The V&A Dundee has teamed up with a local designer and textile firm to create a raincoat that combines local history and expertise with high fashion.
The limited-edition garment is the result of a collaboration with Kerrie Alexander’s independent fashion label KerrieALDO and Halley Stevensons, who have been making waterproof waxed cotton in the city for more than 150 years.
Only 20 numbered raincoats and matching bags have been made. They were hand-cut using a new pattern created for the project and will be available at the V&A Dundee shop, costing £200 for the coat and £45 for the bag.
They are available in navy and orange and feature signature KerrieALDO finishes such as coloured trims and an inner patch pocket made from Ancient Dundee Old Heavy Weight Tartan. The pattern had not been used for 160 years until it was recently resurrected by the Ben Nevis Handloom Weavers of Dundee.
Dundonian Kerrie said she had turned to the history books to come up with a design that was a perfect fit for the city.
“I came across ‘the slicker’, a hooded coat worn by fisherman in the archives at Halley Stevensons, and this has had a big influence on the design of the coat, as has V&A Dundee’s contemporary architecture,” she said.
“The coat has lots of special details to the inner which illustrate the level of care and attention that has gone into each piece.
“A collar was discussed at an early design meeting, but having grown up in Dundee, I knew a hood was an essential feature of the Dundee Raincoat, to deal with the unpredictable Scottish weather.”
James Campbell, managing director at Halley Stevensons, said: “We are delighted to have collaborated on this exceptional piece of design.
“Halley Stevensons is pretty unique in that we work in the same way with large brands as we do with smaller artisan labels such as KerrieALDO.
“There’s an understanding with our clients that we help them in any way we can, and they are part of our research and development with the feedback they give us in return. It’s an added bonus for us to watch brands develop with our product.
“Our collaborative process is always the same and we are exceptionally proud when we can support younger labels such as Kerrie’s.”
Christian Moire, director of operations at V&A Dundee, said: “Our visitors tell us they are interested in supporting independent designers and shopping for unique items that have a local connection.
“Dundee-based Halley Stevensons supply international brands with their high-quality waxed cotton, so it was a natural fit for us to collaborate with them and KerrieALDO.
WWe are excited to launch the Dundee Raincoat this autumn and to have worked with two very inspiring independent businesses.”
