Melancholy is an emotion often occasioned by people or places. Melancholy also can be experienced as longing, yearning or missing something. It is considered to be a mature response to loss after the process of feeling sorrow and deep sadness. The story of the genesis of Stutterheim as a brand is the story of one man’s response to the loss of a beloved grandfather, a creative way to cope with winter depression and the desire to improve upon something that is lacking after being caught in a rainstorm. In other words Alexander Stutterheim’s acceptance and embracement of a state of melancholy was the impetus to experiment and design a garment that would serve to change the course of his professional life. As Stutterheim himself puts it, “I have never looked upon this as creating a brand with the purpose to attract people; I just mirrored what was in my heart, and saw a need for a cool-looking raincoat that protected against the outer demons”.
Two events, the finding of his grandfather’s fishing raincoat in an old barn on an island in a beautiful Swedish archipelago and being driven into a café during a rainstorm, prompted Stutterheim to enter a state of reflection about the nature of how people protect themselves in the rain and the lack of being able to do so in a garment that was stylish and contemporary. The classic lines of his grandfather’s coat had greater appeal than the more industrial fishing jackets or sportswear-like raincoats on the market and so Stutterheim drafted a pattern and the first oil cloth model was cut and constructed in his apartment. After calling on friends to help develop a more refined pattern and making a decision to be as “Swedish” as possible, the coats are now produced in Swedish factories. The coats are distinguished by their narrow, boxy cut and fit, the addition of a hood and a very sophisticated matte finished and lined oilskin. The values of the brand include crafting in ways to ensure that the garments are timeless and ageless and built for longevity, transparency and respecting and acknowledging the craft persons involved in production.
The brand has now expanded beyond the signature coat to include boots, umbrellas, capes and ponchos. To see the range of colors and looks see my Pinterest board, Accidental Icon Likes Stutterheim.
How do you use your clothes to “mirror what is in your heart”?
First, that’s a fabulous raincoat. If we had more rain here I’d hunt one down. I don’t think my process of "mirroring what’s in my heart" is quite as conscious, but I do attempt to dress in a way that I describe as "organic," where the clothes that I’m wearing feel like a natural extension of myself. Some days I need a lot of movement and drama; other days more structure and stillness.
Another great question, that I admit, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about. But now that I do, I guess I must mirror what’s in my heart. I think maybe I dress ‘forward’, more and more like the woman I’m becoming, evolving into. I might be a bit behind myself but it’s my idea of myself, not anyone else’s.
Anita
That”s the power of clothing in my book, the ultimate universe of choices regarding how we choose to express our identity (or not). Would love to see some of your outfits.
Another great question, that I admit, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about. But now that I do, I guess I must mirror what’s in my heart. I think maybe I dress ‘forward’, more and more like the woman I’m becoming, evolving into. I might be a bit behind myself but it’s my idea of myself, not anyone else’s.
Anita
Color of my clothes is a very important expression
of my heart–I have four bright red sweaters and
that color has kept me warm–like a fire place! It is my
wintertime necessity that accompanies my black
skirts and other black outfit "parts".
The joy and passion of a pop of red, especially with black nothing conveys heart like red.
Color of my clothes is a very important expression
of my heart–I have four bright red sweaters and
that color has kept me warm–like a fire place! It is my
wintertime necessity that accompanies my black
skirts and other black outfit "parts".
The joy and passion of a pop of red, especially with black nothing conveys heart like red.
What a wonderful back story. As a poet this reflective creation, both yours and Sttuterheim’s, warms my heart.
My clothing is still undergoing metamorphosis as I identify my gender expression. It started very masculine, then back to feminine, and with reduced oscillations is settling into the world of genderqueer!
That”s the power of clothing in my book, the ultimate universe of choices regarding how we choose to express our identity (or not). Would love to see some of your outfits.
That is a truly great story about how the coat came to be. And it is such a cool and fabulous looking raincoat. I don’t know that I dress to express my emotions per se, but I do dress to let the world know who I am. I always go with what I’m drawn to on that particular day.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
I found the coat so interesting because of the tag that comes with it about melancholy. The I researched it and found the incredible story. That is why I started this blog, gives me the chance to think about and discovery amazing stories about my clothes!
Thanks for your comment. That must be an interesting life you lead. I too am short and often have trouble finding the right size in woman swear too.
I admire the company and their Made in Sweden production philosophy as well as their designs. But I would never be able to wear any of their selections. I am 5’4" and small but curvy. (Why is it that Unisex sizing is made for a man’s needs first?) If you are looking for a good woman’s raincoat I recommend the 97 24 by M0851. I promise I have no interest in this company!
To answer your question. Just like you wear a raincoat when it’s raining, I dress for each occasion. I live on a ranch so my regular attire is based on functional, high quality essential pieces. If I’m going to a city, I think much more about expressing myself creatively with my clothing.
Thanks for your comment. That must be an interesting life you lead. I too am short and often have trouble finding the right size in woman swear too.
Thanks for posting this. I had not heard of the company but they fit in with my own personal shopping ethos of not buying fast fashion. It may also be time for me to grow up (at 60!) and wear a real raincoat and not a hiking shell. Although I wonder if they will be far too hot for summer wear.
I love this company and they are coming our with a gorgeous pea coat in the Fall. Thanks for all you supportive comments on all my media.
Thanks for posting this. I had not heard of the company but they fit in with my own personal shopping ethos of not buying fast fashion. It may also be time for me to grow up (at 60!) and wear a real raincoat and not a hiking shell. Although I wonder if they will be far too hot for summer wear.
I love this company and they are coming our with a gorgeous pea coat in the Fall. Thanks for all you supportive comments on all my media.