Thoughts from the Studio Floor
Building slowly, releasing thoughtfully.
Over the past year, I’ve been slowly trying to build Macrae into something larger than just individual releases. More of a world, a wardrobe, and an ongoing documentation of what I’m interested in designing and wearing myself.
A lot has happened recently, so I thought I’d put together a little studio update.
Ralph Chore Jackets
The Ralph Chore Jackets are finally out now.
Named after my daschund Ralph, this release feels particularly special to me. It’s also the first outerwear piece I’ve ever properly released under the brand, which makes it feel like a bit of a milestone.
The jacket took me a long time to get right. I started sampling and designing it around the middle of last year, going through different proportions, fabrics and construction details until it finally felt ready.
They’ve released in several colourways — black, navy, red and blue — with reworked versions already in development.
I’m excited to continue building on this silhouette moving forward.
Hickory Selvedge Denim
The Hickory Selvedge Denim is also out now.
This project came from taking the Officer Shorts silhouette from the Macrae x Setirer collaboration with Jimmy and translating it into a full-length pant.
There are currently two different price point variations available, something I’m trying to explore more as the brand grows, while still keeping everything made thoughtfully and in smaller quantities.
The red hickory selvedge denim comes from Hong Kong and is one of the more expensive fabrics I’ve worked with so far, but I’m genuinely excited to finally make pieces like this for you all.
As always, custom measurements are heavily encouraged. I want people to feel like these garments properly belong to them.
Every product also comes with a lifetime repair guarantee.
Studio Works
The studio has mostly been filled with sampling recently.
Almost all stock is now pre-made before release, which has changed the pace of things a lot behind the scenes. It means more time developing products properly before they reach you.
I’m also trying to diversify the product range more — partly to develop further as a designer, partly because I want more variation in my own wardrobe, and partly because I want Macrae to continue expanding into different spaces and markets without losing its identity.
Right now, I’m working on:
fisherman smocks
raw denim
a military rework collection
a polka dot collection
studio pants
and a handful of other samples still in development
A lot of these projects take longer than expected, but I’m learning to appreciate that process more.
YouTube
I’ve also started posting on YouTube recently.
Two videos are already up, and I’m hoping to continue documenting more of the process moving forward — studio work, garment development, thoughts, releases and everything happening around the brand.
I think it’ll become a nice archive to look back on over time.
Ongoing Support
The support recently has honestly been a little overwhelming in the best way possible.
Orders have been going crazy and almost all of the current pre-made stock is now gone. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone supporting the work, sharing it around, wearing the garments, or even just following along.
I’m planning to run a giveaway soon as a thank you.
I’m also looking into opening a few contract sewing roles for those interested in working alongside the brand.
And lastly — I’ll be attending the Fashion Thrift Society on the 20th of June in Brisbane. Looking forward to meeting some of you there.
See you soon,
R