URBAN Caledonia is making waves in the childrenswear market with uniquely designed Scottish clothing for kids.
The brand was founded by entrepreneur Claire Thom, who began her career working in a very different industry. Graduating from Aberdeen University with a degree in management studies and completing a Masters in HR at Robert Gordon University, Thom originally worked in the oil and gas industry.
Work took her to Dubai and she, her husband and her children lived overseas for five years.
But when Thom and her family arrived back in Scotland, she was armed with a cunning business prospect inspired by her family and years of living abroad.
Thom says: “I found it difficult, when we were on our travels, to find gifts for other young families that would proudly represent us as a unique Scottish family. When we returned to Scotland in 2013 my mind was focused on the idea that I wanted to create something that would fill that gap in the market.”
And so contemporary children’s clothing brand Urban Caledonia was born in June this year.
With her youngest starting school last year, Thom identifies as one of Scotland’s growing number of “parentpreneurs” and she has launched herself straight into the core of Scotland’s fashion scene.
Urban Caledonia offers a modern, Scottish take on sleepsuits, bodysuits, pyjamas, T-shirts, hoodies and joggers. Catering for babies and children up to the age of 11, Thom places an importance on premium quality and easy care, predominantly using soft cotton which is ideal for young skin.
The label steers away from traditional soft tones, instead using strong colours in fuchsia, sapphire blue, navy, grey and white. The look is finished off with the brand’s signature quirky depictions of traditional icons to create clothing which is distinctly Scottish.
The range was so successful that the hoodies and sleepsuits sold out within 48 hours of release and Urban Caledonia has already received international orders from Singapore, Dubai and the US.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here