There are some truly brilliant up and coming independent British brands about at the moment, each one a fresh new creative force offering a real alternative to the mass produced and often bland garments being knocked out by some of the big established labels.
One such brand is the morning glory, the label is a creative collaboration between Scott McClymont (AKA Scottie) and his better half Tina. Tina is a successful artist who’s work involves the creation of bright, bold abstract collages and installations inspired by modern cultural landscapes. Scott’s passions are firmly rooted in the music and fashion of the 1970s, 80s & 90s. There are lots of crossovers between Tina’s work and the nostalgia of Scott’s youth so it was a natural progression to set up their own brand and share all the things that a couple of forty something’s love with the rest of the world. The brands uber cool aesthetic is a celebration of everything from Adidas to Abstraction, New Order to Neon & BMX to Basquiat!
Editor Paul Smith managed to catch up with Scottie for an exclusive interview to get the lowdown on the brand, and to find out the real story behind the morning glory!
When did you launch the brand?
We officially launched the brand in 2017, previous to this I was running a clothing business selling high end designer labels, the likes of Stone Island, CP Company and so on, I was also stocking vintage pieces that I sourced direct from Italy. It was at this time that I decided that I wanted to move in a different direction and start my own label.
What was the inspiration behind the logo?
Basically geometric shapes, the logo is made up of 7 pillars. There are far too many influences to simply round it up to one answer really. I suppose the main influence is my life itself and the things that have surrounded it such as art, electronic music, clubbing and being an 80’s kid even Skyway wheels from my BMX’s days. The logo will mean different things to different people, and that’s what art is meant to do, it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
Which designers have had the most influence on you?
Well I discovered the work of Massimo Osti in the 1980’s which has always stuck with me, but the main influence was sportswear from the big labels that really owned 1980’s, the likes of Adidas, Fila, Ellesse and son on, I suppose everything that went on to be known as Casual. I really loved the whole B-Boy look , it was a great time for clothing and also a great time to have been young.
What projects have you currently got in the pipeline?
Alongside my current ready to wear stuff I have got a brand new collection coming soon which includes long sleeve polos’, hoodies and sweaters. I have also got some really exciting experimental pieces that I have been working on including a brand new take on the Aplenflage jacket. I have been doing a lot of dying experiments recently so I am really excited about the next 12 months.
So what do you get up to when you’re not doing clothes?
I love electronic music and bands like New Order and Joy Division, so I have been making some experimental stuff of my own. I also still really enjoy sourcing vintage clobber, and I love going to gigs as well, naturally I really enjoy art and of course I love my footy.