For the latest in our 'Meet the Maker' series, Emily Scott, award-winning Cornish restauranteur, writer and longstanding JT customer shares her fresh optimistic approach to food and style in the creation of our collaborative Justine Tabak x Emily Scott apron...
On an unseasonably warm February day, with the sun streaming through the kitchen windows, I meet Emily, whose enthusiasm beams equally as she arrives carrying a box of freshly caught Cornish crabs. We share the day in conversation whilst we bustle in the kitchen, chat life and work, and the sparks that culminated in the design for our perfect apron.
On an unseasonably warm February day, with the sun streaming through the kitchen windows, I meet Emily, whose enthusiasm beams equally as she arrives carrying a box of freshly caught Cornish crabs. We share the day in conversation whilst we bustle in the kitchen, chat life and work, and the sparks that culminated in the design for our perfect apron.
Justine: Do you see a crossover between your ethos as a cook and mine as dress designer?
Emily: For me, food is all about bringing people together, creating a moment of time with memories shared. Working with the ebb and flow of nature and cooking with what the universe has on offer at its best, each season, winter thought to autumn. The crossover with slow fashion is effortless and strong, just a perfect partnership.
Justine: Yes, it’s interesting that I’ve always attracted chefs to my collections. They've told me that they love wearing my simple linen dresses that they can throw on, and with many having three-quarter sleeves, you could get your hands in a bowl to knead pastry with no problems! This sense of ‘practical yet pretty’ has become a hallmark of the brand. Chefs also relate to my use of natural fabrics which change with the seasons and, similar to your professional kitchen, I work with local suppliers and makers to keep personal connection and creativity flowing through my supply chain.
Justine : How did you find my brand? And which have been your favourite pieces?
Emily: I remember finding Justine Tabak in 2018 on Instagram. I was drawn in by the natural beauty of your designs and gentle colour palette. My first dress was a Blue Corduroy Mill Town Dress, still a favourite of mine today. And I love the new Duck Egg Midhurst Dress. I wear your dresses all the time, dress up or down, they’ll always shine.
Justine: And how lovely is it to find new friends and creatives on Instagram! When I spotted your food, I was drawn to the fresh simplicity of your recipes and the personal touches that surrounded your world. Cornwall has always been one of my favourite holiday destinations, so it was a joy when you asked me to collaborate on an apron!
Emily : What inspiration did you use for the apron design?
Justine: Of course I thought of Cornwall and the elements that come from the coast. The sand coloured linen is heavy and washed, naturally rustic and soft. For the straps we used sunshine yellow as a symbol of warmth and optimism to reflect Emily Scott!
Emily: I am lucky enough to live by the sea and experience the connection between the land and the coast which create a sense of place. This draws you in and the simple routines and rituals become important in everyday life: that first cup of tea, putting my apron on, baking a cake, a trip to my favourite bakery, long lunches, seaside soirees and watching the sun go down. I digress! Creating an apron with Justine has been life enhancing; the fabric, the detail, the colour all drawing you in and wrapping you up.
Justine: And apart from the creative inspiration, you asked us to think about practicality, so pockets designed for a notebook, a mobile phone, and a loop to hang a tea towel. I’ve always worn aprons in the kitchen so it was good to hear from a real chef about all the practical needs. Do you remember your first apron?
Emily: Yes, a blue canvas apron that I was never without. Yours?
Justine: As a child my family went on holidays to Norway where I was given an embroidered apron as part of a national costume! I loved it so much, I once wore that apron for my class photograph!
Emily: An apron is part of my armour in the kitchen! I always wrap the ties right around me coming back to the front and tie in a bow (like an Easter egg) naturally sitting on my waist. An apron is as important to me as any other of my tools in my kitchen.
Emily wears the new Duck Egg Midhurst Dress, made in breathable relaxed cotton gauze. Dress this up with its matching belt, or, keep it loose, carefree and breezy for the beach!
"Prettiness doesn’t need to come from fuss; it can come from a fabric, a weave design, a tiny detail like a small ruffle or a mother-of-pearl button.” - Justine
Emily wears her own pre-loved stripe t-shirt with the natural linen gingham Brighton Trouser
"I'm drawn to simple styles, joyful colours and natural fabrics." - Emily
Justine wears the Camden Passage Dress 'Made in Liberty fabric' in a joyful print of fresh spring flowers and ceramics.
Colours of the sea: sky blue washed linen for the Saltaire Dress, Cornish blue cord for the Notting Hill style.
Justine: You are about the publish your second book ‘Time & Tide’, what kind of recipes should we expect to find?
Emily: ‘Time & Tide’, reflects the rituals, routines, colours and times of day that are important to me. My first book. ‘Sea & Shore’, has Cornwall very much at its heart as I share my connection between food, a sense of place and storytelling.
And as we continue to chat, Emily effortlessly arranges a pretty plate of crab cakes, salad and citrus mayo; no doubt a recipe from her next book which I look forward to reading and sharing with readers in another post. But for now, it’s time just to enjoy delicious food and very good company.
Time and Tide will be available to buy on 6th July published by Hardie Grant
Sign up to Emily Scott www.emilyscottfood.com for updates.
Sea and Shore is available to buy from www.hardiegrant.com
If you are visiting Cornwall, do visit Emily's Restaurant at Watergate Bay. Delicious food and picture postcard views.
Thank you for the beautiful photos. Kristin Perers @kristinperers
