Meet the Maker
Introducing my collaboration with British designer Justine Tabak, take a little look behind the scenes and delve a little deeper into the inspiration behind our brand new apron design.
How would you describe yourself and what you do?
Mother, chef, cook, writer, restaurateur and homemaker - Creative, enthusiastic, positive and considerate. Creative I love nothing more than taking an idea and bringing it to life. Enthusiastic - enthusiasm moves the world, it lights up any room. Be positive - I have always been someone that is half full and looks at the brighter side of life. Considerate I consider everything I do and I always rush slowly.
How do you see the intersection between this and clothing?
For me cooking and food is all about bringing people together creating a moment of time with memories shared. Working with the ebb and flow of the world and cooking with what the universe has on offer at its best, each season winter thought to autumn. The crossover with clothing is effortless and strong, just a perfect partnership.
When did you first come across Justine Tabak? What piece did you buy first, and what’s your favourite?
I remember finding Justine Tabak in 2018 on Instagram. I was drawn in by the natural beauty of Justine’s designs and colour palette. My first dress was a Blue Corduroy Mill Town Dress. Still a favourite of mine today. Dress it up or down and it simply shines.
When it comes to clothing we’ve noticed that often you buy the more natural, tactile pieces, picking simple styles, joyful colours and fabrics with naturally artisanal handles. Why do you think this is? What kind of clothing are you usually drawn to?
I am drawn in by comfort, style and often colour but colour can come in various disguises not always the obvious. Blues and gingham checks have a seaside comfort to them. Pair with trainers, wellingtons or heels, literally ready for any occasion.
We often discuss creating pieces which are ‘practical and pretty’. Is this something that resonates with you and your cooking?
My ethos in my kitchen is one of less is more it is about cooking within the seasons and always keeping things simple. Considering flavour, texture and presentation is so important. Keeping things as real as possible and being true to what you think and feel.
One commonality between both of you is a connection to nature. That can be expressed through inspiration of colour palette, natural fibres or seasonality of ingredients. How has nature influenced elements of this project?
I am lucky enough to live by the sea where I spend much of my time, the connection between the land and the sea, a sense of place. This draws you in and the simple routines and rituals become important in your everyday life. That first cup of tea, putting your apron on, baking a cake, a trip to your favourite bakery, morning café, long lunches, seaside soirees and watching the sun go down. I digress: creating an apron with Justine has been life enhancing the fabric, the detail, the colour all drawing you in and wrapping you up.
The Cornish landscape seems to be so prominent in your work, from your cooking itself to the creative influences on your brand, with your restaurant sitting on the most beautiful stretch of coastline. What is it about Cornwall specifically that inspires you so much?
The contrast of two coasts so close coast to coast the rugged wilds of the north to the gently, pretty seas of the south with sailboats and the softer landscape.
Where else do you draw inspiration from?
My everyday routine and quiet come the greatest moments of inspiration.
Why an apron? What does an apron mean to you, and why Justine to create yours? What prompted this collaboration in your view?
The joy of this project is that two like minded, creative souls have come together and created something unique and beautiful. An apron has always been like armour to me. I feel protected and ready to cook.
Do you remember the first apron you owned?
A blue canvas apron that I was never without.
How and when do you wear your apron? You once said that when you put your apron on it was your armour; do you see an apron as a transformative piece of clothing, something that marks a shift in the way a person can behave or more importantly create? Why do you think this is?
I always wrap the ties right around me coming back to the front and tie in a bow (like an easter egg) naturally sitting on my waist. An apron is as important to me as any other of my tools in my kitchen.
Your new book, Time & Tide, is being released soon. What was your motivation for writing a new book, and how do you see this as a progression from your last book Sea & Shore? What kind of recipes should we expect to find within Time & Tide ?
Sea & Shore has Cornwall very much at its heart whereas Time & Tide Cornwall steps back and I have stepped forward. I write about time, rituals, routines, colours and times of day that are important to me.
If you could pass on one piece of advice from your kitchen to ours, what would it be?
Be patient, always keep learning, be strong, be determined, be nice, work hard, be passionate, be creative and find the joy in the smallest things.
Images by Kristin Perers
