 11
Image credit: Green Thomas
ISSUE 005
PAGE 12
Image credit: Green Thomas
ISSUE 005
PAGE 13
ISSUE 005
PAGE 14
YARMOUTH OILSKINS
REIGNITING A HERITAGE BRAND Sophie Miller talks to Emma Varsanyi
Image credit: Yarmouth Oilskins
Sophie, you’ve worked at some very big brands, what brought you to Yarmouth Oilskins? I grew up in the countryside just North of Great Yarmouth and having travelled the world designing for various brands I settled back in Norfolk to raise my family. The town is very important to me; my family history is centred here. My Dad was a senior lecturer at the Art College and was very involved in the creative scene in the town, which I grew up around. Yarmouth still has a very active arts and creative culture, which Yarmouth Oilskins is proud to be connected to. When I first came across the factory in 2017, the ‘Yarmouth Oilskins’ collection as it stands today didn’t exist, although the name had been used since 1898. The factory was making for other brands, and basic workwear pieces for trades. I suggested the concept of resurrecting the Oilskins brand, and fortunately the owners decided to back the concept. I realise that I am incredibly fortunate to be ISSUE 005
involved with one of the very few remaining British manufacturers and that it is in my hometown. Can you tell us about how Yarmouth Oilskins has modernised whilst keeping important traditional aspects alive? While respecting our heritage as a workwear manufacturer, it is very important to us to be keenly looking to the future. We have taken our time to develop new skills Image credit: Craigand Black to broaden the capabilities of the factory. It’s important for us to secure the future of the factory and guarantee that our workforce is employed for many decades to come. We are constantly looking to grow our team, and looking to create a training facility to pass on the skills to a newer generation. By building a sustainable, efficient business we hope that our prospects are looking positive. Using sustainable natural fibres and trying to have a minimal impact on the planet is very important to us. We source fabric and trims as close to home PAGE 15
Using sustainable natural fibres and trying to have a minimal impact on the planet is very important to us. We source fabric and trims as close to home as feasible, and only make garments that we are confident we can sell, reducing garment waste to landfill. SOPHIE MILLER Image credit: Jim Marsden
as feasible, and only make garments that we are confident we can sell, reducing garment waste to landfill. We encourage keeping our garments for a very long time, it’s about much more than one season’s wear. Our pieces are designed to last decades, not seasons. It was a long-held ambition to re-learn the skills we once had and to re-introduce sewing with waxed fabrics. Working with Dry waxed fabrics from Halley Stevensons, we launched our Dry Wax Hooded Smock in 2020. We have since introduced sewing with more weights of waxed fabrics on increasingly complicated styles such as our NZ Jacket. We have introduced quilting made from all natural fibres, using wool for wadding, and cotton top fabric. It didn’t seem right to line our garments with polyester wadding and synthetic lining fabric. Our Reversible gilet, and Explorer smock are all wadded with wool fibres. We encourage our workwear pieces to be worn for all occasions, not just as traditional workwear. Our relaxed tailoring range, all made from cotton, is unlined and machine washable, offering a much more sustainable option for smarter occasions as a pair, individually they are ideal wardrobe staples that can be worn all year round. Gone are the days of having a synthetic high street suit gathering dust in the back of the wardrobe our relaxed tailoring is a truly sustainable wardrobe addition. ISSUE 005
Why is it important for us to focus more on where the products we own are made and who by? There are some really murky aspects of the Fashion Industry that many consumers have, in the past, chosen to ignore in favour of paying less at the till. Thankfully there’s now a growing trend to question ‘who made my clothes?’ and to understand more about their provenance. Organisations like Fashion Revolution, a ‘Global movement for people and planet over profit’ are gaining traction and raising awareness. It seems that rock bottom prices can only be achieved if part of the supply chain is being exploited. Customers are calling for greater transparency and major brands are now responding to the call for greater accountability. We are very proud of our workforce, and value their skills. We make sure that they are paid a living wage and rewarded for their craft. We extend this transparency to the fabric and trims we buy and the origin of the cloth, wherever possible sourcing as close to home. It’s important to us to keep the tradition of clothing manufacture alive in our town. By choosing to manufacture in Great Yarmouth we are bringing jobs and opportunities to the area and putting back into the economy of the town. Tell us a little about the team, their expertise, and their hopes for the future. We are very lucky to have a loyal team of PAGE 16
Image credit: Jim Marsden
craftspeople. Sharon is our factory manager and celebrated 30 years with the company in January. She started working as a machinist making aprons and has since done pretty much most jobs in the factory since, this means she has a great understanding of all aspects of manufacture. Sue who works in the cutting room has worked for the business for 40 years – that sort of experience is invaluable. We are also very keen to bring new talent on board and to grow the team. Xander recently joined us in the cutting room having completed a Fashion Design degree. He works on new product sampling, patterns, and lay planning, and we are keen that he learns more aspects of the business. For the business to grow we need to be recruiting more team members. We have an ambition to set up a training program which will pass on the skills learned over decades to a new generation.
because they have been made in a country with a National Minimum Wage, and the people who made them have been paid fairly for their skills. Yarmouth Oilskins pieces are made to last much longer than one season, and to get better the more they are worn and washed, meaning that initial investment is spread out over many years, ‘Buy once, Buy well ‘. Visit Yarmouthoilskins.com
What do you think we can do more of together as consumers and makers to rebuild “Made in the UK”? I think it’s important to question the origin of the clothes we buy, and to challenge the selling price. Made in the UK pieces generally cost more Image credit: Jim Marsden
ISSUE 005
PAGE 17
ISSUE 005
PAGE 18
Image credit: Paulina Pellowksa
ISSUE 005
PAGE 19
Designer spotlight
2024 DANIELLE RATTRAY ROMANCE MEETS ROCK By Andrew Dudgeon Image credit: Paulina Pellowksa
Independent Scottish designer and Creative Director, Danielle Rattray honed her experience in graphic design and branding before building her reputation in textile and eyewear design. Danielle’s designs are known for their bold shapes, confident use of colour and high material quality. Her trademark ‘romance-meets-rock’ aesthetic is inspired by strong and independent women; friends, musicians, artists and colleagues. As well as building her eponymous collection, Danielle cofounded Scottish design agency Dark North Ltd and for the past several seasons, Design Director of Scottish sunglass brand Tens. A graduate of the University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone ISSUE 005
College of Art and Design, Danielle was born and raised in Aberdeen. Her design studio and office remain based in the seaside town of Stonehaven. Danielle’s collections are designed from the ground up in the north east of Scotland. Danielle and her small team are dedicated to confident contemporary design and work with high quality British and French manufacturers. Danielle’s products are hand made; eyewear by specialist manufacturers in the Rhone Alpes region of France, her Italian silk scarves, accessories and apparel in the United Kingdom and knitwear manufactured in Scotland. Danielle focuses on superb fit, balance and the highest PAGE 20
Image credit: Paulina Pellowksa
possible quality in all that she creates. She aims to build unique and inspiring products that can be enjoyed for generations. The Danielle Rattray eyewear collection is dedicated to the strong, independent modern woman. Using bold shapes and a decisive colour palette, Danielle’s designs are strong and feminine, inspired by musicians, designers, personalities of fashion and pop culture. A working Mum raising two sons, Danielle is a champion of equality and women in business. Danielle seeks out like-minded collaborators in the fashion, music, design and arts space and is dedicated to her Scottish roots and cultural style.
inspirations, particularly Lee McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. My customers, team and friends in France particularly inspired me to be more bold in my design and styling expressions. Having seen some fantastic music acts that toured Scotland in 2023, I was inspired to be more ‘front footed’ and confident in how I fused my feminine shapes and silhouettes with strong colours and angles, and of course always putting a punk twist on Scottish icons like tartan.” VIEW COLLECTION
“The 2024 Collection ‘Scottish Hearts’ After working and traveling extensively over the past few years, the 2024 Collection ‘Scottish Hearts’ is my dedication to my Scottish and British music heritage, to my fashion and punk ISSUE 005
PAGE 21
Image credit: Kiltane
ISSUE 005
PAGE 22
COVER STORY
KILTANE Image credit: Kiltane
From our studio in Stirlingshire, it is widely known that we are fans of Made in Scotland and brands who carry the flag for discerning quality, so it is safe to say we are a little bit in love with Edinburgh based brand, Kiltane. Kiltane was founded in 1989 on one of the most historic and iconic streets in Edinburgh, The Royal Mile, sartorially, becoming one of the leading cashmere merchants in the city.The brand team has spent 30 years weaving their story and spreading news and premium products to a global audience with 8 stores and ecommerce store, kiltane.com. “While our products are soft and may feel delicate, they are high quality and hard wearing. They are ISSUE 005
not made to sit on shelves or in drawers, they are made to be worn, layered up and lived in. Our knitwear and scarves are classics, garments to invest in and care for. We believe these should be pieces that see you through, season after season, and our collection reflects this belief. We introduce only a handful of new garments every year, building on this sentiment, quality, not quantity. Kiltane is a proud Edinburgh business that is woven into the lives of those who live here and wrapped up as a warm reminder for those who have visited.” VISIT KILTANE.COM STORE LIST >>
PAGE 23
Image credit: Kiltane
ISSUE 005
PAGE 24
“We are Kiltane, fabric of the city. Founded in Edinburgh, we wove our way into the city’s fabric, becoming one of the leading cashmere specialists in the city. We create knitwear for modern living.”
Image credit: Kiltane
ISSUE 005
PAGE 25
Image credit: Kiltane
ISSUE 005
PAGE 26
ISSUE 005
PAGE 27
INTRODUCING OUT OF STOCK STUDIO Introduced by Diane Richardson
Image credit: Nim Gadhia
With 20 years experience in the fashion industry, Nim has worked as a menswear designer with a wide range of brands within the UK including River Island and Ozwald Boateng. For the last 10 years, he lived in Amsterdam where he specialised in denim and workwear with brands such as GSTAR and Scotch&Soda. Now back in London, Nim is pursuing a sustainable upcycling concept brand (Out of Stock Studio) while freelancing as a design consultant and hosting regular garmentmasterclasses.
Out Of Stock Studio Over the 10 years spent designing and developing denim and workwear, Nim grew resentful of the industry he had been in love with for so long: "We were just churning out styles, season after season, month after month. It was all trend-lead and nothing was designed to last. We were simply making too much stuff. I couldn't do it anymore - I couldn't see the point of it." On returning to London, Nim decided he would only work with deadstock or pre-existing garments that no-one else wanted. He began recutting 2nd hand off-the-peg suits into kimonostyle overshirts, transforming old 80s raincoats into trucker jackets and modern combat trousers. ISSUE 005
Image credit: Nim Gadhia
PAGE 28
Although the concept is still in its early stages, Nim is confident that it will grow. He has sights set on upcycling a wide variety of ingredients including vintage military sleeping bags, tents, parachutes, blankets, even saris.
Workshops and masterclasses As part of his mission, Nim has also started running small workshops where people with basic sewing skills can design and make their own garments. His last workshop (Kimono-jacket masterclass) allowed attendees to pick their own size, fabrics, pocket construction, thread colours and finishings. The concept being: "I think, if someone has a hand in designing & making their own garment, they're going to have a stronger emotional connection to it compared to if they'd just bought it. Consequently, they're going to appreciate it more, treasure it and hopefully keep it for longer. Yes, it's a new garment but I'm trying to use only deadstock fabric. Plus, its personal value adds to its sustainability." Contact Out of Stock Studio ISSUE 005
"Upcycling isn't a new concept, by any means and I'm not the only one doing it. But it is more relevant now than it has ever been and I hope that both customers and the industry begin to recognise its importance and potential." Image credits: Nim Gadhia
PAGE 29
The Glasgow Distillery X FiODH Image credits: FiODH
The Glasgow Distillery has partnered with watch specialist FIODH to transform oak staves previously used to mature its flagship Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky into a handcrafted timepiece. Assembled in FIODH’s studio in Glasgow’s East End, the partnership has produced a limited run of two styles of whisky watch, available in natural oak and in black. Sebastian Bunford-Jones, Global Marketing Manager at The Glasgow Distillery commented:
"Championing local talent lies at the heart of The Glasgow Distillery brand and FIODH's ethos seamlessly aligns with our hands-on approach and commitment to honouring authenticity, transparency, and creating premium products that celebrate Glasgow’s industrial legacy. These watches not only embody superior craftsmanship but also serve as a tribute to Glasgow's rich history of producing quality goods.” Michael Youmans, founder of FIODH adds, “We have been creating premium watches since 2018, having worked with whisky brands from all over Scotland. It’s great to finally collaborate with a fellow Glaswegian brand on the first ever Glasgow whisky watch. Working with The Glasgow Distillery enabled the production of a thoroughly Image credits: FiODH
ISSUE 005
PAGE 30
Glaswegian product, meaning the wearer can bring a piece of the city’s heritage with them wherever they go." An initial limited run of watches have been produced, retailing at £225 and available from the distillery’s website; https://www.glasgowdistillery.com/ Visit Fiodh; https://www.fiodh.scot/
Image credits: FiODH
ISSUE 005
PAGE 31
THE LEVEL COLLECTIVE Q&A with Mark Musgrave, interviewed by Andrew Dudgeon
Image credits: The Level Collective
AD - The Level Collective is an outdoor supplies brand in pursuit of slow living. “A life less hurried and more in tune with ourselves, others, and the natural world around us” brand. This translates into how they make their products too. Beautifully functional backpacks, clothing and tools: made from natural fibres, by skilled makers in small batches only, and mostly in Britain.
AD - How has the brand reshaped over the years?
Well, long-story short (ish,) My journey into fashion retail started by working for high street brands alongside my studies. I had the opportunity to intern at head office where I, upon reflection, became the awkward intern asking inconvenient questions about ethics and supply chain sustainability – fuelled by the various fashion industry expose documentaries I'd been watching at the time – and being met with blank expressions. "Shouldn't you be making tea?" ISSUE 005
The year was 2006 and thankfully (some) things have moved forward since then – at least in public discourse. In 2009 I had the opportunity to volunteer with a charity who works with Roma Gypsy communities in northwest Romania. One of their numerous initiatives is their social enterprise Dece, who train people in the community how to knit wool beanie hats – providing fairly paid employment, independence and dignity to people trying to earn a living. The contrast to high street retail was stark. It inspired me to start my own brand – partnering with Dece to create our Big Bob beanie hats. The collection then expanded to include a range of nature / adventure-inspired graphic organic Tshirts hand screen printed in Sheffield, our home at the time.
PAGE 32
A mantra of, “A life less hurried and more in tune with ourselves, others, and the natural world around us.”
Image credit: The Level Collective
A significant pivot began when I embarked on the bright idea of designing a backpack. Couldn't be too hard right? This led me down the rabbit hole of British manufacturing, nerding-out on different fabrics, zips and hardware in which I ended up designing my own stainless steel buckles laser cut and polished in Sheffield and having some custom-made Fluorocarbon-free waxed organic cotton made for us by the lovely expert team up at Halley Stevensons. Having no formal textile design training, this fly-by-theseat-of-my-pants approach was a steep learning curve, but one that has really shaped the direction of the brand towards well-crafted products. And, the joy of working with some incredible individual craftspeople and workshops around Britain. This approach led me to designing our popular Maker Overshirt, using the left over waxed cotton to create a collaborative Italian suede trainer with the famous Norman Walsh in Bolton. AD - As the Founder, what do you love (and dislike) about your job?
Growing up, I was always fascinated by different brands and I've come to appreciate how they can embody a set of values and beliefs which resonate and inspire people at a deeper level. I love autonomy and creative freedom, having a little slice of the world that you can shape in terms of values and aesthetics is a special thing. ISSUE 005
The magic for me is the collaborative process with some incredible artists and makers to bring rough pencil sketches to life to create beautiful, useful products that we believe in. Customers dropping us a message or writing a review to say how much they love one of our products. Customer service is always lush – who doesn't love getting some good vibes back?! Simple pleasures. Still, I'd describe myself as an "accidental businessman" because the admin and realities of running a business can be quite dull and burdensome. I know that some people get excited about that kind of stuff, so they're the sort of people I want in my team in the future so we can each focus on where and what energises us and ultimately what adds the most value to the brand. AD - Tell us about the direction you are taking with TLC now it is 10 years old? What are you excited about for ‘24?
Wow yeah, 10 years! It’s flown by (and dragged at various points too). I feel like we're carving our own little niche of well crafted goods for outdoor dwellers. I'm excited to explore the blurring lines between urban and wild spaces and how our gear transitions between them and have some fun ideas playing with this concept through new products and art direction. What started as a little side project, aka, "my baby", is now at that exciting / awkward teenager stage. So we're working out the next steps really and finding the right people with the right energy and skills to help to take the brand forward creatively and as a business, whilst staying true to our values. So we're navigating finding the right people to invest in our brand and hope to run a crowd funder at some point down to line to allow our amazing customers to get involved too. So, interesting times.
Visit The Level Collective PAGE 33
Image credits: The Level Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 34
Image credits: The Level Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 35
INTRODUCING... rewound
Words by Ellie Jaffa Image credit: Finding Our Forever
Rewound Clothing was launched in early 2023 by father-daughter duo, David and Ellie, on a mission to produce the highest quality men’s sustainable shirts. EJ - All of our shirts are made from either 100% recycled fabric or 100% natural fibres. They are all detailed with biodegradable corozo buttons, recycled garment labels, sustainable linings and threads, as well as being packaged in recycled, recyclable packaging. Additionally, we have partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects and plant a mangrove tree in Madagascar for every single order. With over 50 years experience in the fashion industry, we’ve focused on every inch of the product. We’ve used our knowledge to produce timeless and transseasonal products, based on a capsule wardrobe. These styles won’t go out of fashion! For the first collection, we worked with natural materials including hemp blends and Tencel, giving a relaxed feel for the overshirts. All our fabrics, including our bespoke natural blends, are designed in-house and developed in India. One of our core values is transparency and we recently partnered with Bearth Solutions to run environmental life cycle assessments. The results showed our best selling overshirt, The
ISSUE 005
With over 50 years experience in the fashion industry, we’ve focused on every inch of our product, taking care of every detail. We’ve used our knowledge to produce timeless and transeasonal products that won’t go out of style and are the basis of your capsule wardrobe. DAVID & ELLIE, FOUNDERS James, has 19% less carbon emissions, and a 40% lower environmental footprint than the average overshirt! The James, a customer favourite and best seller is an incredibly versatile shirt that can be worn smart or casually, and as a jacket or a shirt. Due to the recycled fabric it’s also incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. The assessment allowed us to deep dive into the full lifecycle of our products and gain deeper knowledge as to why textiles such as our 100% recycled fabric are so much better for the environment. We also work with small mill partners who have allowed us to produce small volume of each product rather than mass production which often leads to waste. We are still making progress on our sustainable journey and these life cycle assessments have highlighted where we can have the biggest impact and improve as we continue to grow! At the moment we are available online at rewoundclothing.com and we have some limited edition drops coming later this year. Readers can get 20% off with code SEAMSS20
PAGE 36
Image credit: rewound clothing
ISSUE 005
PAGE 37
BRORA
Quintessentially British Image credit: Brora
“Established in 1993, Brora is a quintessentially British brand with beautifully made, sustainable clothing and knitwear at our core. Passionate about using natural fibres such as Scottish cashmere, wool, mohair and organic cotton, we create thoughtfully designed clothes with handcrafted details that can be worn with pride for many years to come.”
we looked to Liberty Arts Fabrics and started sourcing from incredible mills around Europe that specialise in fabrics such as corduroy and silk. Image credit: Bearmade My daughters constantly challenge and suggest ways in which we can do things better and after our full carbon audit in 2020 we had a much better idea of our strengths & weaknesses. It was satisfying to discover we weren’t too far from reaching our earthfriendly goals due my founding values of using natural materials and making close to home. But we still strive for better standards at every turn.”
Celebrating 30 years in business, Brora, founded by Victoria Stapleton shares how they have changed Brora over years to make it more environmentally conscious? “When I started Brora, it was all about Scottish textiles and for the first ten years all our suppliers were in the UK, mainly up Shop broraonline.com north. As we developed a larger collection, ISSUE 005
PAGE 38
Image credit: Brora
ISSUE 005
PAGE 39
Image credit: Brora
ISSUE 005
PAGE 40
The Courtney & Co button stock service is available now. contact customer services via courtneyandco.uk
ISSUE 005
PAGE 41
ISSUE BRAND FOCUS
Ira & Isla Ira & Isla launches with Sustainable, British, Classic heirloom childrenswear.
Introduced by Editor, Diane Richardson Image credit: Sarah Marland
A post on linkedin with a call to arms inviting independent brands to feature in the next issue led me to Jasleen, founder and designer of Ira & Isla. Her message was clear and one you may find vaguely familiar, “Will you support my brand by featuring us in your magazine at no cost? You have no idea how many times we have reached out for industry support in the last 7 years since getting the brand off the ground with little result. My answer was simple. ’Yes’. Why? Our team at SSEAMS know exactly what it takes to get a brand to market and fully understands the pitfalls to commercial success. Are we really a supportive industry or are we good at pretending to be? Since SSEAMS launched in 2019, we have dedicated ourselves to supporting brands of all shapes and sizes. There is no ISSUE 005
judgement when they fall and we continue to be elated when they succeed. It is no easy feat and begs the question why so many take the gauntlet to launch a clothing brand. Our door is always open and we do not encourage a closed door mentality. The more you share, the more good you are doing to communicate your brand intent. Surely, with knowledge that it is 2024, you should be able to call upon your fellow brands for a chat and share of information? If your brand identity is intact, then a confidence prevails without insecurity, and as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. Community build is as important industry facing as it is with your public persona to engage with your growing and loyal customer. This also reminds me to ask our independent brands another simple question - are you active on Linkedin? PAGE 42
Business networking is as important as your social media presence and I have noticed a number of you are not exposing your brand on this platform. Time to act as you may just stumble upon a great collaboration or investor partner! So, let me begin by introducing one of the most beautiful, exciting childrenswear brands of the year, Ira & Isla, and hand you over to Jasleen for her spotlight moment… “First and foremost, my story begins as a womenswear designer, interning at Matthew Williamson during my degree at London college of fashion, yet due to economic realities, chose to become a secondary textiles and food teacher. After the birth of my first born, Ira, and then Isla, I planned for the launch of Ira & Isla baby and Kids, which took over 7 years to get off the ground. When Ira & Isla were little, I always bought them charming frocks. After they were born, I realised there was a gap in the market for luxury childrenswear, handmade in Britain. The market appeared saturated for childrenswear, yet I couldn't find high quality classic traditional dresses for the girls. The concept of the brand started with my husband in London in 2013. I began designing a collection and cutting patterns and making samples and toiles, testing all the time. Ira & Isla launches with Sustainable, British, Classic “I used the girls to heirloom childrenswear. model samples and toiles, drape fabric and to work out what shapes fit well and what would adapt best to children’s bodies”.
Ira & Isla designs are “PROUDLY MADE IN BRITAIN” and we work with a fantastic team of skilled artisans in Britain across all aspects of the business who share the vision for quality and limited production. The seamstresses we work with are talented, experienced, and dedicated to perfection. The result is a treasure trove of beautiful dresses for all taste and occasions. There is something magical about the smocking and embroidery and lace trimmings play an important part in the elegance and timelessness of the garments. Image credit: Sarah Marland
ISSUE 005
PAGE 43
“Our hope is when the child outgrows their Ira & Isla dress it will continue its life being passed down through the family line.”
Image credit: Sarah Marland
ISSUE 005
PAGE 44
Image credit: Gemma McKell
ISSUE 005
PAGE 45
Image credit: Gemma McKell
ISSUE 005
PAGE 46
Image credit: Sarah Marland
We create garments that have the potential to become heirlooms and design garments that last long after a child outgrows them, to be passed on to siblings, children, and grandchildren. All our accessories are made consciously by artisans in Britain using leftover fabric and all our knitted pieces are knitted by artisans in Britain.”
ISSUE 005
“We left London with our children in 2018 for a harmonious family life and a flourishing business in Oxfordshire where we can give our children the freedom we used to have in our own childhood.” View the collection HERE PAGE 47
INVOL
VED +
EA SS M
T
S
+ GE
SMART WORKS SCOTLAND we invite you to get involved Smart Works Scotland is a charity that exists to give unemployed women in Scotland the clothes, coaching and confidence they need to secure employment and transform their lives. 69% of the women who visit secure employment within 1 month – showing how fashion really can be used as a force for good. Smart Works Scotland is powered by a community of retailers, businesses and individuals who are passionate about supporting women. Because of them, their service is completely free. By supporting Smart Works Scotland, you will play a part in a woman’s success story, helping her to gain life-changing employment that benefits her and the community around her. ISSUE 005
How you can support Smart Works Scotland: • Sign up to their newsletter by emailing scotland@smartworks.org.uk • Follow them on social media • Donate your clothing • Organise a clothing drive • Become a volunteer • Pedal for a purpose during Cycle for Smart Works 2024 – their annual sponsored challenge Phone - 0300 373 0955 Email - scotland@smartworks.org.uk Edinburgh centre & registered address: 32 Annandale Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH7 4LS Glasgow centre address: Floor 3, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ Charity No. SC044520 Visit: Smart Works Scotland
PAGE 48
OPEN DOORS Independent retailers play an important role within the apparel lifestyle ecosystem. Firstly, they add value to their street address by uniquely and creatively designing their shop fronts and interiors, and work hard to identify what their locals want to buy. And, of equal importance, they provide a retail space to new and emerging brands enabling them to get a foot closer to their aligned customer. Added to that, our indies provide a local hub where folks come together to share their appreciation of a certain quality of strong design and well crafted products with a large dose of brand inspiration. A few of our Editors favourites featured over page with a focus on Edinburgh and Glasgow, with smi store taking the cover to this section (left image) located on Thistle Street, Edinburgh. We couldn’t put out an issue without putting a spotlight on Gen Zers vintage shopping habits and introducing Torn Vintage, Edinburgh, for the first time to our readers. Did you know the global secondhand market will reach a value of $350 billion by 2027? Anything to keep garments out of waste should be celebrated! Glasgow has always held a strong status for its independent retail business and its exciting to see new stores scattered around the city boundaries. Featured in this issue; W2, Finnieston Clothing and Orzel. #SUPPORTINDEPENDENTS
ISSUE 005
PAGE 49 Image credit: smi
New home for smi Introduced by smi owner, Sam Ingram
Image credit: sweet.leith
SMI is a new concept retail store providing contemporary, luxury & modern outdoor clothing alongside footwear, accessories & lifestyle products. We recently completed a six month popup with Space at Seventeen in Edinburgh which was a great experience to meet new customers and get feedback on our products in a face-to-face environment. We provide brands that offer something different, whether that be unique design, manufacturing method, quality of materials or colour dying processes. Our current brands include Aries, Common Projects, Nanamica, Goldwin, Stan Ray & many more, who all fall into one of the former categories when it comes to providing a unique & different way of doing things. We have recently opened our first permanent store based on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thistle Street in Edinburgh City Centre. This was a massive step for us which has already brought its challenges however we couldn't be happier to be
ISSUE 005
where we are, all thanks to our amazing support thus far. We are open Wed-Sat 11-6pm and Sun 12-5pm (closed Tuesdays) and operate online 24/7. Come and check us out when you're next in Edinburgh or Image credit: Bearmade browse online, and use one of our unique SSEAMS reader offers!
SSEAMS READERS 10% online discount code STYLE10 at checkout at smi-menswear.co.uk 10% off your in-store purchase - Quote 'SSEAMS' in our store 22 thistle street Edinburgh EH2 1EN
PAGE 50
Image credit: sweet.leith
ISSUE 005
PAGE 51
TORN Vintage and I TORN Vintage and I By Founder, Vassia Tsikritea By Founder, Vassia Tsikritea
Image credit: Latasha Millette
Image credit: Latasha Millette
I'm Vassia, founder of TORN vintage, a womenswear and accessories shop with a contemporary approach to vintage. TORN vintage was launched with the intention of being a one stop shop for contemporary looking vintage that is super easy to integrate into any wardrobe - this means staples as well as timeless pieces that would never go out of style or look dated. After launching the online shop at the end of the first lockdown, we started trading in markets and pop ups and eventually, opened our own bricks and mortar shop at the end of July 2023. You can now find us at 11 West Port at the Grassmarket for all your sustainable wardrobe needs, including vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery. What we do We believe that shopping vintage and secondhand is the no1 way to deal with fashion overconsumption and overproduction as you choose to purchase from what already exists. We search far and wide to bring you the best clothing and accessories, restore them to be as close to new as possible and curate seasonal collections in an aesthetic setting for you to browse and shop. Our offer for SSEAMS We offer an introductory 10% discount in store and online to SSEAMS readers. *sseams10 for 10% off online or in store. Valid until 31st March 2024 and cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or offers. One use per customer.
ISSUE 005
PAGE 52
Image credit: Latasha Millette
ISSUE 005
PAGE 53
FINNIESTON CLOTHING SHAWLANDS Image credit: Ginger Square Media
Finnieston Clothing has opened its second store in Shawlands, southside of Glasgow, following the brands announcement to be a purpose driven company. Their goal is to use the profits from the business to invest back into their community, aiming to be as sustainable as possible from a social and environmental perspective. Mental health is a primary topic for the brand and we wish them well! The concept store has the full collection of Finnieston Clothing brand and other international apparel labels.
1092 Pollokshaws road Shawlands Glasgow
Image credit: Ginger Square Media
ISSUE 005
PAGE 54
Image credit: Ginger Square Media
ISSUE 005
PAGE 55
Cornering the market Introduced by Orzel owner, Grant Agnew
Image credit: Kyle Cowan
We are an independent menswear store located in the Thornwood area of Glasgow. Stocking carefully curated brands including; Corridor, OrSlow, Kestin, YMC, Lady White Co. and Camber, amongst others. With a relaxed atmosphere and staff of only 2 (+ Ruby the Chocolate Labrador) – it’s the perfect place to try things on, talk all things shop, and find your new favourite item of clothing. SSEAMS READERS - Use code SSEAMS in store or at checkout on orzel.store for 10% discount Orzel 678 Dumbarton Rd Glasgow G11 6RA
Image credit: Kyle Cowan
ISSUE 005
PAGE 56
Image credit: Kyle Cowan
Orzel 678 Dumbarton Rd Glasgow G11 6RA
ISSUE 005
PAGE 57
Image credit: Alexander James-Aylin
ISSUE 005
PAGE 58
A NEW ERA FOR W2 Welcome Jonny Canning
Image credit: Alexander James-Aylin
W2 Store is an independent contemporary retailer located in the heart of the west end of Glasgow. Originally a Comme des Garçons Guerilla Store, W2 underwent a transformation into a complete menswear concept in June 2010. Since then, the focus has been maintaining the reputation for exceptional personal service, with a careful curation of product-driven brands that continue to inspire the store. As of April 2023, a new chapter began at W2. Under new ownership, the store aims to position itself at the forefront of independent contemporary fashion retailing in the UK, offering an updated brand mix for SS24 with the likes of Sage Image credit: Bearmade Nation, Mfpen, Perfumer H and more. W2 Store 10 Ruthven Lane Glasgow G12 9BG United Kingdom www.w2store.co.uk @w2_store SSEAMS Readers discount: 20% off full price items using code W2XSSEAMS20
ISSUE 005
PAGE 59
MADE IN SCOTLAND Private label onshore apparel and accessories production by KC Manufacturing - Available now to brands, hospitality & retailers
VIEW THE COLLECTION >>
ISSUE 005
PAGE 60
LIFE (CHANGE) MAKERS There is a humming noise in our ears every which way we turn. A ping to a message, a colleague sharing a dilemma, or a never ending list of things to do at home for the family. Distractions physically and digitally we simply can’t control with an over-riding, ironic, we know, message of ‘find time for yourself, find the balance, take time out for you, remove the distractions in your life’... really?? We have never experienced so many influencers telling us, well, how to be. So, our team decided to select the wheat from the proverbial chaff and dived head first into the SSEAMS network to discover and validate some of our favoured educators helping us bring some interesting experiences and words of wisdom to our time-restricted lives. Up first, the fabulous Heather Suttie, the creator of The Book Alchemist podcast. Taste levels beyond comprehension and not a disappointing read in sight. Next, we introduce you to former Dyson Engineer, Andrew Flynn who has created POTR, the world’s first origami self-watering plant pot, and of course, the enjoyment and health benefits to planting which go hand in hand. We introduce you to Oscar and Nell who run Bearmade, a new type of brand emerging through carefully considered products being the linchpin to equipping and sending you to the great outdoors, mental health at its cornerstone - Amen to that! Up next is Nick Johannessen, better known as WellDressedDad blogger who also creates the Garmology podcast welcome Nick!
Image credit: xxx
ISSUE 005
Super talented acrylic artist, Craig Black is our One to Watch and we will be featuring Craig’s work in more detail in the next issue. Handy for us his studio is not far from Studio SSEAMS and we have a good feeling our network will appreciate his work too! And, last by by no means least, Attirecare take the stage to feature their story and much needed care products supporting consumer desires to nurture their clothes, not waste them. Head over the page to read their stories >> PAGE 61
We asked Heather Suttie to put her Bookface hat on and give us her book recommendations for this year.
BOOK GEMS 2024 Nothing beats a recommendation from a well-read human ( rather than an algorithm! ) and here are new releases to look out for in 2024. I’m the founder of Bookface, the online book group with 3500 members in 48 countries. We’re a little bit different in that we don’t all read the same book at the same time and Bookface is a platform for sharing only great book recommendations of every genre. New members are always welcome! Please search Bookface on Facebook. It’s purely book chat in a safe, positive and uplifting space.
1.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley is a hotly anticipated debut and is a thrilling time-travelling romance about a real-life Victorian polar explorer who is brought from the past into 21st century London as part of a government experiment. The TV and film rights were optioned after a 21-way auction.
2.
The Cracked Mirror - Scottish bestselling author Chris Brookmyre’s latest novel blends Miss Marple style cosy crime in a Scottish village with LA private investigator guns and car chases with a smattering of AI. It’s a genius concept with a fantastic twist at the end. It’s called The Cracked Mirror, a play on Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d and is out in July.
3.
You Are Here - David Nicholls weaves a new love story in his latest release in April. A tale of first encounters, second chances, and the pursuit of home. Nicholls' latest promises a compelling narrative akin to his Booker-longlisted work, Us and the novel and film which had me in bits, the brilliant One Day.
4. 5. 6.
Close Knit from Scottish queen of rom-coms, Jenny Colgan is released in August. Set on a small Scottish island, it centres on a group of women who bond over their shared love of knitting. Colgan has written over 40 novels and her titles regularly feature in international bestseller charts. Until August - A literary milestone unfolds with the posthumous release of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's long-awaited novel kept hidden for a decade. Afflicted by dementia during its completion, Marquez crafted a poignant tale of a woman annually journeying to a new island to commemorate her mother's passing. The Secrets of Blythswood Square - The gorgeous new novel by the bestselling author of The Fair Botanists is released in February this year. Sara Sheridan’s latest novel is set in 1846 and Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square.
Join Bookface by Heather Suttie ISSUE 005
PAGE 62
MAKE SPACE ON YOUR DESK
We all know indoor plants hold many benefits from enhancing the appearance of the space to improving our mood and sense of well-being. Many varieties of indoor plants even absorb radiation from digital devices so here is a brand to watch for your home working… POTR is a Scottish start-up behind the world’s first origami self-watering plant pot founded by Andrew Flynn, a former Dyson engineer. The POTR pot and vase can even be posted flat-packed through a letterbox for easy delivery. “Our products are heavily inspired by origami, the centuries-old Japanese art of folding paper.” We will be catching up with Andrew when he returns from his Japan export trip in the next issue.
“Our products are heavily inspired by origami, the centuries-old Japanese art of folding paper.”
Order via potr.co ISSUE 005
PAGE 63
THE BAGS FOR WILDISH PEOPLE OUR STORY
by Oscar and Nell Image credit: Kate Abbey
At BearMade we make bags in the UK for wildish people. BearMade is an exploration into a different way of doing business. Using a post growth model, we want to prove that it is possible to run a business that does something genuinely meaningful and makes amazing products that don’t cost the Earth. We want to have a business that we feel genuinely good about building. Through active restriction of growth, transparent pricing, making locally, carbon offsetting, and using our resources to connect people with nature through the Wildish Club, we challenge what it means to be a sustainable business. ISSUE 005
The story of BearMade is heavily tied by our relationship. Had we not had a chance encounter in a Hampshire coffee shop back in 2018, then BearMade likely would not exist. During that first encounter, I somehow managed to convince Nell to come fly fishing with me. At the time I was working as a fly fishing guide in Hampshire and Nell had just moved to the UK from Australia. She wasn't working at the time, but was, and still is, a Veterinarian. To cut a long story short, Nell mentioned that she thought a small but nice bag to hold the bare essentials that you needed to fly fish would be cool. So I came up with a concept, Nell loved it and we decided to start a business together. PAGE 64
We also decided that we wanted the business to be a platform for us to talk openly about mental wellbeing and the highs and lows of starting a business. We both suffer from mental health difficulties and have found that being immersed in nature has greatly benefited us. We wanted to share these benefits with others. So we had the concept, now we needed to make it a reality. As for our direction, well, we knew that we didn't want to add more crap to the world, and that we wanted to use our funds to help people connect with nature. We also knew that we wanted to: → Make simple and functional bags with a timeless design that would last a lifetime → Make them in the UK whilst competing on price with products produced halfway around the world → Have the smallest environmental impact possible → Use our funds to get people outdoors and connecting with nature → Talk openly about mental wellbeing and how getting outdoors can impact it.
Whilst our products have changed a little, our purpose remains the same. To make great bags for awesome people that don’t cost the earth, and use our time and resources to help people connect with each other and the outdoors. In July 2022 we launched The Wildish Club and it completely changed our lives. We pledged to help 200 people get outdoors, through community meet ups, outdoor art workshops, and doing just about anything we could imagine outdoors. This year we have set our biggest goal yet. We are going to start 30 new clubs. We have met so many amazing people over the past few years. It's been our favourite thing about building BearMade and we are so excited to keep growing this special community. We are on a very exciting journey and if you want to be kept up to date with our progress then you can sign up to our Wildish Report. It’s our weekly newsletter where we talk about all things Wildish and share the highs and lows of all that we do. View bearmade.co.uk/
Image credit: Bearmade
ISSUE 005
PAGE 65
Image credit: Bearmade
ISSUE 005
PAGE 66
RECOMMENDS
WELL DRESSED DAD? OH, YES YOU ARE! Introduced by Diane Richardson
Image credit: Nick Johannessen
Nick Johannessen has been blogging and Instagramming as WellDressedDad since 2013. The Garmology podcast was launched in 2021 as a fresh creative outlet and has resulted in 135 conversations to this date. Nick lives in Tønsberg, Norway with his wife, children, Corgis and occasional grandchildren.
talk of sustainability regarding clothes, much of the discussion has been co-opted by fast fashion and commerce as a way to pivot into fresh markets by greenwashing and marketing means. Creating awareness of the methods and the actual truths of the problem is compelling to me, as is steering the conversation towards possible ways forward.
Nick: “The Garmology podcast is unique in its range of guests, from makers, creatives, wearers, authors and others, "clothes and stuff". Conversations tend towards the long, meandering and minimally edited with the guest allowed to complete thoughts uninterrupted and organically develop topics, these tend towards the emotional rather than commerce of clothing. There is a lot of
I am captivated by our stories. Everyone has their own story, where they started, what has led them to where they are today, choices made, distractions and fortuitous accidents. These can be both inspiring and instructive. I think of the recordings as an artefact of who the person was at this time, for reference and posterity. This became especially
ISSUE 005
PAGE 67
“I am captivated by our stories. Everyone has their own story, where they started, what has led them to where they are today, choices made, distractions and fortuitous accidents.” Image credit: Nick Johannessen
ISSUE 005
PAGE 68
poignant when one guest died in an accident shortly after a very joyful recording. There is a strong focus on small businesses, ethical production and how we are discarding plentiful natural fibres such as wool in favour of oilbased synthetics and chemical treatment. My Instagram continues to document my playful and personal approach to garments, mixing my deep love of tweed, craft and sitting on a stool in the middle of a suburban Norwegian road.
we will wear more, keep longer and repair as required. In that way, we will reduce clothes waste and enjoy our garments more.” You can find Garmology podcast on all the usual podcast apps and feeds, or via WellDressedDad.com
The question underlying it all is how we can have clothes that are more meaningful to us and hence
Image credit: Nick Johannessen
ISSUE 005
PAGE 69
one to
watch
ART
CRAIG BLACK Craig Black is a Scottish Visual Artist best known for his "Acrylic Fusion" technique. He specialises in bespoke artwork, installations, and live performance art, he believes in creating exciting and engaging visuals whilst maintaining originality across all of his work. Craig has won admirers on a global scale thanks to his signature expression, "Acrylic Fusion", an incredibly versatile analogue process of hand pouring layers of acrylic paint to create a unique and mesmerising effect, loved by brands, galleries and art collectors alike.
ISSUE 005
The versatility of "Acrylic Fusion" means that Craig has been able to collaborate with a wide range of partners - from creating bespoke football artworks with FIFA at the World Cup, to producing iconic basketballs with Wilson and the NBA. Match-day Image credit: Craig Black storytelling with UEFA, to creating iconic window displays with Vans, making beautiful packaging with Mucho, transforming a unique speaker system with Wisdom Audio and creating a one of a kind custom bike frame for Ribble Cycles. VIEW CRAIGBLACK
PAGE 70
“Life is too short for shit books! The Book Alchemist celebrates the magic of reading and the joy of great storytelling.” Introduced by Heather Suttie Indulge your passion for literature and discover literary gems with my podcast, a celebration of the enchantment of reading and the delight of exceptional books. Recent episodes of The Book Alchemist podcast showcase Scottish talents like McIlvanney award-winner Callum McSorley, Granta awardee Graeme Armstrong of The Young Team, former Brookside actress Sheila Grier and Scots Whay Hae podcaster Alistair Braidwood. Guests featured on The Book Alchemist hail from various walks of life, including authors, musicians, creatives, business leaders, and individuals with an unwavering love for reading. The series promises not just celebrity names but true bibliophiles with a voracious appetite for literature. Upcoming episodes feature authors such as Elissa Soave, Harriet Tyce, Alan Parks, Billy Sloan, Sara Sheridan, and actor Colin McCredie. Each guest shares the books they love, the ones which have shaped their lives – a bit like Desert Island Discs but for books. The range of guests make for an entertaining and uplifting listen. New episodes drop at 7am every Thursday on your preferred podcast platform. Image credit: Elliott's
PODCAST RECOMMENDATION - The Book Alchemist by Heather Suttie ISSUE 005
PAGE 71
ISSUE 005
PAGE 72
LEARN TO CARE, NOT THROW (AWAY) Introduced by Andrew Dudgeon Image credit: Keith Kaselampao Image credit: Bearmade
Attirecare is a British brand focused on Shoe, Garment, Home and lifestyle care products, that started out as a university project in 2018, and has since grown into a global brand working with partners all over the world. We strive to make people aware of how to look after their favourite things, bringing together sustainably sourced, harmless ingredients to create products that people enjoy using as much as any other activity. We offer a wide range of handmade products to prolong the life of a person’s things and promote less waste (all the while looking great on your shelf!). We label.use organic ingredients and no harsh chemicals to create all our formulas, ensuring they are ISSUE 005
environmentally friendly, ethically made, biodegradable and do exactly what they say on the label. Our products are created with people in mind, to be an extension of a person’s lifestyle, and aim to make looking after your things as enjoyable as using them! We feel that the everyday rituals of cleaning, caring and protecting our spaces and possessions should be considered as much as any other part of our day. A lot of thought goes into the design of our range, and the brand as a whole, in the hope that the lifestyle choices that coincide with our products and the practices they promote are ones of integrity and meaning. PAGE 73
This year we’re bringing two new additions to our product range, bridging the gap between perfumery and homecare. An Everyday Detergent in our best-selling Prima^ fragrance blend, bolstered with powerful, plant-based ingredients and packaged in a way never seen in our industry before! This, and the best smelling Room Mist we’ve ever experienced! The Room Mist is a subtle blend of tea leaves, tangerine extracts, wood oils and more, creating a distinct but welcoming scent that’s so good you’d want to wear it. We’re launching our Kickstarter in March to help us bring these eagerly awaited projects to life whilst giving our community the chance to get involved. We’re so excited to share these products that we’ve worked so hard on with the world and we’re certain everyone will love them as much as we do.
Shop Attirecare
Image credits: Keith Kaselampao Image credit: Latasha Millette
ISSUE 005
PAGE 74
REPURPOSED
SSEAMS+LAB X KC Manufacturing Image credit: KC Manufacturing
SSEAMS+LAB stands for collaboration partners in pursuit of environmental impact solutions. REPURPOSED is in partnership with Fife based garment & textile facility, KC Manufacturing. REPURPOSED is an environmental impact initiative determined to help the plight against textile waste falling into the end game. The partnership between the two worlds of brand experience and technical manufacturing skills compliments the drive to invite brands to the 8000sq ft purpose built facility to redesign x redevelop redundant stock into new life products. The technical team is ready to engage with any sized brand and the holding bag area awaits your redundant stock. We look forward to working with you.
“By providing a new type of off-site product creation facility, brands can now send their redundant stock ahead (garment or fabric) and the design & development teams can start work on turning old stock into a new £revenue opportunity. We look forward to hosting you in Scotland.” Image credit: Bearmade
Contact the team: info@kalopsia.co.uk ISSUE 005
PAGE 75
KC Manufacturing (Kalopsia Collective) is celebrating 12 years of Scottish garment and accessories manufacturing. “Together, we can make the change to reduce waste.” INTERESTED IN JOINING REPURPOSED? Discuss your product plans
ISSUE 005
PAGE 76
INDUSTRY OPINION
Fashion's New Frontier: My Dive into AI and the Future of Design By Peter Gallagher-Witham
AI Image created by Peter Gallagher-Witham
Introduced by Diane Richardson Peter and I brushed shoulders 20 years ago at Nike. It was a talent hotbed and the business was thriving across all four continents. To date, Peter has had an incredible design career journey and since his arrival back to the UK, we caught up, intrigued to hear about his exploration into the world of AI. Here, Peter shares his story...
After my extensive journey with fashion giants like Nike, circumstances led me back to the familiar yet intriguing landscapes of the UK and Ireland. It was a homecoming of sorts, a chance to reconnect with my roots and rejuvenate my career in this transformed terrain. However, as time marches on, one's professional network tends to shrink. While I felt youthful in spirit, staying visible and relevant in the industry posed a challenge, especially as colleagues retired. The question loomed: how could I revitalise my career in the face of these emerging challenges? Exploring my options, I considered becoming a social media sleuth, launching my own brand, or even teaching. Yet, the reality hit me traditional job hunting was behind me, and starting a new brand felt intimidating. Teaching had also evolved significantly. With my background in fostering innovation at Nike, I wondered: could AI be the next frontier in fashion? With a passion for all things futuristic, I eagerly delved into the world of AI in Fashion, eager to be at the forefront of this thrilling revolution. ISSUE 005
My journey into AI began with a leisurely exploration of digital content. The narrative surrounding AI was a mix of dystopian fears and enlightening insights, particularly concerning its transformative potential in our industry. During this exploration, I stumbled upon a fascinating undercurrent of opinion among PR insiders. They bemoaned how Fast Fashion and mass imports had drained fashion of its essence. These candid insights contrasted sharply with the public portrayal of mediocrity as excellence – a necessary façade to sustain their personal lives. The deeper I delved into AI's potential in fashion, the more I realised its vast scope. It felt akin to standing on the shore, watching a colossal wave of change approach. A few weeks ago, I rolled up my sleeves and experimented with AI tools like Midjourney, Tensor Art, and Playground. The experience was a mixed bag – some results were underwhelming, but the successful 10% were nothing short of remarkable. These tools would have been invaluable during my tenure at Nike, and I'm excited about the possibilities they offer to today's designers.
PAGE 77
I'm still in the learning phase, but progress is swift. Just a week ago, my dream was to create the foundation of a seasonal fashion collection that would gain approval from a merchandising and sales team – always the most challenging phase in the product development cycle. Today, I'm just days away from presenting a seasonal design direction, complete with actual designs, to a prospective client. Despite late nights and numerous challenges, I seem to have cracked it! Eureka! A full kick-off presentation with actual products on models that closely aligns with my initial ideas... And this is only the beginning! AI's evolution is meteoric. What's groundbreaking today may soon become commonplace. I envision AI becoming an integral part of fashion design, streamlining the process, enhancing sustainability, and revolutionising collection presentations. Yet, the true enchantment of AI lies in its impact on creativity. It empowers designers with tools for unprecedented experimentation and innovation. We stand on the brink of a new fashion era, where AI isn't just a tool but a catalyst for a wave of creative brilliance. Furthermore, AI's influence extends beyond design. It promises to revolutionise the entire fashion pipeline, from sourcing to sales. For designers, AI is a novel creative ally, enabling rapid design iterations and material experimentation without the need for physical samples. Sourcing and production teams will benefit from AI's analytical prowess, dissecting trends, consumer
preferences, and supply chain dynamics. This insight optimises material sourcing, foresees potential disruptions, and drives efficient production, minimising waste and costs. Sales teams and merchandisers will appreciate AI's predictive capabilities, enhancing forecasting accuracy and inventory management. This foresight is like a crystal ball in a competitive market, offering a significant advantage. Most importantly, AI champions sustainability. By streamlining fashion's production cycle, it addresses overproduction and waste – major industry concerns. This aligns perfectly with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly fashion. In summary, my venture into AI-driven fashion, initially fueled by a love for innovation and nostalgia, has shown me that AI is more than a creative asset; it's a transformative force for the entire industry. Embracing AI signifies not just keeping pace with the times but leading the charge towards a smarter, more sustainable future in fashion. My two main takeaways from this deep dive are that I've reignited the spark of design exploration in a significant way and that I am now equipped with the tools to create photoshoots, retail designs, product designs, and visual materials that genuinely enhance the fashion design process. Here's to the new renaissance in fashion design – an exhilarating journey I can't wait to continue exploring!
AI Image created by Peter Gallagher-Witham
ISSUE 005
PAGE 78
AI Image created by Peter Gallagher-Witham
Transform the Fashion Industry with AI Innovation - Partnership programme now available. By Peter Gallagher-Witham | Follow
ISSUE 005
PAGE 79
MICKEY FINN STUDIO X SSEAMS
ISSUE 005
PAGE 80
LOCAL HEROES SSEAMS Magazine represents slow (life) style from our studio in Stirlingshire. In the very heart of Scotland, no less! Not particularly focused on fashion, more functional and purpose-wear. We are particularly aware that our work and home life has merged and it could be said that this has influenced our style and lifestyle alike. Appreciation for quality in all aspects of our life is important, especially in what we eat and drink, and how/where we travel. In this section, we select a few independent makers of a different kind. Those, not directly away from the threads, yet, conveniently combine their brand style to their particular craft so well it makes our heart warm. For the foodies and travellers, we introduce you to some very skilled independent creatives and their work. Up first, and to our left, Chef Craig Grozier who established Fallachan in 2012, offering tailored dining experiences for a range of clients and events - we share a stunning spread with you over the page. Next up, Jess Elliott Dennison is back serving up one of her specials download that recipe now, it’s delicious, and follow her work into the world of up close and personal cookery demonstrations. And, one for the adventurous set, Elliot Hepworth is back to share his trip around the Uists. His photography makes you want to book a ticket straight away. #supportingindependents
Image credit: Fallachan
ISSUE 005
PAGE 81
Jess Elliott Dennison shares one of her favourite recipes... We invited food writer Jess Elliott Dennison and a friend to the SSEAMS work family to share one of her favourite recipes for our readers to step away from their desks, roll their sleeves up and immerse themselves in a little ‘time out’ cooking therapy… Image credit: Elliott's
Marmalade Toast Pudding
The nights still have the chill factor. Fear not, Jess suggests it’s the perfect time for lazy weekends in PJs with the radio on, a pot of coffee to share, and several rounds of marmalade on toast. So that’s the inspiration for this ridiculously easy, comforting pudding. Just add cream!
Image credit: Elliott's
ISSUE 005
PAGE 82
Image credit: Elliott's
Serves 2 Takes 15 minutes, plus 30–35 minutes baking time 65g salted butter, plus a tiny knob for greasing the dish 25g sourdough or pumpernickel rye bread 40g soft brown sugar 70g marmalade plus 2 tablespoons for the glaze 40g plain flour 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 egg Small pinch sea salt flakes Zest of 1 orange Double cream to serve
Preheat the oven to 180C (400F/gas 6) and using your fingers, grease the base and sides of your dish with butter. Cut the bread into rough chunks, place in a food processor and blitz to fine breadcrumbs. Add the remaining butter, sugar, marmalade, flour, baking powder, egg, salt and orange zest, then pulse until combined. (You can carefully use a box grater to crush the bread into crumbs and then beat everything with a wooden spoon in a large bowl until smooth too if you like). Scrape the batter into the buttered dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until deep golden. Remove from ISSUE 005
the oven and leave to cool slightly in the dish. Meanwhile, place 2 tablespoons of marmalade in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of water. Warm over a high heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon, until you have a syrupy glaze full of orange shreds Pour the marmalade glaze over the top of the sponge, allow it to sink in for a minute or two, then serve up with plenty of cold double cream. To get ahead, you can make the batter and allow it to sit in the buttered dish for a day or two - just bake off when you’re ready to eat.
Jess celebrates simple cooking and life in the kitchen. Elliott’s Studio; a greenfronted tenement building on Sciennes Road in Edinburgh is an extension of Jess’s home and where she cooks, writes recipes and teaches. Jess’s work is inspired by the produce, colours, textures and rituals that each season brings. Stay up-to-date; elliotsedinburgh.com
PAGE 83
MY TRAVEL RECOMMENDATION FOR ‘24 By Elliott Hepworth, a Scottish intrepid adventurous Photographer who captures glorious Scotland on his travels.
THE UISTS Image credit: Elliott Hepworth
Having spent time on the Isle of Harris in 2022, the Hebrides had really captured a part of me that yearned to explore more of these impressive islands off the west coast of Scotland. One year later I found myself boarding a ferry in Mallaig, bound for Lochboisdale. I was heading for South Uist. This is the second largest island in the Outer Hebrides, characterised by a mountainous east coast and miles of sandy beaches in the west. It was the perfect base for a week given its location; the Isle of Eriskay was easily reached to the south and travelling north takes you through the flat landscape of Benbecula to the Isle of North Uist and Berneray via impressive causeways. Islands are known to have unpredictable and changeable weather, especially Scottish ones, which is ideal for taking the camera out and shooting the landscape. Unlike Harris (where it was over 20 degrees daily with
ISSUE 005
PAGE 84
Image credit: Elliott Hepworth
wall to wall blue sky), the conditions on this trip really helped to capture and see the true colours of these islands. Golden light would pierce through threatening rain clouds and paint the scene before my eyes, whilst the darkness of the sky enhanced the lush greens. Crashing waves and the chatter of sea birds could be heard as I wandered along the vast beaches whilst the fresh salty sea breeze filled the air. This was a trip where I truly felt at one with the land that I was trying so hard to capture through my lens.
ISSUE 005
PAGE 85
Follow/Contact Elliott Hepworth - Available for brand campaign shoots in Scotland ISSUE 005
Image credit: Elliott Hepworth
PAGE 86
A VERY SPECIAL DINING EXPERIENCE Introducing FALLACHAN By Andrew Dudgeon
Fallachan, established by Chef Craig Grozier in 2012, is a unique organisation based in Glasgow, Scotland, offering tailored dining experiences for a range of clients and events.
“We work with clients on location in their chosen venue, as well as providing a private dining location in our Fallachan Kitchen. Our food is created with inspiration from around the world but uses ingredients local to Scotland wherever possible.” Wild food has an important part to play in Chef Craig's dishes and creativity process. Foraging, however, doesn't just take place out in the wilderness of Scotland but in the urban green sites, rivers and walkways you find all over Glasgow. Foraging for wild ingredients isn't solely part of Fallachan's sustainability ethos; it is also a big inspiration for a lot of Craig's creations and a valuable resource to keep the Fallachan larder well stocked with interesting pickles, cordials, wines and dried plants. Image credit: Otago Street Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 87
Image credit: Image credit: Otago Street Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 88
Image credit: Image credit: Otago Street Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 89
ISSUE 005
PAGE 90
Image credit: Otago Street Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 92
"Our Fallachan Kitchen is a communal dining chef’s table seating twelve guests in our railway arch kitchen space, which opened in late 2023. This immersive space will be home to various public dining experiences each month on select days, highlighting the best local and seasonal ingredients. The space is also available for corporate and private dining events, including brand activations, press events and launch parties. We are also looking forward to launching a range of culinary classes, wine tastings and cocktail masterclasses in the months to come. Our ethos of Fallachan dining will continue in our own creative space, championing modern Scottish cooking, growers, makers, butchers and fishermen to create unique experiences." Craig Grozier, Chef Director
Make a booking via fallachandining.co.uk
Image credit: Otago Street Collective
ISSUE 005
PAGE 93
JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE SSEAMSMAGAZINE.CO/MEDIA PACK ISSUE 005
PAGE 80
ISSUE DIRECTORY & THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS CLICK TO VIEW APPAREL MOVES
OPEN DOORS
KILTANE
SMI STORE
VESKE
TORN VINTAGE
ZAPPATY
FINNIESTON
GREEN THOMAS
ORZEL
HIUT DENIM
W2
YARMOUTH OILSKINS BORTHWICK FORREST
LIFE (CHANGE) MAKERS
DANIELLE RATTRAY
BOOKFACE
OUT OF STOCK
POTR
THE GLASGOW DISTILLERY
BEARMADE
FIODH
WELL DRESSED DAD
THE LEVEL COLLECTIVE
CRAIG BLACK
REWOUND CLOTHING
THE BOOK ALCHEMIST
BRORA
ATTIRECARE
COURTNEY & CO
REPURPOSED WITH
IRA & ISLA
SSEAMS+LAB X KC MANUFACTURING
YARMOUTH OILSKINS
PETER GALLAGHER-WITHAM
SMART WORKS SCOTLAND
ARD_DRAW ILLUSTRATIONS
PROTECTED SPECIES
MICKEY FINN STUDIO
BORTHWICK FORREST ASQUITH GROUP
LOCAL HEROES JESS ELLIOTT DENNISON ELLIOTT HEPWORTH FALLACHAN BROICH HOUSE
AND, TO OUR READERS, WE HOPE YOU ENJOY LEARNING A LITTLE FROM THESE TRAILBLAZERS! ISSUE 005
PAGE 94
ISSUE 005
PAGE 95
www.sseamsmagazine.co INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND BY SSACHS LIMITED / TRADING AS SSEAMS MAGAZINE, 9 BANKER’S BRAE, BALFRON, STIRLING, G63 0PY