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Ruth MacGilp is an ethical fashion writer and digital marketer based in Edinburgh (Scotland). She currently manages the content and communication of Fashion Revolution, the global organisation campaigning for systemic change in the fashion industry. Yep, that’s pretty impressive! Her work is truly inspiring and I always learn a lot from her posts on Instagram (follow @ruthmacgilp_ ) and podcast content (Common Treads).
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Tell us the story of the most interesting piece of clothing in your wardrobe…
“A faux fur and silk kimono jacket handmade by my Great Grandma Iris Merle in around 1952. She was very poor but dressed like she was rich to keep up appearances, making her own clothes rather than buying from big brands, travelling on work as a journalist around the world.
When Iris died, she passed the jacket on to her daughter-in-law Peggy (my Granny). My mum Leah then rediscovered it in the late 1970s and combined it with her punk revival look á la The Slits – pretty clothes with chunky Dr Martens boots, mixing items from the Birmingham Rag Market with items from old jumble sales, with very spiky hair and far too much eyeliner. In the 80’s and 90’s, the jacket was sadly forgotten about again, but remained well looked after even after Peggy passed away in 2007. It was then that I discovered it on the coat rack and totally fell in love, and would wear it to gigs in Birmingham throughout my teenage years. It lives back at my parents’ house now in Edinburgh but I always sniff around for it when an event arises.
The inner material is faux silk procured on a trip she took to China, and the outer black fake fur bought in America. The sleeves are 3/4 length as the jacket would always be worn with long kid leather gloves, usually adorned with pearl buttons during the 50s and 60s. What I really love about it though is that it is fully reversible with no visible seams, so it’s very versatile and adaptable. There is only one bald patch in the fur at the collarbone, and a couple of small cigarette burns, from one too many nights out across all four generations. My mum claims it has never been cleaned, so it’s nice to think that it retains its original smell and feel, alongside the wonderful story it holds.”
If your personal style was…
A song: Short Skirt Long jacket by Cake
A place: The Shore in Leith
A character: Aspirationally, Serena from Gossip Girl. In reality, it’s The Rock wearing a turtleneck in the 90s.
A dish: Deep fried pickles.
A book: My Year of Rest and Relaxation (lockdown has locked me into trackies and jumpers).
Describe the relationship you have with your wardrobe and what’s in it today
“I have a very difficult relationship with my wardrobe and my style in general, mostly because I used to be really addicted to cheap fast fashion which overstuffed my wardrobe and drained my bank balance, of which very little has stood the test of time. Also, my dress size has changed quite a bit over the years and I struggle with those transitions. During lockdown, I’ve totally lost touch with my style because of working from home and spending most days in scruffy loungewear. So I need to reconnect with my clothes because fashion means a lot to me, but I need to get my mojo back. My wardrobe right now is full of a lot of comfy clothes, plus jeans, oversized shirts, many neglected going-out dresses, endless t-shirts and a couple of nice jumpsuits. Most of my clothes have been repaired at least once because I’m reckless with my possessions.”
What fashion brands or friends should we all go check now?
“I’ll always big up Scottish brands like ReJean Denim, Akvile Su, Law Design Studio and Olivia Rose the Label. I’ve also really loved discovering independent designers from around the world through Fashion Open Studio.”
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought or thrifted?
“The last thing I bought was a pair of moss green Girlfriend Collective bicycle shorts via a lovely boutique in Edinburgh called Treen back in March. I’m really into yoga and recently started running and going back to the gym after lockdown, so I’ve been stocking up on activewear. I also got sent a couple of pairs of leggings from a really cool second-hand activewear site called GoodFit. I’m desperate to update my summer wardrobe but I’m trying to save money and time (and the planet) at the moment. I’ll get back onto Depop and Nuw soon, where I get most of my second hand stuff, and also check out the charity shops in the new neighbourhood I’m moving to next month. I have my eye on some floaty skirts and vintage denim.”
What inspired you to have a career in sustainable fashion and work for Fashion Revolution?
“I always wanted to work in fashion, since I was a child. It was only later on that I began to understand how exploitative the industry was, and realised how little I wanted anything to do with it. Luckily, as “sustainability” has become more mainstream, there are many more career options for those that want to be a part of the solution, so I really just DIY-ed mine through getting stuck into a million different things over the past few years. I started working for Fashion Revolution this February after freelancing as an ethical fashion writer and copywriter and previously doing digital marketing for all sorts of businesses. I also volunteered with Fashion Revolution Scotland since university, so I’ve always been deeply connected with the whole movement and I’m thrilled to be part of the team now.”
What are your favourite places to shop/thrift in Scotland?
“In Edinburgh, Stockbridge is my favourite haunt for a long day of charity shopping, but it can be pricey so I also hunt around Leith and the Southside, and sometimes Morningside. There are some great vintage shops here too like Carnivale, but Glasgow has the best selection by far – I love Mr Bens Vintage.”
All images: Ruth MacGilp
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