Christie Brown, Slow South
We were immediately drawn to the sunray-like energy of Slow South, the slow fashion brand specialising in handprinted capsule lines inspired by soul and the sea.
After many-a-month scrolling through the coastal designs, we just had to catch up with Christie to get a little glimmer behind the scenes.
Christie joins us from her studio down in the beautiful South Devon (UK) and let’s us in on how it all began {4 min read}.
[We are honoured to have Christie as an Uncommon Club member. Jump in the Club if you’d love to connect with her & hear more about her brand]
Before we kick off, can you give us an idea of where in the world you’re based?
Currently living in South Devon, a couple miles from the beach. My workshop is nestled away on a friends farm.
Can you tell us more about the mission behind Slow South?
Slow South is a slow fashion brand trying to be as ethical as possible, with small, limited (or made to order) capsule collections; using waste reducing processes and water based inks; I will continue to take steps – whether big or small – to be more kind to our planet
Where did the concept of Slow South begin?
Since uni I always worked as a freelance photographer and graphic designer, to begin with things just didn’t take off for me, so I worked in pubs, surf shops etc to make ends meet.
I then got a full time job designing licensed Disney clothing for women and children – I continued working freelance during this time too, focussing on building my portfolio and client base.
After three years at the company I took the leap and quit to go freelance full time in design. It was extremely daunting but deep down I knew I could achieve what I wanted – I wanted my freedom back.
My photography and design was steady but COVID hit and I lost a lot of work. However, there was one skill I learnt at university – which funnily enough I said “WHEN AM I EVER GOING TO USE THIS?” was of course, screen printing.
Pre-lockdown, a friend gave me a homemade press they were getting rid of and that was the start of printing tees on the kitchen table, selling through instagram stories – to later find people actually liked them?! As I was posting about the clothing through my photography/design page, I thought, this could be a little confusing to people. Then Slow South – it’s very own brand was born.
Can you give us a little insight in the process of making your pieces?
Okayyy so. From initial concept, to illustrating, to printing, photographing, marketing, website – I do it all! Screen-printing is something I learnt in university, as I’m hand printing the garments and not using a machine each piece is truly printed with love. Illustration has always been a big part of my life, always doodling as a kid then loving hand drawn typography throughout uni and beyond. I just love that I can combine everything I’ve studied and love and Slow South is the result of that.
We are all about redefining the traditional markers of success in business. What does individual success look like to you?
What a question. Well, I love to travel, I love to create, I love to get in the sea with my camera, I love to swim, I think success I just getting to do the stuff you really fucking love. To be able to CREATE A LIFE YOU LOVE.
What does a normal day in South Devon look like to you?
Slow mornings usually, admin, then off to the workshop to print and dispatch, then a dog walk with a friend or a dip in the sea.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
To grow and keep learning, meet people, keep creating, do my best.
QUICK FIRE 🔥
What are your top two favourite resources that you find more useful in running your business?
For photography – Lightroom. For video – Inshot.
