For the Journey
With its eyes on sustainability and its heart in travel and exploration, Far Afield is a brand build for the long road ahead
Contemporary British brand Far Afield began life just four years ago but it’s already making some serious waves in the menswear scene. Building on over 12 years of industry experience, brothers Chris and Mark Scholes, have created a brand that combines classic craftsmanship with unique, sustainably-minded design. We sit down with Chris and Mark to catch up on the story so far.
First off, tell us a little about the FAR AFIELD story so far.
We founded Far Afield back in 2016. Together we have 12 years experience in menswear design, production, sourcing and retail. I [Mark] started the menswear brands Tuktuk and Madras Shirting Company over the last 10 years, whereas Chris opened the retail space Thread Menswear in Brighton in 2012. We decided to combine forces back in 2014, and Far Afield is the result of that.
How would you describe the FAR AFIELD philosophy?
We have a deep love for global travel and the colours, textures, sights and experiences that come along with it. Be it a rainy city in England, or a tropical setting in a far away land, we take these experiences and combine them with our passion for design. Far Afield is contemporary British menswear with a global inspiration.
Talk us through this season’s styles, what are you most excited about?Our SS20 collection, ‘Isla Blanca’ takes inspiration from Ibiza, drawing on the hippy movement of the 60s to the evolution of dance culture in the mid-80s. Print design across the range was shaped by the island’s rich and diverse wildlife, such as cacti and flamingos, while the sea and flower power culture also played a big part.
FAR AFIELD has some amazing short sleeve options this season, can you tell us a little about how you selected your patterns and prints? Any personal favourites?
We’re very much known for our patterns and prints. When we travel, we take pictures for inspiration, be it buildings, landscapes, colours, textures or people. We also research the history of day-to-day life and pop culture of the places we visit too – taking inspiration from old photographs.
Our two recent favourites are the Far Afield x Madras Shirting Co. Stachio Short Sleeve and the Selleck Short Sleeve Shirt in Toasted Orange. Both are absolute winners.
Sustainability obviously very important to you guys, tell us a little about your work with the Better Cotton Initiative.
Where possible, we’re using cotton that meets the standards of the Better Cotton System Standard System that meet their environmental, social and economic sustainability standards. That is one part of a mixed approach to sustainability. We also introduced recyclable plastics to our packaging, we use non-plastic buttons and recycled plastic bottles in our swimming shorts. We’re big fans of up-cycling unused fabrics and we use sea transport that abides by high standards in pollution reduction.
Moving forward, global innovation into sustainable fashion is going to be key. The development, availability and adoption of sustainable fabrics, materials and practices still shave a long-way to go.
And lastly, what’s next for FAR AFIELD?
We have some exciting seasons ahead of us. But we’re also looking at increasing product releases and exclusives throughout the year. We’re also developing our online proposition too.
Then lastly, becoming more sustainable is hugely important to us. It’s a journey everyone is on, some further than others, but we’re all still quite far from getting to the end of that journey and we’re continually doing our best to stay ahead.
