Five minutes with... Flora Collingwood-Norris
We caught up with knitwear designer Flora Collingwood-Norris to find out more about her eponymous Scottish knitwear brand, Collingwood-Norris.
Can you tell us a bit about Collingwood-Norris, and how you started the business?
Collingwood-Norris started after seven years of freelance work in knitwear. I was keen to feel more in control of my own destiny, and ready to put my name on my own designs. Now I create luxurious knitwear, mostly accessories, with a focus on colour and using the finest natural materials. Creating pieces that are easy to wear, feel great and can make a statement is something I love.
What has been the highlight of owning and running your own business so far?
Seeing someone wearing a piece I’ve designed and made. It gives me the biggest smile, and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Which of your designs is your favourite?
This is a really hard question, because they’re all my favourites! I love wearing blues, so I wear the Lismore blanket scarf and hat a lot, and the Iona scarf. But I also love the bright colour options, like Erraid - I think they’re very distinctively mine.
Which item should every woman have in her wardrobe?
A Collingwood-Norris blanket scarf. I wasn’t always sure that blanket scarves were for me, but I now take mine wherever I go - it can be a light wrap on summer evenings, something comforting to snuggle up in on the sofa, a big scarf on cold days, and when I’m travelling it becomes a pillow and blanket. They’re so versatile, I think they’re a must-have.
What’s up next for Collingwood-Norris in 2019?
Another very busy year! I’m already planning new designs and new colours, and what events to go to. There will be some exciting changes, so watch this space….