Meet the Maker: Anne McCadden of COATZ
Since opening our doors in 2013, we’ve been privileged to work with some of the best designers and garment makers in the business. These collaborations play an instrumental role in Tuck Shop Trading Co., allowing us to explore fresh ideas and push ourselves into new, exciting creative territory.
Our partnership with COATZ is no exception. LA-based Designer/Artist Anne McCadden sources vintage African Indigo textiles and crafts them into gorgeous kimono-like jackets that have become a staple in our collection.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 hit Los Angeles, Anne has only seen a minor disruption in her day-to-day operations. COATZ is still in production with wholesale spring orders and Anne has already begun design work on Summer and Fall items. While acquiring new textiles will be delayed until quarantine is over, Anne luckily has enough material to keep her going over the coming months.
The uncertainty lies in being unable to foresee how the economy will affect sales in the months and years to come. Not knowing what the future looks like can be a scary thought, but Anne continues to express her optimism by striving to work, create and inspire. She remarks, “At a time when we are isolated from each other, the connection and creativity that can breed from designing something new and unique with a fellow colleague feels meaningful.”
As the pandemic continues to spread, supporting businesses like COATZ takes on new levels of importance. Even a small purchase creates work and purpose for the team involved, providing an invaluable feeling of hope at a time when we all need it most. But support can come in a number of ways. Share. Tell your family and friends. Like, follow and comment. It might sound cliché, but small businesses genuinely see and appreciate each and every one of those actions.
In the meantime, Anne is working on a big restock of their St. Tropez tote bags in time for summer. Made from patchworked vintage African textiles and 1970s “St. Tropez” trim, they’re perfect for vacations, picnics and beach lounging. She’s also producing more Vacation Shirts from vintage Americana patchwork textiles and Anoraks from 1980s army parachutes.
As Anne says, “We will let the brand grow and change, as it needs. It is a marathon and not a sprint. I do believe that my small business will come out of this stronger, focused, more original and more personal.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Be sure to follow along as we continue to take this one day at a time. We can’t wait to reopen our doors; and when we do, there’ll be a fresh batch of one-of-a-kind COATZ waiting for you. Until then, stay safe and stay healthy.