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How a Grandfather's Old Raincoat Turned into a World Renowned Brand

On the small island of Arholma in the Stockholm archipelago, Stutterheim founder Alexander Stutterheim discovered his grandfather’s old raincoat in a barn, shortly after he passed away. This classic fisherman’s raincoat, heavy, durable and timeless, provided the inspiration for the first Stutterheim raincoat, the Arholma, and continues to inform the modern interpretations we produce today. We met with the Swedish founder to discuss the new The Standard collaboration and what memories he has about his grandfather...
Stutterheim x The Standard

Tell us about your grandfather.

He lived an adventurous life. He was an impresario (an impresario was a person who organized concerts, plays, or operas, a role similar to that of an artist manager or a film or television producer) in Stockholm for artists from all over the world. After the age of 60 he decided to live the rest of his life in his summer house at Arholma Island, in calmness close to nature with long walks and fishing. During Summer, his house was open to artists, poets, painters; every day was a different party or happening. We spent several months each year together there. And this is where I, many years later, discovered his old raincoat that inspired me to start the brand.

Do you have one specific memory from him that is especially dear to you?

He was out fishing in bad weather and I saw his figure go up and down in the waves and he screamed loud for me to hear: "I am not catching fish boy, I am catching life.”

"You cannot create slow fashion and at the same time live in a big city." - Alexander Stutterheim

You live in small island in Sweden. Why?

True creativity needs peace and calmness. You cannot create slow fashion and at the same time live in a big city. It is like trying to write a love letter and at the same time listening to a talk show on the radio. You cannot concentrate. 

Tell us about your The Standard collaboration. 

We share a lot of common values. You want The Standard hotels to be performance and art hubs; this is how I dreamed Stutterheim from day one. A living organism with emotions continuously evolving as a personality.

What's your favorite color?

Black. But as I get older I find magic in almost every color. The other day I saw an old man—he was about 85 years old wearing a t-shirt—I guess it was in his wardrobe from the 70's with tribal colors; almost every color was on that t-shirt. He looked stunning!

Alexander Stutterheim

Do you have one particular clothing item that you would wear every single if you could?

I have a handmade drivers cap. It was custom made for me in NY by Victor Osborne. I loved it so I ordered four to cover the rest of my life.

Favorite holiday?

Of all the unbearable holidays Christmas is relatively pleasant.

Favorite artist?

Many. Good friends and great artists and personalities I love are Jesper Waldersten and Ane Brun.

"We have to think seriously about the world we live in, respect resources, move slow, make every product last for a lifetime—and have fun doing it." - Alexander Stutterheim

Favorite music? 

Listen to The Soundtrack of Stutterheim on Spotify.

What does the future for Stutterheim look like? Any next big projects?

Many and constantly. Stutterheim is now 8 years old. The way I see it we are still a new brand. I have ideas piled up. The fashion industry is now on uncharted waters; many things are happening at the same time. We have to think seriously about the world we live in, respect resources, move slow, make every product last for a lifetime—and have fun doing it.

Stutterheim x The Standard
Stutterheim x The Standard is available here.

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