In Hastings, behind a cobalt blue facade in a Victorian red-brick stable yard, lies Kit + Clogs Studio. “Our studio, in keeping with the yard, is a little rough around the edges, but it’s been a happy home for us these past years,” says founder Sacha Schwartz. Situated in Hastings’ creative enclave, the studio is surrounded by fellow artisans. “We are constantly inspired by the work of wonderful, creative folk in our community,” says Sacha. “It gives rich opportunities for collaboration.” The studio is south-facing, so the team takes breaks outside to soak up the sun or dry off from a swim at the beach, which is only a short stroll away.
The company’s raison d’être stems from Sacha’s love of clogs, which began in childhood. “One of the most memorable pieces from my wardrobe was a pair of dark blue clogs,” she says. “They were the only shoes I really wore, and they went with me everywhere – which now, looking back, shows how comfortable and durable they were.” She grew up near the beach, where her clogs withstood years of clambering over pebbles, rocks, and through woodlands – an early lesson in the importance of resilience and longevity, which continues to shape her work today.
Serendipitously, through a friend of a friend, Sacha was introduced to a family in Sweden who ran a clog factory with a deep heritage. The past seemed to linger in every corner. “It was like stepping back in time,” she says. “The factory was filled with memories and memorabilia gathered over 60 years, but at the same time it was as if nothing much had changed since it had opened.” It was run by a mother, father, son and daughter, along with a couple of workers who had been “welcomed in as family” – a closeness that continues to shape the way Sacha approaches her craft. Sacha has been working with them since the beginning of Kit + Clogs, and visits them frequently. “We’ve become a big part of each other’s lives.”
This sense of connection – to craft, place and people – continues to shape the ethos of Kit + Clogs Studio. “Our clogs are a celebration and a continuation of the old. Respecting the traditional craft of clog makers, we give it a new life with our contemporary twist on the traditional träskor wooden shoe.” Responsible craftsmanship and materials are integral to the company’s approach, from the limewood or Swedish alder wood used for clog bases to the vegetable-tanned leather sourced from a few trusted tanneries. “We make clogs in small batches as a stand against fast fashion. Our focus is on sustainability, and our clogs are made to last.”
Sacha trained in fashion and textile design and is fascinated by the fact that “something so practical can also be so beautiful.” She is attracted to simple shapes and “the softness and comfort that you can only really experience when using natural materials.” When Sacha comes to create new styles with her designer Laura Potts, she holds on to this philosophy. “I’m honing something that already exists, looking to add a detail or even take one or two away. We often connect clogs with Sweden or Holland. However, variations of this worker shoe are historically embedded in cultures from across the world – there are so many interpretations to draw inspiration from, which is exciting and a privilege.”
It can take months to create a new style of clog, which may be inspired by people, images or the changing seasons, and from time to time is developed in collaboration with designers at TOAST. The partnership with TOAST has encouraged boldness and creativity. “It’s been a driving force for us to continuously strive to create new and bold statement pieces that will endure the seasons – both in look and durability,” says Sacha.
Once a design has been settled on, lasts are developed in the Hastings studio, then sent to Sweden or a small factory in Spain for base crafting. Prototypes are made, adjusted for fit and style, and patterns are graded by hand for all sizes. Leather pieces are cut, stitched and attached to the bases. The last is pressed in to shape the clog, then removed after setting. “I love the lasting process as in a matter of moments the last forces the final shape of the shoe,” says Laura. “It’s very satisfying – one of the great qualities of leather is that it can be formed into shapes but then sets like a hard shell.” Final touches, including polishing and adding seat pads, are completed before the clogs are boxed. For Sacha, it's the act of making that offers a profound sense of satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Kit + Clogs is exploring even deeper connections with responsible craft. Sacha now has the helping hands of newest team member Holly Rose, who will help steer the business with her experience in sustainability and agroecology. “We're interested in creating a clog this autumn using UK leather from regenerative farms,” says Holly. “We're also exploring making the bases for this regenerative collection from UK coppiced wood, and of course continuing to make each clog by hand.”
Kit + Clogs Studio stands as a quiet rebellion against the throwaway. For Sacha, creating clogs is about connection to craft, community and nature: “connecting to the earth through fashion.” This is a view that is shared by each member of the team, including Riley Bramwell-Cole. “To be involved with a brand that is committed to maintaining sustainable and fair practices is incredibly rewarding, and makes my work a joy,” she says. Each pair of clogs is shaped by hand, made to be worn and weathered – offering an invitation to tread more lightly on the earth.
Discover the Kit and Clogs Studio Leather Mid Heel Clogs and Kit and Clogs Studio Etta Leather Clogs.
Sacha wears the Textured Cotton Alpaca Sweater in Moonstone and V Neck Cotton Jersey Dress. Holly wears the Hand Dyed Marl Sweater. Riley wears the Organic Cotton Linen Easy Sweater in Dark Navy and the Garment Dyed Linen Barrel Leg Trousers. Laura wears the Dolman Sleeve Cardigan in Dark Navy, and the Cotton Linen Canvas Wide Leg Trousers.
Words by Alice Simkins Vyce.
Photography by Lesley Lau.
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