Field, Fork, Fashion: Bullock 374 and a designers journey to find a future for leather By Alice V Robinson
Field, Fork, Fashion: Bullock 374 and a designers journey to find a future for leather
By Alice V Robinson
From one of the Vogue Business 100 Innovators List - 2023
‘‘The idea that fashion is grown and comes from a farm always surprises people as we are so disconnected from where the things we wear come from. So, this wonderful project and book, executed with great charm and creativity, is an important message.’’ Anya Hindmarch
In this personal investigation into ethical and traceable leather, fashion designer Alice Robinson begins a ground-breaking journey into the origin story of leather and its connection to food and farming.
As a fashion student, Alice started to question the material she worked with. Leather is universally acknowledged as a luxury material, from which desirable bags, shoes and clothing are made. But how much do we know about where it comes from?
Alice’s questions led back to her childhood home in rural Shropshire, where she decided to buy Bullock 374 and follow its journey from a local farm to the abattoir, then to the butchery and finally to the tannery. The journey culminates with Alice’s own design practice as she creates a collection based on this single hide
In doing so, Alice would begin to see the bigger picture – and connect farm, food and fashion for the first time to understand the true meaning of provenance, value and beauty.
About Alice V Robinson
Alice V Robinson’s work explores the relationship between food and fashion by connecting farming to the design of products and revealing the story behind leather. Alice trained as an accessory designer and is an Alumna of the Royal College of Art. Her work has been shown at the London Design Festival, Victoria and Albert Museum and MAD, Brussels; her collection ‘11458’ was acquired by the V&A in 2020.
Alice co-founded Grady + Robinson in 2020 with collaborator Sara Grady to create British Pasture Leather, the first supply of leather made from animals raised on regenerative farms in the UK. Inspired by a belief that regenerative agricultural practices are a crucial solution in renewing soils, stewarding land and reforming food and fashion systems, Grady + Robinson are linking leather with exemplary agriculture and forging new connections between farming, food and material culture. Grady + Robinson were named Sustainability Thought Leaders for the Vogue Business 100 Innovators List – 2023.
Field, Fork, Fashion is now available on the SFW Shop!