Interview: Christopher Raeburn

Christopher Raeburn is the patriotic, streetwise and eco-conscious designer behind Raeburn Designs. His ethical women and menswear ranges which are ‘remade in England’ with recycled materials such as parachutes and profess to address the needs and concerns of a modern society. With fabulous collaborative works and a LFW show under his belt, this is a man with a busy schedule and great design credentials. Needless to say, we were more than a little thrilled when he took the time to have a chat with Greenmystyle.com.

What first made you want to create ethically aware garments?

Strangely, my origin wasn’t in ethical design – it was in reworking re-deployed military fabrics and inherent within that is the ethical issue. Now I feel it’s simply the way the industry has to move. That’s just common sense.

Where did the inspiration to use parachutes for your s/s 09 collection come from?

I’ve actually been working with parachutes for a number of seasons, because I love their construction and detailing – and the way you can play with volume and silhouette. I also like the way the colours help dictate the look and feel of the collection. S/S 09 is all about white.

How did you manage to get hold of the de-commissioned European military stock featured in the majority of your designs?

I’ve managed to build up a number of very reliable contacts over the years. Generally I try to purchase British military stock, but some of the fabrics I’ve obtained have come as from far afield as Germany, Sweden and the US. It’s gotten to the point now that because people know what I do, they contact me.

Do you wear any of your own garments? If so, which is your favourite?

The reversible Prince of Wales check jacket is my favourite this winter. But I’m looking forward to wearing the Parachute Parka from the A/W 09 menswear collaboration I’ve recently finished with Tim Soar, which was on show at London Fashion Week.

Raeburn Designs is already growing quickly and successfully. Where do you see the company heading in the future?

I’ve quite a lot of collaborative work going on at the moment – I have interesting plans for a publication and I certainly hope to build on the successful start to the year in terms of developing collections.

What other projects are you currently working on?

I’m looking at some new design projects with a number of large, well known, British corporations and look out for an interesting new direction for the Worn Again bag range.

Why is being ethically conscious so important to you?

I think it’s part of a bigger shift in global conscience that is happening now and needs to continue to happen.

Which eco-labels do you most admire?

Howies and Finisterre are very good at what they do. On a slight tangent I have always had an admiration for Saville Row tailors and everything they stand for; Quality work, constructed from British fabrics and made on one street in London.

What kind of an impact do you want Raeburn Designs to have on modern society?

I want to be known for good, innovative design. Importantly made, or remade in Britain.