I had the pleasure of letting Earl of East shoot their newest candle scent in the studio! I Also spoke to them about my journey into leatherwork, how scents play a role in the brand, and discuss the personal, sustainable, and tactile nature of making.
Read the full Article and see all the lovely images here.
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Here are some snippets from our conversation...
How does scent play a role in your own life day to day?
Our stores have their own distinct atmosphere. A rich blend of leather and scented candles that our customers often comment on as soon as they walk in. It’s always a great conversation starter and helps create a welcoming, memorable space.
Is there a particular memory (perhaps a place or person) that you associate with the smell of leather?
The scent of leather instantly takes me back to the storeroom at college. I remember finding it completely intoxicating. It still brings back that sense of excitement and creativity every time I smell it.
We’re burning our Elementary fragrance in your studio today, which has notes of leather, tobacco and amber - quite a fitting pairing for your studio. Beyond the leather itself, if you were to create a signature brand scent what notes would it include?
Besides leather, I’m really drawn to the smell of fresh rain and cut grass - there’s something so grounding and nostalgic about those scents. I’m not sure how they’d combine with leather, but I’ll happily leave that to the experts!
You've successfully built a brand centred around traditional craftsmanship. How do you continue evolving creatively without losing the essence of your traditional methods?
We’ve been fortunate to work with the same makers, factories and suppliers since the beginning, and those long-standing relationships have been essential. They understand our values and processes inside out. That foundation gives us the confidence and flexibility to explore new ideas, knowing we’re staying true to our roots.