Resident Profile : Tweed Addict

This month get an introduction to the newest member of our creative community. The fourth in the series of resident profiles we have been running, we caught up with Nathan from Tweed Addict.

1. Can you give us a brief description of your background and what you do?

I've been interested in clothes from an early age, and was wearing 1940s suits as a 16 year old back in the 80s. Later in life I ended up dealing in vintage clothing for ten years – all menswear, all tailored wear – and during this time I developed a real passion for tweed. I'd get excited by every new tweed pattern I found, and there are thousands out there. Sourcing good quality vintage tweeds is difficult though, especially since the moths love it so much. New tweed suits are generally cut for the hunting/shooting/fishing crowd, and tend to be quite boxy and old fashioned. What I wanted was slim fitting contemporary suits cut from traditional tweeds. Unable to find this, I started making them myself, and this is what Tweed Addict is about – sharp cut bespoke suits from traditional British tweeds.

2. What do you enjoy most about your role?

There's a lot of natural job satisfaction in my role, as it basically makes people very happy. It's a rare and special experience to commission any bespoke work, and it's a pleasure to help bring someone's ideas into reality. I also make a lot of wedding suits, and most of the young grooms that come to me have never had anything made for them before. It's a real pleasure to be such an important part in their special day.

3. What project are you currently working on?

I've lots of bespoke suits on the go at the moment, but my particular focus right now is designing a new range of ready to wear jackets to launch in the spring. This begins with designing the tweeds themselves, which are woven in Scotland to order. That is lots of fun!

4. What’s been your best career highlight?

It's hard to point to anything in particular, but the general success of Tweed Addict is very satisfying. To start out with an idea, and put time, love and money into it, and for other people to like what you do, and the business take off, is no small thing

5. What do you enjoy most about working at Studio 31?

I've only just moved in to Studio 31 but it already feels perfect. The location is excellent – a great part of town to be in that suits my brand - and I love looking out of my windows onto the square

6. What’s your favourite thing to do in Bristol?

I'm very new to Bristol, so there's loads to explore, and I've barely made it out of local boozers and restaurants so far, but it all feels great.

7. What’s your tipple of choice?

A light and hoppy pale ale usually does the trick. Or a fine gin and a little tonic if we're getting serious. Or an Islay single malt if we're getting very serious...

8. What music is on your default playlist?

Joy Division and LCD Soundsystem

9. What gadget can’t you live without (excluding a phone)?

My bike, if that's a gadget?! Otherwise coffee grinder :)

10. If you could pick any dinner guest, dead or alive, who would you pick and why?

My girlfriend Lizzie, as she's the best company I could ever have.

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