In a few months time, FOLK will be celebrating fifteen eminent years in business. Meet Cathal Mcateer, the Scotsman behind the journey.
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Folk Clothing
Words by Anders Redder
Photography by Benjamin Mark Benoliel
IN A FEW MONTHS TIME, FOLK WILL BE CELEBRATING FIFTEEN EMINENT YEARS IN BUSINESS.
MEET CATHAL MCATEER, THE SCOTSMAN BEHIND THE JOURNEY.
The Folk brand has owned itself a well-deserved reputation of being able to create novel pieces of high quality clothing, collection after collection. Mixing Scottish craftsmanship with Japanese-like elegance and sense of detail, the founder Cathal McAteer is now an inspiration for any newcomer in the menswear industry. At The Journal, we were lucky to annoy him with a few questions about music and fashion.
B&O PLAY: Does music feature as a part of your design process?
Cathal McAteer: Yes, but in a very varied and eclectic manner because many people influence our design. I lean on a number of my friends and their musical knowledge and talent to keep me stoked with goodies.
B&O PLAY: How do you keep Folk distinguishable from other labels?
Cathal McAteer: Time is spent on what we are into. We try to fuel our lives with good shit and bring that to the products we make. It works for us.
B&O PLAY: Any musician, living or dead, you would have liked to wear your clothes?
Cathal McAteer: Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Little Dragon, Bobby Gillespie, John Bonham, and I could go on. There are literally hundreds of them, so it’s a pretty shitty question to ask me for a singular answer – thanks. Let me name three though: John Martyn, especially doing his ‘Small Hours’ track. James Taylor performing on Sesame Street singing ‘Jelly Man Kelly’ and least but not last Joni Mitchell singing ‘Woodstock’ for the first time – you have to cry!
B&O PLAY: Top 3 Restaurants in London & why?
Cathal McAteer: Palomar in Soho is so good. Middle Eastern/Israeli cuisine. Just read the reviews and then go figure yourself. Sushi Say at Walm Lane is wonderful and has been so consistent for so long. The owner still calls me Jesus from my early twenties visits. Last one would need to be my own house. You would need an invitation though.
B&O PLAY: Top 3 Brands to watch:
Cathal McAteer: Palace, Dries Van Noten and Folk.
Cathal
Born: Scotland
Current City: London
Occupation: Creative Director & Founder of Folk Clothing