John Duncan, like many inventors of the past, has been largely forgotten—his creations overtaken by advancing technology. His patented embroidery machine helped revolutionise the production of beautiful things. Duncan Weave is the brand he never had.

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I wanted the branding to feel distinctly no-nonsense and Scottish. The embroidered Scottish thistle and ropework logo helped achieve this. The .ai produced outstanding work, and I have woven stories around each product name.

 

Lady Grange’s Reticule
Lady Grange’s story is one of a fierce woman who, at gunpoint, succeeds in demanding marriage from a 'Wickham' type. They go on to have nine children. Later, after falling out, she reports him to the authorities for treason. In return, she is kidnapped by a couple of his Laird friends and spends her final days soaked in whisky on a remote Scottish island. This lady was a lion with a dark side.

 

Sow Thistle Reticule
Inspired by the Scottish flower.

 

Cawdor Castle Reticule
Named after Cawdor Castle, whose summer gardens are a slice of heaven on earth.

 

A Note on Scale - Yes, I know. Historical fashion purists may twitch. But the reticule isn’t enormous, the column is a miniature. It’s there for drama, not to suggest you could pack for a Highland expedition.