Among the array of shop fronts in Sneinton Market, one you are not likely to miss is the vividly colourful Megan Crook. In addition to The Textile Guru, her separate fabric and haberdashery store, Megan Crook designs, sews and sells her own range of vibrant and quirky clothing, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability and fun. We went along to chat to Megan to hear more…
For any with a magpie eye for texture, colour and craftiness, walking into Megan Crook’s store is a feast for the senses. Prismatic kimonos, chunky patterned knits and luxurious velvet snoods hang on the racks, piles of fabric and reels of ribbon are stacked up around the walls and sewing machines are stationed at the ready - even the mezzanine ceiling is painted in bright rainbow stripes. The room exudes creativity and cosiness.
As I sit down to chat with Megan, amongst the shimmer and swirls, it becomes clear that her personality and passion are the cornerstones of the business. She recently returned from a 24 day stint at Edinburgh Fringe, plus arts markets in the Derbyshire villages of Wirksworth and Melbourne, which are just three of the fifty or so events she does each year. Like many small businesses, it’s a labour of love, but one that is spreading joy to wearers across the world. “I am a firm believer that what we wear can really elevate how we feel, and what we project, and everyone deserves to feel fabulous,” she tells me.
Comfort is key. I think it’s really important to make garments you want to live in
After moving to the UK, Megan worked mainly from home, the rooms packed with fabrics and offcuts. She moved to Sneinton Market five years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I'm so grateful for this space and what the community here in Nottingham has offered, because I've always felt really welcomed here,” she says. “I think it's nice to be able to wear what you want and people really celebrate it. They're like, ‘Wow, you look great!’ and it makes them smile rather than giving the side eye.”
Across the racks there are baggy patchwork jackets with satin linings, jazzy unwired crop tops and knitted jumpers in fun patterns. I am particularly drawn to the flares, arm warmers, turbans, and dungaree jumpsuits, all made with soft velvet in a range of muted colours. I can imagine wearing these loungy pieces whilst working from home - no more answering the door under a pile of drab jumpers or feeling the need to get changed out of comfy clothes for a video call.
In the post-pandemic age, combining comfort with style is integral in much of today’s fashion, and along with colour and texture, cosiness and wearability are central in Megan’s designs. “I am really passionate about making garments that feel good. The quality of the fabric and how tactile it is,” Megan says. “The number of customers we get that have sensory issues and want fabrics that are comfortable to wear… Comfort is key. I think it’s really important to make garments you want to live in.”
Fast fashion brands such as Shein and Boohoo, with their glut of ethical and environmental issues, feel like a slightly stale service station sandwich compared to the flavourful feast on offer here. It’s infectious too - after just a few minutes in the store I not only feel the urge to invite more colour into my wardrobe, but also to slow down, and consider treating myself to something ethically and locally made.
“For me, there's different layers to inclusivity. We do have things that are more of an investment piece and that's because they have a higher material cost and they take longer to make, but we also have things that are priced at a budget so that they're more affordable for everyone,” Megan explains.
Along with fair pay for her trusty team of seamstresses, weaving sustainability into the business is another important pillar, from simple measures such as using biodegradable packaging and swapping plastic heavy elements such as sequins for similarly iridescent fabrics, to considering the longevity of the clothing and implementing a zero waste policy on scraps.
“We have absolutely no fabric waste, whatsoever, and I don't know how many other brands can genuinely say that. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of. But it does cost more for us to do that, so we’re constantly going through our offcuts, squaring them off, making patchwork or making scrap bags which we donate,” she explains.
Juggling the demands of a small business in the current economic climate without cutting corners on sustainability, pay and quality is surely a tricky balance, but Megan is determined to keep going. “It is turbulent times for small businesses. Everyone knows it - we hear it from all sides,” Megan says. “But I feel like I have to keep on digging my heels in. I have to prove that there’s a more sustainable way and surely you can run a creative business in fashion with integrity.”
As someone who regularly defaults to darker colours, which can feel a little drab in the winter months, I asked Megan what her advice would be for people wanting to explore using colour a little more.
“I appreciate that it's not in everyone's comfort zone, so I would suggest starting with accessories. Having colour next to the face can really lift the complexion, and then pops of colour throughout your outfit is a great way to add more of it,” Megan advises. “When in doubt come and have a try on session with me instead!”
Visit Megan Crook at Unit 15, Sneinton Market, or browse her range of clothing and accessories online at megancrook.com
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