DIY Parachute Tote Bag workshop. Pic: Christopher Raeburn
Christopher Raeburn, one of the most exciting and possibly the most environmentally minded designers of the British fashion scene, has opened his studio to the public for a series of events and workshops to celebrate its relocation in the old Burberry Factory in Hackney.
His REMADE studio opening in Chatham Place two weeks ago. “We were thrilled with the attendance over the three days and with being able to show people around our studio and explain more about what we do as a company and a brand”, a spokesperson for the brand told ELL.
While the last two days of September were dedicated to the private viewing, by invitation only, Saturday October 1 was an Open Studio day that aimed to involve the community.
“The Saturday in particular seemed to be well attended by the Hackney community and those passing through on the area on the day, which gave us a great opportunity to meet new people who had not heard of the brand before and who hopefully went away feeling enthused that this is happening on their doorstep”, the spokesperson continued.
The studio, previously the home of the old Burberry Textile Factory, has recently been the object of a £30m refurbishment that converted two connected structures and created residential and commercial spaces while still maintaining the area’s industrial aspects.
It is also just moments away from the Hackney Walk, a development of shops and luxury outlets thought to support the fashion industry in the area.
The British designer, that moved his studio to the Hackney development earlier this summer, has now reunited his REMADE workshop, showroom, archive and offices.
The showroom showcased rare archive pieces, Raeburn’s latest collections and his major collaborations with well-known brands including Moncler, Victorinox, Fred Perry, Rapha, Barbour, Clarks, MCM and Disney.
Alongside the expositive part of the bespoke studio experience, the designer also organised an interactive workshop for the public; the brand’s guests were able to participate in aDIY Bag Making Workshop, choosing patterns from a range of parachutes.
“The Thursday and Friday evening events were really designed to celebrate our new studio,and an opportunity to thank those who have helped us get to where we are today and show them our vision for the future. The Saturday was different; we hoped to welcome people in the community into our world to explain what we do and hopefully, if they liked what they saw on the day, create new fans of brand for years to come. The reaction was really positive and we have real plans to be a hub for the community moving forward with many more events and workshops to come”, the spokesperson added.
