'MOTHECOMBE'

A place I call home...

A concept developed from research into historic fishing amongst communities along the coast of Britain; a reflection and celebration of my identity and heritage. Researching traditional garments, textiles and lost techniques once used amongst fisherman, fisherwives within costal villages.

Fishing in Devon dates back hundreds of years. The earliest reference to Devon fisheries areas early as the 14th century. Stories have been passed down from generation in my family, the collection brings these stories alive.

Sustainability is at the core of my design. upcycling, reworking and simply 'making do and mending'are key techniques throughout the collection.

100% Upcycled

THE 'AYRSHIRE' SHIRT

The Tartan is one of the brand’s most distinctive patterns, and graces the linings of jackets and accessories.

Made from up-cycled Barbour tartan salvaged from the linings of vintage Barbour jackets. This shirt is a tribute to the historic tartan; an authentic design which derived from the district of Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland, where the family name, Barbour, originated in the 13th Century.

THE WEMBURY' VEST

It's believed that the first fishing vest was sewn together in 1930-31 by Lee Wulff.Wulff wanted a vest that an angler could wear over their clothing that would give them ease of access to their fly boxes & other tackle.

This modern day interpretation has been made using upcycled cargo pants. The vest is worn over clothing and has functional qualities; large pockets, D rings, adjustable straps and a warm fleece lining.

'BIDEFORD BAY' OVERALLS

Overalls originally began as utilitarian workwear designed for farmwork and fishing, historically made from heavy canvas for durability and function, or out of water-resistant or waterproof fabrics.Since they were considered strictly workwear for many decades, durability and comfort were the main considerations when designing overalls.

These overalls have been made using reworked waterproof jackets; adjustable straps ,a large pocket and D rings are design features of the overalls. A functional all inane piece keeping the wearer warm, dry and comfortable.

THE 'TYNESIDE' TRENCH

A tribute to the Barbour jacket. A jacket that would keep all the sailors, and fishermen dry using a waxing technique traced back to the 15th century.

Upcycled Barbour Trench coat with knitted lining upcycled from reworked knitted garments.

When John Barbour founded J. Barbour & Sons, South Shields was a busy port in the North East of England. As such there was a big demand from Barbour for clothing that would keep all the sailors, fishermen dry.

THE 'ARAN' REWORKED

Back in the 1950s on the Aran Islands, many of the men were fishermen by trade and, out of necessity to combat the cold and tough conditions of the sea, the women handmade their husbands aran sweaters to keep them warm, hence the name fisherman sweaters we're all familiar with today.

As a tribute to these historic knits; the collection of knitted garments are made using reworked vintage cable/ aran knits. Using visible mending techniques, patch-working and a selection of decorative stitches the jumpers have been been given a new life using embroidery techniques.

THE 'MOTHECOMBE' MAC

Like many pieces of outerwear, the Oilskin 'Fishermans Mac' was born out of necessity. It was in the early 19th century, that sailors began to smear themselves with oil for protection against the extremes. These oil skins were long, oversized with giant hoods keeping the fisherman dry underneath.

This modern-day interpretation of the Fisherman's mac has been made using a repurposed sleeping bag. With an urban feel this unisex outerwear piece has a big hood, contrast drawstrings and functional pockets.