Stutterheim story is really brilliant and exciting. Swedish brand was founded in 2010 when its founder, Alexander Stutterheim, finds the raincoat of his grandfather and decides to use it as a model for a new, modern waterproof. Since then, his raincoat are almost the same, they just had some small improvement but are loyal to a radical philosophy based on handmade, functionality, durability and high, very high quality. At first glance you notice the classic taste of each garment, with an updated design and a contemporary touch, while you can appreciate the workmanship and the great fabric, which virtually guarantees protection for all life long. Stutterheim raincoats garments are timeless, just like the one of his grandfather, because created to be useful, resistant to water and wind, beautiful to look at but not frivolous.
The rain becomes a source of inspiration, something that can unite music, photography and all forms of communication capable of transmitting, among other emotions, even melancholy. A mood is not always negative, which is part of the sophisticated background of a brand destined to make their mark.
Here the letter of Alexander and the Stutterheim lookbook F/W 15-16, which in Italy is exclusively distributed by Blackboard, and here the Facebook page.
“My granddad was a wonderful man. He often went out fishing from Arholma (an island in the Stockholm archipelago) during stormy weather and then later in the evening he wrote poems and managed a big theatre in Stockholm. He scared me to the bone every time he set off to sea to catch fish (or life, as he said), defying the worst weather, the heaviest rains and the loudest of thunderstorms. It was just recently that I discovered his old raincoat in an abandoned barn. At that moment, old memories struck me and I instantly wanted to wear his coat. It was both stunningly cool and very practical (although as big as a tent). With great care, I brought it back home to my kitchen and imagined it in an updated, contemporary version. A homage to my granddad, and the quest for life.
After my discovery, I went out to buy a piece of oilcloth. I put it on the kitchen floor and cut out a design using the old coat as a pattern. I showed the sample to a couple of friends. And after some improvements, there it was – the 60‘s raincoat from the archipelago, updated to fit the modern man and woman.”
“I brought the prototype to the last standing textile factory in Sweden – in the small town of Borås. As soon as I met the manager, Johan Käll and the seamstresses Birgitta and Lena, I knew they were the right people. A perfect match. With their skills, craftsmanship and great attention to materials and detail we realised our raincoats should be handmade. A greatway to honour my granddad’s durable and practical raincoat.
And there it was. The coat. With all its seams taped and sealed. In the very best quality. Handmade and with a discreet, classical cut. The first 200 coats – Arholma Svart –were made and sold in my apartment. Each coat was signed and numbered by the seamstress (they still are) to really make sure the quality matched the very highest of standards. After a couple of months, (when my neighbours became too suspicious of all the people in black coats) I had to move my business to another location. The new store, showroom and headquarters, in which I wrote this text, became our very own venue for experiments within the realm of rain and darkness. And from now on, it’s here where every new idea and product is born”.
“I am very happy (although I am melancholic from time to time) that I have managed to give new life to my granddad’s old coat. A coat to wear out in the countryside, at sea or just when strolling around the city. To be well dressed, even in bad weather conditions, is now possible.
I truly hope that you will follow this wonderful project in the future. I’m happy to receive any ideas of new items, colours or designs. Welcome to embrace the demons lurking outside and hiding within.
Sincerely,
Alexander Stutterheim”
In the images below, some details of the Stutterheim raincoats.
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