Stitched into a deeply entrenched seam of the British national psyche, alongside pots of tea and welly-clad Sunday walks to the pub, is an abiding affection for waxed cottons. There is nothing quite so reassuring as pulling a fully weather-proof jacket across a dress as a spring shower strikes up, or to stave off a storm. And, on this sceptered isle, where the weather’s continual tomfooleries can see four seasons displace one another over the course of a single day, it is well and wise to always come prepared.

It is in that tradition that we present our waxed cotton capsule collection, its lightness ideal for the dappled sunshine of spring, its waterproofing equal to the rains the season brings. Given the rich heritage of the material, it felt both apt and imperative that our waxed cotton should be manufactured by artisan makers whose skills have been honed over generations.

 

 

And so it was that, almost two decades ago, we set off to Dundee in search of a manufacturer whose expertise would be equal to our insistence on a holy trinity of design ideals: lightness of touch, durability of wear and the longevity to see out a lifetime and beyond. Reader, we found it.  

We feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with an independent manufacturer with more than 150 years’ experience under its water-tight belt, and whose skilled craftsmen know all there is to be gleaned about waxed cotton and weather-proofed fabrics. Its technicians even create bespoke machinery to create hard-wearing pieces in the full spectrum of colours – given our vision for a kaleidoscope of pillarbox reds, mossy greens and deeply pigmented yellows, this was music to our ears.

Every piece is rigorously tested against the elements to produce classics that not only look dashing but also perform under pressure of the capricious weather (simply top up the wax once a year). Densely woven with responsibly sourced cotton, naturally breathable and adaptable to ambient temperature, each piece is built to last and last, aging gracefully as it goes.

 

A classic C&R shape, our A-line, ground-skimming Jemima Coat comes in an amazing old fashioned green waxed cotton. With a mossy hue redolent of the hope-giving green shoots of spring, it is also endlessly practical. Its giant pockets are perfect for long walks, industrious days in the garden or hands-free jaunts to town minus a bag. Light enough for sweeping into spring without risk of being foiled by sudden downpours, it is also incredibly flattering with fitted shoulders and a cool strap collar which can be done up in bad weather.

 

Another of this season’s favourites is the Eco coat. A little shorter than Jemima, it features raglan sleeves which make for a very flattering shape, as well as a back vent that makes it move beautifully. The deeply pigmented cumin tones cheer up gloomy days with an instant shot of molten sunshine but, equally, it feels wildly happy on sun-drenched days too. The perfect mid-weight, shower-proof coat for trans-seasonal frolics, as apposite worn over sweetly flowing frocks as it is over cropped trousers and ankle boots for woodland walks.

 

Life in a wet country means that showerproofing extends beyond outerwear. Our navy cotton pieces are instant wardrobe staples, designed to age becomingly while keeping you toasty and dry.

 

Casual, loose fitting and extremely comfy, our capacious yet beautifully cut Evie Trousers are as glorious worn for industrious sessions with the secateurs in the garden as they are for slouchy Sundays gadding about galleries.

 

A sweet shape for showing off bare ankles in the summer, the laid-back yet flattering slouchy boyfriend fit features a tapered leg that gracefully concludes just above the ankle, enhanced with a subtle turn-up detail.

 

Our Buttercup Dress exudes effortless grace. The perfect all-year-round dress, it is as suited to elegant summer soirées on well-kept lawns as it is to weddings and, as the year marches on, to wearing with long-sleeve tees slipped beneath and a pair of Converse high-tops.

 

Spick and span, our immaculate Bea Tunic Dress in navy cotton is restrained yet playful, recalling both the mini-skirted fit-and-flare silhouettes of the 1960s and contemporary chic Japanese minimalism. Ideal for young ones or those who like to layer over jeans and trousers.

With its showstopping volume, impeccable tailoring and abiding simplicity, Gertrude is timeless, classic and goes with everything.

 

Scrupulously unfussy and featuring an incredibly flattering shape, our modest Simple Kilt is made for comfort, thanks to its elastic at the back waistband. Wear it with a simple tee and sandals for a classic summer look.