When we moved from our original shop at the beginning of 2018, we also wanted to expand our range of knitwear to fill a much-needed gap in the shop. Plus, there was a want from customers for winter warmth that was reassuringly expensive but didn’t break the bank. We were searching, (as always ) for something with a good story, with its roots in vintage knits but inclusive enough that anyone walking in could walk back out in a cosy, robust sweater or beanie that was built for European winters and therefore equipped for most!
A meeting with Heimat Textil owner Chrisitian Hofman and his partner Gemma, echoed the warmth of their own garments and so started the relationship. Even the notion of the concept of Heimat chimed with us:
‘The relationship of a human being toward a certain spatial social unit.’
Essentially, it means a sense of belonging; and their pieces do just that. They bring a sense of familiarity and cosiness that certain articles of clothing are imbued with once you spend a bit of time with them. Christian’s Grandfather and Great Grandfather were both avid photographers and sports fans, this was mirrored in his childhood filled with sailing and mountaineering. The idea of the woollen hat came about after Christian saw a photo of his Great Grandfather on his first ascent of the Austrian Alps. He was wearing a short beanie that Christian couldn’t find anywhere else and so decided to create it. Therein lies the genesis of the original Deck Hat,
and now the Heimat brand...
Heimat grew into a larger range of heavy knitwear, then lighter and heavier Merino was added; and now jersey and cotton to boot! The collection continues to grow.
Fast forward five years for us, and the chance to do a collaboration on a piece of headwear that has adorned so many customer’s heads was always an option we wanted to revel in. Using the colours of the stores - never before used on the hats - we utilised the signal U-boat hat. Inspired by outfits of sailing teams, often sailors wore hats matching the team colours of their boats, plus there was the need to be visible to the crowds and for safety.
So here it is in all it’s glory, the first of our ten. We hope it gives you a welcome dose of comfort and quality, straight from the Heimat hearth.
