The View From My Rear
Malton-based businesswoman, Merryn Wilderspin, today unveils a new range of luxury stylish bags and accessories – ‘Yorkshire Tartan’. The collection reflects Merryn’s Yorkshire heritage and her love of tartan and features a colour palette typically associated with the county – blue, green, white and yellow.
A fusion of elegance and innovation, this new product range includes the hobo bag, mini shopper, mini backpack, round box bag, flap over box bag, metal frame bag, clutch, cardholder, zip purse, fold over purse, mens wallet, tote shopper, bucket tote, slouch bag, cabin case, duffle bag, holdall, messenger bag, wash bag, bum bag, laptop, MacBook, ipad case, umbrella and phone case.
Each piece tells a story of meticulous artistry and unparalleled craftsmanship - timeless elegance reimagined. Merryn has utilised a bespoke tartan pattern design programme to create the exclusive and authentic tartan in Yorkshire colours and each item is made-to-order by a specialist print and handcrafted product supplier. The ‘Yorkshire Tartan’ design is printed onto blank leather which is then cut to shape, sewn together and finished by hand, combining a blend of state-of-the-art digital printing techniques and traditional artisan skills to produce the time-honoured luxury range.
The bags are constructed from 100% Nappa leather – a soft, fine-grained leather which is renowned for its luxurious feel, smooth finish and durability. Faux leather options will be added to the collection later this year.
‘Yorkshire Tartan’ creator, Merryn Wilderspin, explained: “It’s been years in the making, but I’m thrilled to finally introduce this vibrant range of chic bags and accessories. Inspired by my deep-seated roots with Yorkshire, coupled with a lifelong passion for tartan, it seemed natural to unite the two and it’s been an exciting journey to bring the collection to life.”
Goathland Train Station was the chosen location for the photoshoot and Merryn worked with a team of Yorkshire-based creatives and models to procure the lifestyle images - a further nod to her love of the county. Outfits were provided by Master Debonair and Jigsaw.
The move coincides with the relaunch of The View From My Rear (TVFMR), of which Yorkshire Tartan forms the flagship collection. TVFMR was originally inspired by the view from the back of Merryn’s home in a village on the outskirts of Malton in rural North Yorkshire. Notably a rainbow that arched over the cornfield at the bottom of her garden which prompted her to create photography-based fine art and canvas art prints featuring views of the North York Moors and coastline.
Her technique has evolved to become far more artistically styled as a result of her experimenting with various creative digital processes, transforming original subject matter such as flowers, trees and even industrial machinery into eye-catching artforms.
Today, the e-commerce brand features seven premium leather bag, fashion accessories, stationery and homeware collections as well as related fine art prints and canvases. TVFMR comprises the flagship ‘Yorkshire Tartan’ range plus six floral collections created from images of Merryn’s garden flowers. Two new designs are being prepared for launch to coincide with Whitby’s Steampunk weekend in July and Goth weekend in November 2024.
Merryn continued: “As a result of the fast fashion issues of overstocking and high levels of annual landfill, the sector is witnessing the start of substantial change. There is greater emphasis on wardrobe longevity, repair and recycling. TVFMR business model centres on the made-to-order, slow fashion approach which means I can showcase new and niche collections without investing in stock or being adversely affected by trends and fashion fads.”
Future plans include collaborations with a variety of retailers, producers and suppliers and ‘Yorkshire Tartan’ will appear on the runway at York Fashion Week in May.