CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

You The wild beauty of Scotland, the striking palette and textures of the landscape, and its rich heritage of field sports and country pursuits, you couldn’t help but be inspired. One such brand that takes full advantage of its surroundings is Walker Slater. The Scottish tweed, knitwear, and tailoring specialists were founded by Paul Walker in the beautiful Scottish Highlands village of Laggan in 1989, but it takes great inspiration from Walker’s own family heritage.

Not least his Great-Grandfather’s landscape paintings and Salmon fishing flies which fuelled Walker’s imagination from an early age, and as a student motivated him to relocate from England to Scotland seeking the majestic, untamed expanses of the Highlands.

Tried of being unable to find a modern clothing brand that inspired and fired his imagination in the same way, Walker decided to create his own, Walker Slater, combining evocative historical inspirations, timeless quality and craftsmanship, the rich heritage of Harris Tweed, but with contemporary styling, technology and wearability. He created a range of Clothes that convey a  creative spirit, clothes that reference the past but never look like they’ve been pulled out from a dressing up box.

Walker Slater opened their first shop in Edinburgh in 1992. They now have two shops in the Scottish capital, two in London, and will soon be opening in Glasgow.
The brand offers an enormous and unrivalled selection of tweeds, creating fabrics and styles that are constantly improved upon to maintain their relevance today, whilst striving to retain the heritage and integrity of the weaving and tailoring. Over the years the brand has developed close relationships with weavers and fabric designers which often results in Walker Slater having exclusive custom made fabrics. For example, in 2015 Walker Slater collaborated with the Scottish Football Association to create a special collection from the SFA Harris Tweed for the national team players and supporters.

British Designer Christopher Raeburn known for creating innovative, unique and creative menswear, womenswear and accessories ranges. But, what makes Raeburn’s collections stand out from the crowd is that fact that all of this ranges are based on sustainable fashion and designed with the three R’s in mind. His past designs have brought sustainable, eco fashion to the mainstream as well as creating a new definition for luxury.
When the award-winning menswear designer researched, iconic footwear brand, Clarks, he gained knowledge that only turned an already promising partnership into a match made in shoe heaven. It seems that the first pair of Clarks shoes were made from off cuts from sheepskin rugs. This is not only an ethical bonus for us but for Raeburn it provided a mutual synerg between the two brands, that he needed to make this collection not just another normal catwalk collab.
In September Clarks and Raeburn previewed 11 styles at London Fashion Week all of which combine a the style of Clarks heritage of shoe making expertise all whilst being inspired by Borneo and anthropologist Tom Harrison at the centre of the story. The collection features sandals with woven detailing and bold ankle straps for both men and women. They were created using recycled EVA and cork, the modern but vintage-esque shoes still stick to the eco-friendly and sustainable ethos of both brands.

The Jacala strap sandal in particular is said to sum up the spirit of a true adventurer. All of the shoes are lightweight and can be worn at all occasions, casual, work, smart and even whilst desiring an adventure. The sole constructions of the shoe are complemented by webbing and cmagnetic buckles. The Jacala sees traditional features being made modern. In other news the Bandar Lo shoe is a reimagination of the classic and iconic Clarks Desert boot except now with a new military feel. The Bandar Hi boot with the contrast panels also integrates Christopher Raeburn’s functional sensible vibe with Clarks unique extra light soles. Finally the minimal silhouette of the Jambi Hi and Jambi Lo which feature performance mesh panels add an athletic and leisure feel to the collection.
“Developing this collection with Clarks has been a truly collaborative and creative experience,” Raeburn said as the launch was unveiled today. “We have been able to successfully evolve a design aesthetic that captures the essence of both brands, as well as bringing to life the seasonal narrative – and I am incredibly pleased with the diverse and yet cohesive nature of the final range”

To say Patrick Grant is a busy man is very much an understatement, his life must be one of spinning plates and juggling responsibilities, with his E.Tautz and Norton & Sons sartorial brands, not to mention his high Street difusion range for retailer Debenhams. Then there’s his media undertakings,  as a judge on the Great British Sewing bee. In amongst all of this packed diary of commitments, the Edinburgh born gentleman has managed to find the time to collaborate on a limited edition ‘blas’ with anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Blas, translated as ‘taste’ in Gaelic, is presented in a specially designed bottle. Grant was able to draw on his Scottish hertitage when he spent over a year designing the bespoke print, which is inspired by the brand, flavour notes of the limited edition liquid, and the time-honoured production methods used at the Knockdhu distillery.

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions.

Blas is golden and honeyed n appearance. To the nose it’s densely sweet and fruity with notes of citrus fruit, including lemon and candied orange peel. But tones of bitter chocolate and vanilla add complexity and weight. To taste, Blas is full bodied and oily, leaving a lasting impression. This limited edition has been matured in American oak barrels and Spanish oak butts.

Patrick said of his experience on working with this unique distillery: “I spent a lot of time at Knockdhu not only taking in the landscape and surrounding areas, but getting to know the people that work there and the methods that they use. Everything in the print is from the hill, the village of Knock or within the distillery itself and tells the story of the making of Blas. I’ve tried to interpret anCnoc’s history and tradition in a modern way, and hope this is translated through the aesthetic of the bottle.”

The Patrick Grant Limited edition, Blas, retails at £50 for 70cl and is available from Independents and Specialist Retailers throughout the UK.