An ode to Jonathan Saunders with Radley

He’s the Scottish designer who started out in furniture and textiles but took the fashion world by storm with his love of colour, print and everything waffle-like. He made retro jumpers a ‘thing’ again and even managed to make beige look interesting (!). Yes my dears, today I’m talking about Jonathan Saunders, the sadness of his closure and the uplifting style inspiration he leaves behind with his last collaboration with British favourite, Radley London. 

I don’t like change. I’m a firm creature of habit from my obsession with colours, shapes and sandwiches. So when 2015 became the year of some of my favourite designers departing, it was hard to think of a world without their beautiful creations. From our local loves Obscure Couture to Raf Simmons leaving Dior and then the closure of Jonathan Saunders, it was like the fashion world had a vendetta against happiness and we were all in mourning.

Whenever I talk to people about Scottish design, Jonathan Saunders is one of the first names to fall off my lips. When everyone was in black, he dressed us in colour. He sparked a waffle jumper movement on the high street after his SS12 collection, for which I am eternally grateful, and now with his final swan song collection with Radley, it’s all just becoming too real.

A true representation of everything we know and love about Saunders, the capsule collection shows a true mix of prints, colour and of course, waffle. As always with his designs, they appeal to everyone and this cross body bag hasn’t been off my shoulder since it arrived a few weeks ago. The perfect size and structured shape, the combination of colours means it goes with absolutely everything. Don’t believe me? You soon will. This creature of habit is obsessed and I don’t see myself stopping wearing it anytime soon.

Hat: ASOS, Coat and Shirt: Boden, Trousers: Topshop, Shoes: Adidas, Bag: Radley

Keepin’ it casual on my frist day in London this week, I paired my new favourite bag with a true blue dream, doing Saunders proud by mixing different prints and textures. This Mohair coat and classic striped shirt, both from Boden, took things to a nautical level, bringing printing clashes while still keeping it tonal. I finished the look off with a fun veiled beanie which has been lurking in my drawers for years, most likely for this occasion. I think blue and orange are my new favourite combo, thanks for the inspo Jonny.

Do you want to pick up an affordable piece of Scottish Fashion history? No need to break the bank with some archive pieces (although, Monther, may I?!) head over to Radley for a look at the full collaboration. The hardest part will be choosing your favourite!