Designers Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt are making waves in womenswear with innovative creations and a focus on community-driven retail experiences.
Designers Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt are making a notable impact in the realm of womenswear, showcasing their latest creations, which include innovative garments like mohair blanket plaid skirts, skinny jeans embellished with silk headscarf cutouts, and mini vest dresses featuring playful handkerchief hemlines. The duo has garnered attention not only from their male clientele but has also seen a surge in interest from female shoppers, signaling a successful expansion into this market.
Last weekend, the pair conducted a lookbook shoot in the garage of their creative space situated at 25 Corsham Street in London, an area that has become a low-key hub for their activities. The site is home to “Jake’s,” a pop-up shop curated by Burt that operates on select Saturdays. This shop offers a variety of items, including their current designs, vintage finds, and unique products based on consumer demand. Burt has even set up an Instagram page to showcase the offerings, which aims to engage their audience. “It feels very tangible,” Cooke stated, reflecting on the importance of making authentic connections in the fashion industry.
The approach these young designers have taken underscores a shift towards more community-oriented retail experiences amid challenges posed by e-commerce and the often impersonal nature of luxury brand stores. “It’s really fun. I love doing it,” Burt remarked about the shop. He noted that visitors often stop by on their way to nearby establishments such as a bookstore, a record shop, or a bakery, creating a lively atmosphere within the neighborhood.
Gathering direct feedback from customers has influenced their design process significantly. Burt reported a growing interest in specific elements of their women’s tailoring and rodeo shirts, much of which is constructed using deadstock fabrics. This focus has allowed Cooke and Burt to maintain a dynamic relationship with their audience, understanding their preferences and improving their product fittings without relying on intermediaries or online platforms.
Integral to their collection this season is the jacket-skirt, an item that showcases their signature style. This iteration has been crafted as a red Harrington jacket featuring a double-layer made from vintage rugby shirts sewn into the inside hem, demonstrating their ability to merge clever design with practicality. Through their innovative retail strategies and community engagement, Cooke and Burt are redefining the contemporary fashion narrative while simultaneously fostering a micro-community culture among their customers.
Source: Noah Wire Services
