Trader Profile-Daines Atelier
In the run up to our market in September, we are shining a light on one of our core values: embracing all things secondhand and sustainable! What better way to start than by chatting to Frome-based Designer Evie of Daines Atelier?
Tell us a bit about you and your business.
Hi, my name is Evie and I am the seamstress behind Daines Atelier. After training at UCA on a course called Fashion Atelier, I adapted my new found skills in Creative Pattern Cutting and Tailoring to create garments with a conscious mindset. I work with vintage remnants and textiles, the pieces so small that they would probably be heading to landfill, to aid in reducing the amount of waste the Fashion industry has created. From these materials I sew-up one-off jackets, dresses and more. Offering a story and a new lease of life to something previously forgotten.
Where do you get your inspiration – what motivates you to do what you do?
I find my inspiration through my love of vintage and antique items. I am particularly a fan of the “New Romantics”- who doesn’t love a flamboyant and eccentric approach to clothing? Frilled Shirts, Military-esque jackets and anything vaguely reminiscent of the Edwardian Era is forever grabbing my eye. I design with a selfish impulse, whatever I think my wardrobe is missing and what it needs.
Motivation is found through the triggering statistics surrounding waste in the Textile Industry. In the production of a new garment 15% of the fabric is left on the cutting room floor, to just be thrown away. The creation of new textiles accounts for 85% of the pollution in the industry – surely with it being the second largest contributor to Global Warming we need to consider our processes?
What also motivates me is my mission. When I was a teenager I was forever told how studying Fashion was a waste of time and would achieve nothing. Opportunities for creative jobs for a young person were non-existent. I plan to change that over time to allow future generations to be able to sew if they want to!
Why did you choose to come and trade at the Frome Independent?
I applied to the Frome Independent on an absolute whim. I only have three pieces of clothing and just thought “why not?” I love going to the market and feeling the excitement, the awe towards so many talented artisans. I would love an excuse to have to attend every single one!
The Frome Independent is truly one of a kind, you’ll never find another market quite like it. The creativity and quality of the traders is topmost and you know that even if you’re not going to buy anything… you’ll end up buying everything!
What do you like about market trading – why not just sell online or through retail outlets?
By selling online or through retail outlets, you never get to truly meet your customers. I love meeting people who instantly connect with my garments and to see the raw emotion of falling in love, it’s incredible!
The beauty of seeing your garment find its new home and seeing who it is going with. Truly hits a note and I always cherish the memories I have from these one-on-one sales and conversations on what I am doing.
It’s so rare that you truly get to meet the individual who has created what is in front of you. To really hear about the process and the why towards everything that they are doing. That’s what makes the market so magical.
Tell us about your own favourite or best-selling product. How much work goes into creating it, why do you think this is your strongest product?
Our best-selling product is our Quilted Jacket. After patching, working together remnants and off-cuts of materials which are hand-picked. The Garment is hand-stitched and wadded together. All of the edges are bound with a bias binding and the garment is finished with irregular buttons. The Quilted Jackets take around 8 hours to sew together. A labour of love is definitely reflected in every stitch.
One of my favourite things is going out to source the perfect fabric for a garment. I have recently introduced a made-to-measure section on the website. Once we have a desired colour palette from our customers we can source out the perfect material to make something that truly resonates with our customers.
I think it’s the strongest product as it is something completely different as to what you would see on the high-street. It would be near impossible to replicate as well due to the nature of the different materials.
What is your favourite Frome shop, or stall to visit at The Frome Independent?
My favourite shop is Poot Emporium on Catherine Hill. It is such a treasure trove. The incredible spaces hosts independent fashion designers across Frome (and slightly further afield) who all stitch with the same ethos: working with vintage textiles to create something one-off and outstanding. The shop hosts Sow’s Ear and Collect Ear – two designers who heavily influence and inspire my work and brought realisation to my journey. It wouldn’t be a trip to Frome without visiting Poot Emporium.
My favourite stall to visit is The Great Cake Company. Their award-winning gluten free bakes are phenomenal. I always make sure to visit them after a day at the market for my monthly fix of friands. AND because my Grandfather, Jim, is addicted to their date and walnut Cake. If I go a month without getting him the cake, I get into trouble! But honestly, if you’re looking for a gift while at the market for a Grandparent, the date and walnut cake is a winner.
And finally, some quick fire questions….
Favourite book?
How can you decide? I’m currently reading ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain. A book about how introverts can be superior in an extroverted world. I am also recommending ‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee, as I quite literally couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it and the story is INCREDIBLE.
Describe your dream day off.
How many Car Boots or Charity Shops can you visit in a day? Retail therapy is the only way to my heart. A bonus would be adding in somewhere serving pancakes as well.
What are you listening to right now?
I’m a very big fan of the Podcast ‘The Kindness Economy’ with Mary Portas. The podcast engages conversations surrounding ethical and sustainable values businesses should be holding and showcases the stories behind many small independent brands that we love.
What are you cooking/ eating / drinking at the moment?
I am currently obsessing over Get Pickled Kimchi at the moment. A Kim-Cheese Sandwich is possibly the greatest thing known to man. It is also incredible in a stir-fry or as an accompaniment to any meal. P.S The Deliciously Ella app is game changing for meal time planning and ideas.
Thank you Evie! In the run up to the market on Sunday 4th September, Daines Atelier will be taking over The Frome Independent’s Instagram account to chat with some of our traders about how they incorporate sustainability and recycling into their innovative designs, including hosting a panel discussion on Friday 26th August at 6pm – check it out here:
