Creative Folk in Outdoor Spaces: Make it Wet
We met womenswear designer Meg Hughes in her studio to discuss fishing, her upcoming collaboration with Nike, and how her dad inspires her boutique brand ‘Make it Wet’. Meg is a savant in all things slimy and excels in creating bespoke bags that blend her passion for fishing with innovative materials. Using challenging fabrics like ripstop and latex, combined with bold shapes and unexpected colours, Meg has introduced something fresh and memorable to the market.
Meg, Two things really stood out to us when we were able to look around the MIW studio; your illustration process and your amazing relationship with your Dad - can you tell us what role he has had in informing the brand and it's designs
From a young age my dad immersed me in nature, even when I was a kid I loved fishing with him and now we spend our time together fishing for mackerel off our boat in Anglesey. My dad always told me to use nature as my inspiration and it’s only until I got a little older I actually listened to him. Being by the sea with the wind in my face is where I feel more creative, there’s so much to be inspired by you just have to look in the right places. Not only does he sit and tie ropes for my bags, or help with the photoshoots, he’s taught me to respect and appreciate the raw elements that surround us, it’s what makes us feel alive.
Ripstop Puffer Bags
‘Being by the sea with the wind in my face is where I feel more creative, there’s so much to be inspired by you just have to look in the right places.’
Tell us about your illustration process and how it helps you to interpret the outdoor world
The illustration process is huge for me, it allows me to communicate my ideas when I can’t find the words. Drawing and sketching allow me to capture textures, often inspired by nature and the organic patterns found in the outdoors. Since I also have a passion for the photography side of design, I often begin with outdoor imagery, creating a series of sketches based on those visuals. From there, I move into the garment design process.
What's next after bags and do you have any more events coming up?
I’m currently working on a collaboration with Nike that will be launched in March. It’s an incredible opportunity that I can’t wait to share, it’s the first big brand I’ve worked with so it’s teaching me a lot. I can’t say much about what’s being released but I can say it’s WILD!
You don't seem afraid to work with difficult or unexpected materials in your designs, do you always make time to experiment? Have you come up against any particular challenges?
"Working with ripstop and other technical fabrics definitely presents its challenges. I often find myself switching out sewing feet on my machine, especially when working with thin, slippery fabrics that can be a nightmare to sew. When a fabric is particularly tricky, I usually line it with something less slippery to help minimize movement after pinning. Despite the challenges, the unique look of ripstop fabrics truly excites me. For my bags, I only use deadstock fabrics, which means the size and shape of each one depends on how much scrap material I have. Exploring new materials is always a buzz and keeps my work fresh and exciting.
What's your ideal way to spend a day outdoors?
My ideal day outdoors would be fishing with dad, or a good hike with my friends chatting away. Usually, a day outdoors for me ends up with a BBQ or a pint at the pub, n it doesn’t get better than a day like that.
Find out more about Make it Wet here
