ONE of Scotland’s leading fashion houses Isolated Heroes celebrates 10 years in business with ambitious aims of achieving a £500k turnover in 2023 due to a series of new clients and stockists.
Isolated Heroes has seen significant growth from a graduate collection in 2012 to a £260k turnover expected in 2022. Founder and Designer Samantha Paton has her sights set on the US market whilst growing a talented in-house team of fifteen based in Dundee and leading the way towards bringing garment manufacturing back to Dundee.
In celebration of this milestone, 2023 will see Isolated Heroes available in stores across the US including a pop up shop in California with Plus Bus Boutique who specialise in introducing plus size designers. There are plans to attend MAGIC, the most comprehensive fashion marketplace in the U.S trade show to showcase garments to buyers on a wholesale basis.
After significant investment into the business in 2022, including a 2800 sq ft premises, new machinery to accommodate the growing workforce and 10 new positions created across the business, Isolated Heroes are prepared to expand their manufacturing capabilities in-house and facilitate further business growth. The move has seen the opening of a large scale production room and departments dedicated to distribution and content creation, crucially creating space for these ten jobs within the fashion sector in Dundee. With a focus on education, Samantha understands the skills gap from University to industry and has worked with local charity Front Lounge to develop an SQA accredited course which develops skills in design and garment manufacturing providing employability opportunities to young people within the city.
From a one woman band to a team of fifteen, Samantha is passionate about supporting and nurturing the talented creative community in Scotland and the business is always striving to improve their sustainability credentials. This includes a promise to use 80% deadstock fabric in each new line. The team is on a mission to contribute towards a circular economy. Isolated Heroes has vowed to keep their manufacturing in Dundee with a Made in Scotland label. The importance of handmade products, ethical manufacturing and a transparent supply chain is testament to the business values, inspiring a future generation to set up micro businesses within Scotland.
Founder and designer Samanthan Paton said:
“£500k turnover isn’t out of reach for Isolated Heroes and after ten years in business, I’m pleased to now be at the forefront of supporting local talent in Dundee and be part of the return of manufacturing in the city. Dundee is steeped in a rich textile heritage and having a real cultural moment with a string of independent fashion houses opening within the City. I’m confident we have invested into the business in the relevant areas in order to achieve success and growth.”
This week they are nominated for their contribution to the Scottish business sector with nominations for “Best Use of Social Media” at both Business Women Scotland Awards and Scotland Re:Design Awards. Isolated Heroes production manager Christie Wanless has been shortlisted for “Fashion Assistant of the Year” which reflects the skill and craftsmanship of the entire team.
Isolated Heroes will showcase their 10 Year Anniversary collection on Tuesday evening (15th Nov) at Scotland Re:Design Fashion Festival which is being held at V&A Dundee followed by a ten year brunch and trunk show at The Selkie on Wednesday (16th Nov)
