Real life: Our aprons are in the best taste

A Shropshire family has quietly been elevating the status of something so-everyday that it probably doesn’t seem possible.

Carla Risdon, the founder of high-end workwear business Risdon & Risdon, knew fashionable foodies wanted to dress to impress when they were cooking at home. She spotted a gap in the market for a superior quality apron and decided to go about making one.

“I started a small business in the Shrewsbury Market Hall in 2012 making pretty aprons. They evolved into heavier, weighty aprons with rivets but during a trip to San Francisco I noticed tha baristas in cafés were wearing made from, denim and leather.

“They were as stylish as they were practical and the detailing was a lot more interesting. I knew from doing research that there was nothing quite like them available in the UK.”

On her return, Carla set about sourcing the leather and fabric and came up with a design that would appeal to the UK market. “I felt that we ought to have a foot in both camps. The English love a traditional look but I wanted to combine that with an element of ‘contemporary cool’ so that it appealed to all ages.”

Sure enough the aprons on Risdon & Risdon’s website have been bought by design students in their late teens as well as grandparents in their 80s. Even TV host Nick Knowles, a part-time vegan, has his own bespoke apron – where cork has been used as a substitute for leather.

Carla’s decision to choose the finest cotton canvas for the aprons, top quality Italian leather for the straps and metalware that comes from a foundry with a Royal Warrant was an important one – and one reinforced with a lifetime guarantee.

“There will always be aprons but you need to set yourself above what your competitors are doing and that translates for the people who buy them. We sell to a lot of businesses, ones whose aims are to achieve the best of what they do: top chefs and hotels, the finest food producers, Liberty of London florists. Choosing to wear our aprons reinforces their high standard to their customers.”

As time went on Carla’s sons, James and Alexander, became more a part of the business. James was studying graphic design at Brighton University in the early days.

James says: “I would get emails from mum asking for my thoughts on branding and different design concepts. She had a strong idea of what she thought would work but I was able to translate it into practical things such as developing the website and promotional material. I also designed the tags which in some ways I regret . . . as they are all made by hand. They have several layers to them, with eyelets holding them together. To get them made commercially wouldn’t be viable.”

Perfectionist

Alexander, aged 23, is the youngest member of the family and has had the steepest learning curve. “I stepped in to help prepare the leather and never left. I have become quite a perfectionist, when you’re handling leather it commands its own respect and gives such an incredible look when finished properly.”

Although high quality is the main agenda, the aprons still hold their own as a practical item. Carla adds: “The fabric is soft and comfortable to wear, and the leather straps can be taken off when the apron needs a wash. They are built to last.”

Thanks to Alexander’s skills with leather, James’ eye for design and Carla’s non-stop energy the company is producing full leather aprons, knife rolls, tool belts, bags and accessories.

“We are expanding our apron range too to include mini versions for children, split-leg aprons for potters and gardening aprons. With every hobby or trade also comes tools and so we’ll be making sure to accommodate everyone’s bit of kit eventually.”

l Full details are available at www.risdonandrisdon.co.uk

Andy Richardson