An Heirloom Jumper with OUBAS (Ad)
This is a paid partnership with OUBAS. All words, thoughts and images are my own.
When I introduce new garments into my wardrobe, I like to know that they have longevity. I don’t want throwaway items that I’ll get bored of easily, I want timeless pieces that I’ll wear for years and years to come. I love the idea of heirloom garments; clothing that I will pass down to my children, that will be treasured pieces in the wardrobes of many for years to come.
When Kate Stalker, founder of OUBAS got in touch with me, I knew this was a brand whose values resonated with my own. What I now call ‘the three S’s’ popped up almost immediately in our conversation: slow, simple and sustainable. These are the values that I look for when making a purchase, and all values that OUBAS holds strong. Kate is proud to renounce fast fashion, instead creating a capsule collection of knitted garments that are designed to transcend seasons and be loved for generations.
OUBAS is based in the Lake District, one of my favourite U.K destinations. I grew up spending a lot of time in the Lakes, on the water and walking in the hills, and love that I now own a piece of clothing that was designed by a brand based there. Some of the garments, such as the head wraps, are crafted in the Lake District workshop while others are produced in small batch mills in Scotland and England. It feels so refreshing to own a jumper that I can proudly say was handcrafted in the U.K, supporting local artisans and boasting a low carbon footprint. Kate has also recently secured funding that will support an investment in innovative knitting technology, meaning that she can move more of her production to Cumbria. The brand will be moving to a new workshop in Ulverston, employing local people in Kate’s hometown.
The OUBAS collection is small, offering two styles of jumper, long and wrap cardigans, wraps, scarves, headwraps and ponchos - all in just a handful of colours. This feels refreshing compared to the overwhelming choice offered by high street brands, giving an edited collection of classic garments to choose from. I chose the Donegal merino wool sweater in stone - a classic piece that has easily slid into my wardrobe. I’m wearing it here with a second-hand dress and have also styled it with black jeans, thick walking leggings and linen trousers. The natural colour complements almost every piece in my existing wardrobe, making this an easy sweater to pull on when the temperatures drop.
I like clothing with a story behind it - where it was made, where the material comes from, who made it. The Donegal jumper was knitted in Scotland, using ethically-sourced wool, spun and dyed in Donegal, Ireland (hence the name). Merino wool is non-allergenic (yes, that means it isn’t itchy!), biodegradable, breathable and moisture/temperature controlled. A lot of thermal clothing is made from merino wool for these reasons, and after shooting these photos on a frosty morning I can confirm that the jumper definitely keeps you warm and toasty - perfect for the winter months!
