Gillian Kyle the talented textile designer, businesswoman and mum-to-be chats to StyleNest
On graduating from Glasgow School of Art in 2008 and with design jobs in Scotland near to non-existent, born and bred Scot, Gillian Kyle decided to go it alone. Gillian now runs a successful textiles brand creating quirky, retro printed home wears, clothing and gifts. With collaborations with Tunnocks, Glenfiddich and Harrods, and with a little boy on the way things are full steam ahead for Gillian. Lucky for us, she took five minutes out from her busy schedule for a catchup with StyleNest.
Aside from the obvious teacakes and Irn Bru, where do you get your creative inspiration?
We have just released a new range of designs inspired by the old-fashioned menu boards of classic seaside cafes. There is just so much wonderful tradition, history and beauty in some of these places – just seeing the wafer cones piled high on the counter and the formica table tops transports me back to simpler times.
Tell us about your exciting collaboration with Harrods?
We recently did a redesign of the Harrods signature ‘Westie’ which was great, fun and very cute. The image should be appearing on Harrods products sometime in the coming year.
Congratulations on becoming pregnant. How is it all going?
Its going really well thank you, although it was a bit of a struggle up to 20 weeks as I had the dreaded all-day nausea. I’m now at 32 weeks and have started to feel quite exhausted, but the bit in the middle was lovely!
Has your style changed at all with pregnancy? Any favourite pieces you’ve spotted or cool maternity brands you’re loving?
Wow – style, yes, I do vaguely remember that. I’ve been lucky I think, as I’m still managing to wear some of my favourite pre-pregnancy pieces. I did get some great over-the-bump maternity jeans from Swedish brand Boob which fit really well and are super-comfy. I’ve also bought a few bits and bobs from the regular high street – a lovely empire-line maxi dress and a drapey batwing tee from Whistles in particular.
You live in Glasgow and we have lots of StyleNest readers north of the boarder. Can you recommend any great restaurants or things to do with or without the kids?
Glasgow is a renaissance city right now, there’s so much going on in terms of the arts, music, fashion, food – its pretty exhilarating. The new Riverside museum, designed by Zaha Hadid, which houses the Glasgow Transport Museum collection is just so stunning, and combined with the industrial Clydeside location and the richness of the exhibits, its just the best day out. Restaurant wise, I love The Ubiquitous Chip in the leafy and indie West End’s Ashton Lane. Its a really unique atmosphere and the food is locally sourced, and very special indeed. And if you go into the attached Chip pub you can sometimes do a bit of Scottish celeb’ spotting, which is always fun.
You’re dedicated to using organic cotton in your products. Tell us about that and how important it is to you.
It’s really important to me that the things that are produced under my name cause minimal environmental and human damage. We try to make things that will last well and are not destined for landfill by using the best and greenest materials we can. Once we discovered the truth about the damage that traditional cotton production causes to people and the environment we felt compelled to use organic wherever possible. Most folk see cotton as such a benign, natural thing but the reality is really quite shocking.
Have you had a chance to scout out some cool childrenswear brands for when your little one arrives?
I love Little Green Radicals for their witty eco designs, Olive&Moss and Dandy Star. My sister-in-law gave us a glorious fine-gage hand knitted shetland wool shawl for him too. Its so fine it can pass through my wedding ring – definitely a future family heirloom.
Iconic food features heavily in your prints. What’s your ultimate food related guilty pleasure?
I’m actually really into the raw food philosophy and natural nutrition but I do love a good fish supper now and again, and I’m a big lover of Montezuma chocolate.
Where do you like to shop?
I’m really concerned about the trend towards disposable, cheap fashion and generally try my best to buy less but pay more. I have some staple shops that I keep coming back to again and again, like Cos and Whistles, and I love t-shirts from Zoe Karssen and Wildfox.
Finally, what’s next for Gillian Kyle? Are you going to slow down a bit with the baby coming or is it getting busier and busier?
I’m really keen to get a bit of uninterrupted time with my wee boy and I’m lucky that I can be flexible about where I work. I think my baby sling is going to be well used – ‘just strap him on and get on with it’ is going to be my philosophy I think. I’m really keen to start developing more beautiful homeware products like cushions and ceramics and a new line of printed scarves and tote bags with a more fashion feel.