Style Icon: Eva Harrold

Apr 25

Eva Harrold turns heads across the Southside in handmade outfits that challenge fast fashion. Through Slow Stitch Studio and her work with Rags to Riches, she’s stitching style, sustainability and community together — one thread at a time. Find out more in this edition of Style Icon from Issue 17: Hidden Lives.

By giacinta frisillo | Photo by Stefan Krajcik

Eva Harrold can be seen around the Southside, stylishly rocking handmade garms she creates as a passionate, creative and rebellious act. Want to be more like her? You’re in luck. She teaches sewing to interact with the textiles industry in a way that suits individuals’ needs through inclusive workshops at her own business – Slow Stitch Studio. She’ll also repair, alter, and create for you, if you prefer. You can also find her at the Govanhill Baths project, Rags to Riches, where she works as their Environmental Area Connector and sewing workshop facilitator.

Hi Eva! Tell me about what you're wearing today.

I'm wearing a pair of grey side-tie trousers, a white shirt and a grey waistcoat on top. The trousers and waistcoat I made, and my shirt and shoes are second hand. I love my shoes – they look like bowling shoes!

Wow! You’ve made a lot of your outfit. That’s really cool.

I'm building up a nice collection of my own clothing I've sewn and knitted, which makes me really happy.

When not making clothing yourself, where do you shop?

The majority of my clothing is second-hand. I’m a big fan of the Marie Curie on Victoria Road. And Vinted!

Do you have a favourite article of clothing?

Possibly the waistcoat that I'm wearing today. I made it a few years ago when I thought I was going to try and make clothing full time. It's really fun to have something that's completely functional in the way I want it to be; the straps at the sides are adjustable so I can layer as many pieces underneath as I like and I like the way it kicks out at the sides. The wool is really warm, so it's a good extra layer to have at the moment!

What or who influences your style?

I am very influenced by my friends. I’ve essentially had the same group of friends since I was in high school and it’s really fun to map how our styles change through the years!

I’m also influenced by the wider circle of creatives that I know in Glasgow. There’s always a new maker to discover with their own take on a colour palette or someone making a beautiful new item that spurs on a whole outfit for me!

Have you always felt inspired and ready to express yourself through clothing?

Having a larger body, it's definitely taken a while to get into a stride with my style. I love to see and hear body-positive individuals talking about how to take up space in the body you're in. It's given me so much confidence to wear what I want.

How would you describe your style?

I wear a lot of neutral colours these days and love to layer different textures and shapes, which is great when it’s cold – and practical because I’m always cold! I used to wear a lot of patterns and colours but now I’m really content with much more mellow colours and making the layering interesting.

You work at Rags to Riches and have built Slow Stitch Studio – two spaces that are all about reusing materials. Does this influence your style?

Definitely! I love to see the different fabrics that are donated to Rags to Riches. They might remind me of a piece of fabric I have at home or make me think of a garment I'm excited to make. I enjoy making up a little sample item in our beginners’ sewing class that I get to take home.