09th May 2019

Meet Our Makers: Carol

9th May 2019

Ever wondered who made your Gushlow and Cole coat, gilet or scarf? Then look no further than the ‘Made By’ label. We celebrate each of our craftspeople by sewing their name into each piece and today we caught up with Carol to share the history of her make….

On her journey

I began my career in British manufacture apprenticing at an upholstery shop in 1984, and then after six years on a bench as a qualified upholster I started to train in pattern cutting. It’s been an exciting road, but five years ago when I saw an ad in the local paper I decided to try my hand in fashion, now working at Gushlow and Cole HQ as one of their in house craftswomen.

A typical day

A typical day for me at the Gushlow and Cole workshop would be matching shearlings as well as pattern cutting mittens, hats and scarves. I also match shearlings for larger garments such as the Aviator Jacket – I really enjoyed helping making this style.

On working with shearling

From a manufacturing point of view I really like working with shearling. Being a natural material not one shearling is ever the same, and with so many different shearling types and textures it’s a fantastically versatile material to work with. The finished products always look great too.

On British manufacturing

British manufacturing has long been known for it’s high standards and unique style but has been hit by the demands of fast fashion. In recent years I would like to think that the fashion industry is moving away from mass produced, cheap clothing like it was back in the 1980’s. There has been a recent shift for the need to buy good quality items that look good and last well – which is only a good thing.

“The first piece I ever made at Gushlow and Cole was one of their iconic Shawl Scarves, and I still make them today!”

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On her proudest achievements

I really enjoy seeing a well matched out and beautifully finished product and thinking to myself, ‘I helped make that’.

On the inspiration behind her career

From a young age I have always been interested in art and crafts. Being good with my hands rather than academic, I looked for a job where I could make things which lead me to my first job in upholstery. From there I soon realised, I was also quite good on a sewing machine…

” I really enjoy seeing a well matched out and beautiful finished product and thinking to myself, I helped make that”