Frockcoats and High Hats: Judith R. Clark

From her Edinburgh studio Judith R Clark creates fantastically romantic, bespoke garments. These creations have earned her an internship with Alexander McQueen, a nomination for Designer of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards, exhibitions in both New York and Tokyo and most recently a coveted place in The Skinny Christmas Gift Guide! We were lucky enough to catch up with her for a chat as she prepares for a busy 2010

Do you feel that Edinburgh supports its young and independent designers?
Yes, Edinburgh has been supportive of the label; I have attended events in the city giving presentations to a range of clientele and also pitching to companies to support me in moving the business forward. I also promote and sell my work in Glasgow which has been equally as welcoming in supporting Scottish design. There is definitely a niche for the bespoke clothing I design and there is undoubtedly a desire for it in Scotland’s capital

Did you have traditional training at art and design school?
I attended Heriot Watt University in Galashiels where I learned sewing, knitting and printing, pattern cutting marketing and so on. It s a great place which offers a fantastic learning environment in its small campus.

Have you always wanted to be a designer?
Towards the end of secondary education was when I decided I wanted to be a designer. I was always interested in expressive arts, life drawing and illustration, and design just seemed to be the next step.

If you weren't designing what would you be doing?
Good question... perhaps I would focus more on my illustration. It would still have to be something creative though.

Who or what influences your designs?
Historical clothing, costume pieces and haute couture. The 19th century is a period in history which I am very much inspired by. I love crinolines, bustles, anything that is regal and has a dramatic silhouette. The elegant style of the 1920s is also a period that I like

How would you describe your personal style?
Jeans are my definite essential; they are comfy and can be dressed up or down. Also a good pair of flat boots, which I am struggling to find this year. I think my mood is reflected in my clothing; I do like vintage mixed with jeans, brogues and a bit of ethnic colour and messy hair.

Is there a particular piece that you have made that is a favourite?
The Gaelic Frock Coat is my favourite at the moment; it is a piece which has a great story behind it. The Frock Coat incorporates bustles, lace, tulle and tweed embellished with the Gaelic language. The jacket has travelled the world and has been an excellent piece to help platform my work. It is a collaborative piece with my colleague Alison Macleod. Alison is a textile designer and embroidered a story in Gaelic about a lady dancing in high heeled shoes and calico petticoats into the tweed bustle.

Where can we see and buy your designs?
I arrange appointments at my studios where people can come by and have a design custom made to fit them. I also retail at Che Camille at the Argyle Arcade in Glasgow.

Do you have any fashion tips for the coming season?
To be honest I'm not a trend follower so can’t really tell you what to wear next season. I do know that bespoke clothing is on its way up and you should invest in a beautiful piece that will stay forever in your wardrobe and every time you wear it you will fell incredible. So invest in a timeless fashion piece that you can keep.

What are your plans for 2010? Is there anything exciting in the pipeline that you can tell us about?
I am working alongside Harris Tweed Hebrides at the moment to produce an exclusive womenswear collection for their online boutique which will launch towards the end on January. I have been working on a design which appeals to a wide womenswear market, the jackets will be produced in a jet black tweed and dark grey-brown with blue and red check each individually embellished with pearls and lace.

Do you collaborate with any other designers? What changes in your creative process?
I have recently collaborated with my twin sister Christine who is a fine artist also based in Edinburgh. The exhibition is still on at Che Camille and showcases a vast selection of her paintings and prints. Together we produced a selection of dresses and handbags from her unique paintings. The exhibition will run into the second week of January.

What is your proudest moment as a designer?
When my work hits the catwalk it is always a proud moment. It's great to see all the hard work pay off.