Ella Griffee
I design and make clothes to be worn and weathered. To be passed down by loved ones to those searching for a piece of home to carry with them. I’m inspired by styles and materials that I come back to time and time again, from the well-worn jackets that stay on the coat rack for all of the family to use, to the oversized shirts I’ve acquired from my Dad. Instagram: @ellagriffee_studio
Ella’s statement on first appearance is a simple one. But with further inspection, in reality, it is an incredibly hard task, especially in today’s climate of fast fashion and over production. But if anyone has, Ella Griffee studios has captured this ethos intrinsically. From inspiration, through material and design, all the way to final product, the pieces created are the epitome of sustainably made. The way Ella works induces change, when you love the clothes you wear, you look after them, protect them and make them last. One of the few that make a difference in their creation., from reclaimed linen to her unique buttons recycled from end-of-life Cornish fishing nets, Ella keeps sustainability very close to heart. Often with sustainable brands, the style and design is lacking and the price tag is astronomically high but Ella’s shirts are beautiful, made by hand by a professionally trained cutter and with true-cost transparency. We love them.
Take a read of our full interview with Ella below, some of her wonderful shirts shot by Honor Dansie and if you want some new garms check out Ella’s website.
Ostrich [OM] Hi Ella. How’re you doing this morning?
Ella Griffee [EG] Good morning, I’m doing well thanks - You’ve caught me in the middle of a few days off, so I’m feeling pretty refreshed. That combined with sunshine and lockdown easing in England makes for one happy lady.
[OM] Where about are you, answering these questions?
[EG] It’s been a busy few months so I’m in helford, a little village in west Cornwall for a few days, mostly walking and cooking, and feeling guilty about not sewing.
[OM] How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
[EG] I started Ella Griffee Studio in the pandemic, so this way of working is all I know, I find it easier to get my head down working alone. The pandemic did induce a quarter life crisis though, I left my job as a design assistant to start sewing solo last summer.
[OM] What sort of fashion do you do?
[EG] Wearable fashion with a considered approach - designing with longevity, versatility and sustainability in mind. Wearable fashion tends to be thought of as creatively watered down, but I hope to show this isn’t the case. Owning something beautiful and well-made that you can wear everyday iS the best of both worlds.
[OM] How long have been ‘into’ fashion?
[EG] I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was little, without really knowing what it involved. I suppose it seemed glamorous and exclusive, which as I got older felt intimidating. Studying fashion design in Cornwall meant it was all about the creative process and less about the fancy world fashion comes with.
[OM] Sustainability seems very key for you, could you tell us tell us more about it?
[EG] A reason I love designing and making is the magic of creating something out of nothing. In a world that’s already so saturated this comes with a responsibility to create ethically. From the outset I’ve approached all decisions with a sustainable focus, from organic & deadstock materials, to buttons, to packaging, to making everything in house myself.
[OM] We love your buttons, they’re beautiful. Could you tell us a bit more about them?
[EG] Thank you! I’m still in awe of them too and credit goes to a couple of brilliant Cornish innovators who help me. each button is 3D printed just for my garments, the blue/green buttons are made from 100% marine nylon. This originates from end of life Cornish fishing nets. The white buttons are printed from 100% recycled drinking plastics. Both are beautiful, incredibly strong and harness Cornish talent.
[OM] You seem to draw a lot of inspiration from family photos, have they always inspired you?
[EG] I’ve always been drawn to the clothes people wear when they aren’t trying. Clothes that are worn for comfort, or function, or just because it happens to be the nearest thing to the front door before the dog walk. These are items that were shared by the family. This familiarity is a really intriguing concept, and one that I explore.
[OM] Do you have plans for the future? New designs or new projects?
[EG] I still feel I’ve only just begun, and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind which I’m really grateful for. I’ve got a few new styles I’m working on slowly, and exciting collaborations in the pipeline.
[OM] What inspires you?
[EG] I’m constantly motivated by the people around me, friends and family who create and mould the life they want. Whilst I love seeing the work of renowned designers, it’s not something I tend to tap in to for inspiration. I’ve found that my references tend to be more exciting to me when they are much more personal.
[OM] Do you ever collaborate with people?
[EG] I DO! Working alone means I crave bouncing off others and fresh input. I work with the very talented Emma Singleton on my branding, and am currently in the middle of an embroidery project.
[OM] What are you working on at the moment?
[EG] Months ago I found a beautiful deadstock gingham fabric, which I’ve been saving for Spring. I released a button down shirt in this gingham last week, and had a lovely response so I’m busy making these to order.
[OM] How did the lockdown affect your practice?
[EG] Lockdown practice is all I’m used to, but I can’t wait to see how life post lockdown changes my work. There’s definitely a real feeling of hope & opportunity that was hard to find during the bleak winter lockdown.
[OM] Where about are you based at the moment?
[EG] Falmouth, cornwall, England. It’s such a creative hub, and the beaches and pubs are a plus.
[OM] Ah amazing, do you find that the Cornish coastline inspires you?
[EG] The Cornish coastline is unreal, there’s so much to explore here from small coves to towns with lasting artistic legacies like st ives and newlyn. The rawness of the land and sea, combined with the romantic light makes for a place that gets under your skin.
[OM] How long have you been working in fashion for?
[EG] I’ve worked in fashion for 2 years since graduating. Experienced a lot from internships in London to working with the product team at a high street brand. It feels natural to be where I am now, starting my own brand but there’s still so much to learn.
[OM] What was it that drew you to fashion?
[EG] It perfectly combines the methodical with the creative. I’m a typical virgo and crave structure and process, but without freedom to experiment I feel stagnant. I see fashion as functional art.
[OM] What triggered you to make the leap into starting your own brand?
[EG] During the pandemic I began designing and sewing again, and just became completely absorbed by it. I saw it as a personal project initially, and spent months experimenting. When furlough finished and I was called back to work I only lasted a few weeks before resigning. All I wanted to do was work on my project, which then became my brand.
[OM] Where would you see yourself in 10 years time?
[EG] The dream is to have a large studio in Cornwall, with a small team of seamstresses to sew alongside, and a studio dog by my feet.
[OM] Is there somebody/friend or designer that inspires you in particular?
[EG] I’m hugely inspired by Per Götesson, who I interned with a few years ago. His menswear is unique, romantic and challenging and feels truly authentic. On a more commercial level I love Paloma wool - especially the imagery they create.
[OM] Is there a certain type of fashion you like?
[EG] I’m cautious of trends, so I like to see fashion that doesn’t tap into the trend led industry. I’m always drawn to wearable fashion with interesting conceptual beginnings.
[OM] How and where can we get some of your beautiful shirts?
[EG] They are available on my website www.ellagriffee.co.uk and made to order. For any custom pieces email me at ellagriffee_studio@outlook.com. Keep an eye on things at @ellagriffee_studio.
[OM] In your opinion, what is your favourite design you’ve got?
[EG] The Vinney shirt in organic cotton twill. It references an old rugby shirt of my dad’s that was handed down to me. I love the silhouette the stiff fabric creates and the take on a classic white shirt.
[OM] So lovely to talk to you today, anything else planned fo the day?
[EG] Plan for the rest of the day is non-existent, which is what I like for a day off. When I’m back in my studio I’ll be catching up on orders and sourcing materials. Thank you so much for chatting to me! Huge fan of what you guys do and very excited to see what’s to come.
