Much loved Dr Martens 1461's - Made in England
Harlequin patterned Johnston's scarf - Made in Scotland
New edition to my wardrobe, Dockers cinch back chinos - Made in America
Christmas present from Hollie, Present piccalilli coloured wooly hat - Made in Scotland
The old faithful vintage tweed 2-button blazer - Made in Canada
Lately I have been taking extra noticed to where things are made. To know this bit of extra information reassures me to some extent and instantly puts thoughts into my mind about who might have made them, the type of factory they were conceived in and what type of machinery might have been involved. I'm one of those people that always checks labels before buying stuff in shops, checking out the fabric is a big thing for me, but now I might be adding another one to the list. I don't think it's going to stop me from buying something but to know a little bit more about what you are spending you money on makes it more satisfying, in my opinion.
I'm going to split this post up into a 2-parter bumper edition so this post doesn't turn too picture heavy. I've got some more interesting stuff to share.
So go into your wardrobes and see what you can find, what are you waiting for? I'll be really interested to hear what sort of countries you can find on those labels, please do let me know.
It's now reached the point where having an item made in your own country is a real novelty. I like American Apparel's "made in LA" policy, even if they're clothing is hideously overpriced. Of what I'm wearing today, my top was made in the UK and skirt in Portugal. Weird to think how far clothes can come...
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! To think about the miles each piece has travelled, the story behind each one, how many people have had a part in making that product is mind blowing! Great to see nothing from china :) You need something from wales though to get the full UK haha
ReplyDeletei like the countries where those pieces come from. it's sometimes sad to find pieces made in china or the philippines or some 3rd world country. not that i don't appreciate products made by those countries but you never know, some child or family might have been abused in the factories where they were made.
ReplyDeletenouveauskin.blogspot.com
Love the tweed blazer!
ReplyDeletehttp://jessamynread.blogspot.com
woww..u even wanna think what type of factory it was made. hehe,that was really considerate! neway, i stumbled upon ur awesome blog via another blogger n i just wanna say "hi" n i LOVE it so much. hehe,nice blog here!! ^^
ReplyDeleteah good wowies. looove it! And also your blog!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, sir! ;)
http://llkillu.blogspot.com
this is a pretty good idea, and it's great to see your pieces showcased.
ReplyDeleteyou know I always look carefully at labels too and whenever I didn't, I always ended up making clamorous mistakes. Quite an original post here - love the tartan plaid scarf - lovely colours.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of a two part bumper edition! Everything in this post is pleasing, especially that scarf which I'd like for myself and the fact the hat is picallili colour, or piccalilli, or however it is spelled
ReplyDeleteDocs. Classic.
ReplyDeleteEAK
that's brilliant! i never noticed this sort of detail, now i will. definitely will search in my wardrobe and see what i can find. hopefully something interesting enough to put up on my blog...
ReplyDeletegreat new year resolution by the way xx
I love all these classics you pulled out, down to the tweed blazer with elbow patches (which I recall my dad telling me was a necessity at university! It wasn't, but there you are.) And yes, I always check the tags. The labels are a quality signal, though sometimes I am pleasantly surprised when the fabric and stitching are beyond my expectations from that country. I like how you snapped all these on the (teak?) deck.
ReplyDeletewww.thefoolishaesthete.blogspot.com
great blog..and I want that hat!! :)
ReplyDeleteMy 'made in England', 'made in West! Germany' items are all 2nd hand clothes. I used to be reassured by 'Made in Italy' as a sign of quality until a friend told me that the working conditions in South Italy are comparable to slavery. Hope that has changed.
ReplyDeleteAhh, I hate it when I get an item that I really love and feel is super unique/special. Then I see in the label that it's made in China...
ReplyDeleteLove these shots and the whole concept of this post. That scarf is absolutely gorgeous! Love the bright colors. xx
Hey Matt, love the doc martens... I bought some recently but being 5ft they really didnt look great haha
ReplyDeletehttp://adelejoanna.com
Since i become a designer i can stop searching for the labels, touching the fabric... hahah now buying something is like a ritual and everything has to be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI would thought a lot of my stuff comes from China hahah but no.. suddenly some Brazil, Spain and of course my own country showed up.
xx
Although I can't quite relate since looking at my wardrobe I find mostly common places of being made, but I do like to see how products are made through videos. I've found a few here and there where they have a sort of a factory tour. I definitely love to see how they make the garments im wearing. Have you seen the Osborne shoes video? it's neat and they show quite an amazing process (fabric making) in the video. The brand also does a "good cause" helping out Guatemala. Here's a link to the video if you haven't seen it. http://vimeo.com/28107040
ReplyDeleteHere's also a cool video of the Brooklyn factory of tailor Martin Greenfield. I really liked this one.
http://vimeo.com/34531247
I hope you can find yourself some more saddle shoes too. I'm assuming you've already looked at clarks? Although they have a heel they're still pretty nifty.
That's about the only place I can think of besides UO, Asos, Topshop. (I tend to shop cheap?) haha.
i looove the neon colors you got on that scarf- very trendy xx
ReplyDeletehello again!
Isn't if funny how some places carry such prestige? I like this post very much! Mind if I do something similar?
ReplyDeleteYou are inspiring arent you Mr B&S? Don't you ever stop blogging!
BTW I was showing Hiro your blog the other day and he said....THIS FELLOW HAS SOME GREAT SHOES!
People always think I'm weird for knowing that sort of information. I try to find out where the fabric came from, who designed the garment, and where/who made the garment. I've been getting really into more sustainable fashion, especially in terms of fairly paid workers and designers who produce on a smaller scale. I think it's important to know where anything you are buying comes from, because you really are kind of responsible for it.
ReplyDeleteSomeone else who digs through clothing to find labels, yay! I always get weird looks from staff & security doing that. & my friends laugh at the disgusted noises from "100% Acrylic! & it's £160. Madness."
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of looking where things are made. & I noticed a weird little note on a Ted Baker dress label that said "Ted thinks you look fabulous" the other day. Amazing.
i really love the scarf!
ReplyDeleteI recently started a mens fashion blog and would love for you to take a look at it. maybe you could tell me what you like or don’t like about it so I can make improvements! if you like it and follow it that would be amazing!
http://boybyjuliasstyleutopia.blogspot.com/
thanks!!
Those Doc's absolutely rule.
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