SCOTTISH label Rory Hutton is causing a storm in the menswear industry with its bright and bold accessories.
Prior to founding his brand, Hutton studied fashion design at Limerick School of Art and Design where he attained a BA. Following this, he completed a masters in design history at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin.
After graduating in 2009, Hutton went on to gain first-hand experience in the industry. He worked for leading British brands including Vivienne Westwood and Hardy Amies of Savile Row. After success working for others he decided to strike out on his own, launching his label from London’s trendy Brick Lane in 2013.
He soon carved a niche for himself with hand-printed Irish linen bow ties, and he channels his passion for design and history into creating contemporary yet timeless pieces.
Hutton says: “These two fields of interest combine to create a dynamic collection of gentlemen’s accessories which are more than just artefacts. Championing traditional craftsmanship and heritage fabrics such as Irish linen means these accessories have soul and can become the heirlooms of the future.”
Hutton is now based in Glasgow, and is inspired by the city’s design heritage.
“I have always loved designers such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Christopher Dresser and Alexander Greek Thomson. It’s exciting to be following in their footsteps. Scotland is an incredibly supportive place to be as an entrepreneur. I’m currently part of the Fashion Foundry programme supported by the Cultural Enterprise Office. This gives me invaluable access to industry experts.”
Throughout both his education and experience, Hutton developed a passion for detail and a love of storytelling. These remain core elements in each of his collections, which have been extended to include pocket squares and socks.
Since launching, Hutton’s label has gone from strength to strength. His designs are stocked in luxury stores around the world; his first collection was picked up by Fortnum & Mason of Piccadilly and Brown Thomas of Dublin.
His talents have also been recognised and credited by industry experts. In December 2016 he was a Scottish EDGE winner in the Young category and was awarded £10,000.
He says: “Winning Young Scottish EDGE was a great boost for my business as well as my personal confidence. EDGE gave me the opportunity to work with some incredible people during 2017.”
Hutton’s success has continued into 2017. He recently won the I-on Magazine Breakthrough Award for Design, he was named runner-up in the Great British Creative Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and his designs were showcased at Men’s London Fashion Week for the first time.
Of his plans for the new year, Hutton says: “I’m so excited for 2018. I love working with other people and I’ve lined up some fantastic brand collaborations. More on that soon!”
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