Jackets of the World

‘The fabric of a society can be revealed through the fabric of that society.’

The Old Custom’s House in Fremantle was transformed into what could have been mistaken for a Gentleman’s Outfitters on Saturday and Sunday over the weekend just gone.

It was, in fact, an exhibition of just 50 of Stephen Scourfield’s outfits – well actually his denim jackets. Yes, denim jackets, but not just any old denim jackets – 50 jackets, lovingly embellished with fabric, embroideries & tapestries from all over the world.

Thank you Stephen for taking me on a personal tour of your unique and wonderful exhibition and explaining some of the stories behind your favourite jackets.

Stephen is a man of many talents: Travel Editor of the West Travel Club and The Travel Section of the West Australian; recipient of a United Nations Media Award; twice named Australia’s Best Travel writer; author of at least nine books, musician and is a man that sews.

Stephen told me that he learned to sew in primary school in the UK, and created his first jacket in 2011. For years he has been bringing back fabric, embroideries and tapestries from his travels all over the world.

The jackets are mostly blue denim—Levis and some very posh designer labels, a few black jackets and a couple of different block colours. Each piece is embellished with hand sewn textiles—cotton, wool, flax, yaks wool and plant fibres, all relevant to a place or country and have significant stories. (I’m waiting for an Irish one Stephen).

I couldn’t decide on my favourite—maybe the one covered in puffins, each puffin hand sewn on with blanket stitch. I admired the American jacket, ‘this reminds me of Bruce Springsteen,’ I said – and Stephen reached into the top pocket of the jacket and took out a folded piece of paper with one of Bruce’s songs written on it. There was a jacket covered in fish and some had hand written messages on the inside. And the sweetest of all – a jacket decorated with one of his late mother’s favourite tea towels, with images of English songbirds. Stephen also had his wooden sewing box replete with different coloured threads, needles, needle sharpeners and scissors on display.

Historically, sewing has been viewed as a woman’s duty – but men have always sewn, think of tailors, sail makers and couturiers. So guys crack out a sewing needle and some thread, practice your blanket stich, backstitch and lazy daisy. Did you know that sewing reduces stress and anxiety, improves hand-eye coordination, exercises the right side of the brain and may even reduce the onset of dementia.

This exhibition ran for two days only. Don’t miss it next time!

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS by Jean Hudson @jeansodyssey. Jean is our Shipping Correspondent and also a regular feature writer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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