Introducing Yuthanan, owner of Tokyo-based fashion brand Sillage; a brand born to defy conventional silhouettes in favour of crafting cool, distinctive and often oversized wardrobe staples. Drawing inspiration from music, culture and the diversity of body types, Sillage celebrates individuality. Yuthanan (full name Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau) visited our Elgin mill to discover more about our products and processes. Here, we chat about his journey into the fashion world and the importance of always staying curious.

Name: Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau

Instagram: @yuthanan__

Occupation: Brand Owner/Creative

What does friendship mean to you?

Friendship is what connects people beyond frontiers; friendship connects, and friendship creates. Essential to our world, essential to individuals.

What brought you into the world of Fashion?

It happened naturally after realising I was unsuitable for any other path. I was not a good student; my focus was led by my will to make discoveries, learn by myself, and build my ecosystem. Naturally, fashion became obvious to me; it’s one of the easiest ways to express yourself.

In such a vast industry, what sets you apart?

Seeing the world as a big playground, not limiting myself to my homeland, and going beyond reason sometimes. That’s when I make the best discoveries; curiosity is probably my greatest quality.

What advice would you give to someone just starting in the industry?

Create your own ecosystem, surrounded by the people and things you like the most.

What project are you most proud of to date?

Many of them, but my most beautiful project was moving to Japan without any preparation, a jump to the unknown.

Who is your style icon?

I would love to mention someone, but it’s a question that I have never been able to reply to. My style icons can be anyone. When travelling, I always meet style icons; I don’t know who they are, but I admire their look.

What attracted you to the world of Johnstons of Elgin?

I’m attracted to brands with history; I like learning about how a brand can exist over centuries. For me, a brand has to be related to craftsmanship, too.

If you had to describe Johnstons of Elgin in three words, what would they be?

Heritage, craftsmanship, and iconic.

What did you most enjoy during your visit to the mill?

Seeing how the Donegal material is made was such a beautiful experience.

A question from our previous Friend of Johnstons of Elgin: What job do you dream of doing?

Probably a chef. Being able to help people travel through food is very similar to a fashion brand.

What question would you like to ask our next Friend of Johnstons of Elgin?

Is curiosity important?

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