A Curveball New Product
Hey friends, a few months ago, we were approached by a friend who runs a super-fancy paint company called Cranfield Colour.
Imagine the Ritz was a boutique hotel. And now imagine it’s not a hotel, but a paint company. That’s Cranfield.
They’ve been going since 1976.
They were set-up by the now managing director's grandfather.
They’re a team of around 15, making world-class paint, just over the border from us in Wales.
Michael, the MD (who if you ever get the pleasure of emailing, will blow you away with the sheer level of creativity he manages to ooze into such mundane correspondence) sent us an email at the end of last year.
He tasked us with making the apron of aprons. One that would withstand all the daily wear of the studio or kitchen.
And over the coming months, we set about making just that.
We spoke to our factory, worked on designs, chose fabrics, sampled and sampled again, until we landed on the final design.
These aprons are better in almost* every way than a conventional apron.
Firstly, they’re made of a durable, GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas. So whether you’re attempting to re-create Jackson Pollock’s finest work, or you’re one of those chefs who, no matter what the meal, manages to leave a splattering of your masterpiece on every surface — these aprons were designed to support you, through every trial and victory, in the studio and kitchen.
Secondly, we added in two deep pockets for all the tools you could possibly need by your side, and two loops attached to the pockets to carry tea towels and artists' rags.
Side note: Loops aren’t a classic feature on most aprons. But once you start using them, you’ll wonder why not all aprons have such a useful invention. (Kudos to Cranfield’s team of artists, who suggested this feature).
It’s also made in a cross-back style.
That means the weight of the apron — and all the things you’re carrying in the two Mary Poppins size pockets — will be supported by your shoulders, not your neck. That makes it way more comfortable.
And because of how the cross-back hangs, it doesn’t leave you scrambling around at the back trying to tie up an apron with your eyes closed.
*There’s just one catch. Unlike traditional aprons, which we all know how to put on, when you first get this apron, you’ll think it’s a puzzle. How do you put it on? Head first, arms first? But after thirty seconds of confusion, you’ll have mastered your new found technique and it’ll be your official favourite apron.
Finally, we sealed the design with a signature Cranfield x Yes Friends embroidered logo.
They’re made by Mihir and his team in India. The factory is solar assisted, the organic fabric certified by GOTS, garment workers are paid good wages and you can even tip them directly.
It's why we do, what we do.
Nearly a year on from that first conversation with Michael, the apron or aprons is ready to be worn by artists and chefs around the globe.
If you’re stuck on what to get as a Christmas present. Look no further.
Thank you for joining us on the journey, as together, we make ethical affordable and transform the fashion industry 🧡