Made from Plastic was recently fortunate enough to chat with Mark Bage from Coggles, one of the most forward thinking independents in the UK. Here’s what he had to say:
How would you describe your role within Coggles?
As Managing/Creative Director I'm involved in pretty much everything from buying and researching new collections, directing online operations, financial control, overseeing marketing communications, talking to the industry, press and so on. Exhausting!
What's a typical day for you?
For 6 months of the year I'm on the road buying so this takes up a lot
of my time. I'm trying to see as many new/young designers as possible at
the moment as well as the more established brands too. I like to be
involved with the nuts and bolts of the business so even when I'm not in
the office I'm talking to the graphics guys, the marketing team, our PR
agency - always discussing new ideas for the website and for the brand.
What's your favourite clothing store other than Coggles?
Impossible to choose just one store but I very much admire Anatomica
in Paris for the pure passion for ergonomic footwear and hand crafted
clothing, Freemans Sporting Club in New York for pure man stuff
including a good old fashioned barbers and of course there is always
Liberty's, i'm still a big fan.
What's your favourite brand?
Tricky question, I love brands that create or own their particular markets for example Nigel Cabourn, Folk & Heritage Research are next to perfect as British heritage brands while say people like Unconditional and A Child Of The Jago really understand their own niche. The brands I come back to every time though are Albam and Ralph but the stuff without the horse obviously.
Favourite piece of clothing you own and piece you want to own if money was no object?
My favourite items are my ten year old Diesel Stylelab 10 eyed work boots. Boots for life who knew they would come from Stylelab. If money was no object I would choose a hand tailored suit by Turnbull & Asser.
What's next for Coggles?
Continued promotion of commercial young designers
Vintage Furniture?
Own label?
London Store?
What are your favourite pieces for next season?
Men's
Yuketen Hunting boots
The Apple Millerain jacket by Heritage Research, 'The Jacket'
As Managing/Creative Director I'm involved in pretty much everything from buying and researching new collections, directing online operations, financial control, overseeing marketing communications, talking to the industry, press and so on. Exhausting!
What's a typical day for you?
For 6 months of the year I'm on the road buying so this takes up a lot
of my time. I'm trying to see as many new/young designers as possible at
the moment as well as the more established brands too. I like to be
involved with the nuts and bolts of the business so even when I'm not in
the office I'm talking to the graphics guys, the marketing team, our PR
agency - always discussing new ideas for the website and for the brand.
What's your favourite clothing store other than Coggles?
Impossible to choose just one store but I very much admire Anatomica
in Paris for the pure passion for ergonomic footwear and hand crafted
clothing, Freemans Sporting Club in New York for pure man stuff
including a good old fashioned barbers and of course there is always
Liberty's, i'm still a big fan.
What's your favourite brand?
Tricky question, I love brands that create or own their particular markets for example Nigel Cabourn, Folk & Heritage Research are next to perfect as British heritage brands while say people like Unconditional and A Child Of The Jago really understand their own niche. The brands I come back to every time though are Albam and Ralph but the stuff without the horse obviously.
Favourite piece of clothing you own and piece you want to own if money was no object?
My favourite items are my ten year old Diesel Stylelab 10 eyed work boots. Boots for life who knew they would come from Stylelab. If money was no object I would choose a hand tailored suit by Turnbull & Asser.
What's next for Coggles?
Continued promotion of commercial young designers
Vintage Furniture?
Own label?
London Store?
What are your favourite pieces for next season?
Men's
Yuketen Hunting boots
The Apple Millerain jacket by Heritage Research, 'The Jacket'
Comme Des Garcon PLAY tshirts
Any of the 'A Child Of The Jago' jackets
Women's
The Vampire Coat by Designers Remix, pure Vamp style.
The 'Anna' Cape by Charlotte Taylor, a great new designer, one to
watch.
The APC duffle coat, cute.
Any of the Elizabeth Lau dresses
Who are you personal style icons?
David Hemmings only in the 1966 film 'Blow Up' by Michelangelo
Antonioni
Micheal Caine in the 1966 film 'Funeral in Berlin'
So basically 1966 was a good year for British style.
What do you think you would be doing if you didn't work for Coggles?
Something in the film or graphics world
Any of the 'A Child Of The Jago' jackets
Women's
The Vampire Coat by Designers Remix, pure Vamp style.
The 'Anna' Cape by Charlotte Taylor, a great new designer, one to
watch.
The APC duffle coat, cute.
Any of the Elizabeth Lau dresses
Who are you personal style icons?
David Hemmings only in the 1966 film 'Blow Up' by Michelangelo
Antonioni
Micheal Caine in the 1966 film 'Funeral in Berlin'
So basically 1966 was a good year for British style.
What do you think you would be doing if you didn't work for Coggles?
Something in the film or graphics world
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own clothing store and get into buying?
Use your friends, start with something you really feel passionate
about, keep it simple and never borrow any money.
Use your friends, start with something you really feel passionate
about, keep it simple and never borrow any money.
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