Clare Haggas’s silk scarves, designed and made in England
According to the saying, in business, if you stand still, you’re really going backwards. Chance would be a fine thing for Clare Haggas, for whom standing still has been a luxury that has evaded her all summer long.
It’s been a busy time for the Lincolnshire based artist and designer, who has built her brand on both a passion for the countryside, but also her determination to remain sober, which she will have achieved for 12 years by the time winter arrives.
Among the news stories surrounding Clare’s business recently are a series of appearances at some of the country’s smartest and most well-attended game fairs and country shows plus an investment in new, state-of-the-art printing equipment which further enhances the bright colours in her work and allows Clare to become the first UK brand to produce double-sided silk scarves, only usually seen with brands like Hermés.
Moreover, spring 2024 saw Clare expand her range to encompass Clare Haggas Home, with luxury king-sized throws perfect for winter, and a range of plush cushions for anyone keen to hunker down on the sofa this winter with a good book and a roaring fire.
“I’ve not had a minute to stand still all summer long,” says Clare. “Customers always think there’s a big team here. In fact there are three of us in the business, and we all work really hard. People are surprised when I answer the phone but I enjoy working hard in a small team, and that also allows us to keep the products as affordable as they can be without compromising quality.”
Clare discovered – or rather, rediscovered – her talent for art after successfully engaging with a rehab programme which has seen her achieve nearly 12 years of sobriety.
Art therapy was something with which she engaged, and as she began channeling her time and attention into painting, favouring nature and birds – specifically those including native birds in the UK and those she had seen whilst living in South Africa – she made a pact with herself to maintain sobriety, and moved from her native Cheltenham down to Lincolnshire in 2013.
One painting in particular is especially important to Clare. The original is still in her studio and Clare considers it both priceless and life-changing: Tuft Warfare shows two pheasants tussling with one another. The painting was ‘genesis’ and set a precedent for the look and feel of Clare’s future work.
A chance meeting with someone in the silk printing profession and a throwaway comment that the design would work well on silk led to a few prototypes. In a move that Clare thought might be slightly ambitious, she ordered 50 scarves and presentation boxes for her first run and was thrilled when they sold out within just a few hours.
Clare’s ethos today remains that all of her designs should continue to be made in England, along with her gift boxes. Nor will she compromise on maintaining a personal presence with customers. Even if that means feeling a little overwhelmed when those customers find themselves feeling a little starstruck to be meeting the designer.
“I don’t like how impersonal online companies are. I was determined that there would always be a friendly voice on the end of the phone, and that I’d be on the stand at country shows and game fairs to meet our customers and enjoy listening to the feedback on the brand. One customer at this year’s Game Fair, though, said that she felt nervous about coming up and talking to me, which was very strange! We’re a small company, but one that offers genuinely luxurious, designs that people will enjoy owning and wearing.”
“There we were, though, standing shoulder to shoulder with brands like Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor, being worn by the winners of the Game Fair’s Best Dressed competitions… it felt so good and we were all really proud.”
“This year has seen the launch of our new Caledonia range of bold-faced stags and Watching Over Me, featuring Robins, as well as our range of cushions and throws.”
“I feel extremely proud to have created a range of products that celebrate the British countryside and are still made right here in England.”
Clare Haggas is a wildlife artist and textile designer based in Lincolnshire. Her products are designed and made in England, printed on the finest quality 100% silk. To view her new 2024/2025 collection, call 01507 481693 or see www.clarehaggas.com.
