New Beginnings & the Art of Ritual
As the festive decorations come down and the January light begins to stretch just a little further each day, there is a natural urge to refresh. For me, this year feels particularly significant; it isn't just a new calendar page, but a new chapter for Stiwdio Shaw. This sense of a fresh start has led me back to my roots, allowing me to find a timing that feels more intentional and rooted in history.
While the world celebrates on January 1st, I find myself looking toward Hen Galan on January 13th—the Traditional Welsh New Year. Celebrating this connection to my Welsh heritage serves as a reminder that we don’t always have to follow the standard pace of the world; we can choose our own rhythm. This year, Hen Galan marks the launch of my new website—a project built on that same steady, persistent pace. Looking back at my time in University, I remember how hard I worked to gain the digital skills I have today. Building this site myself was an act of patience, proving that the "slow" way of learning often leads to the most rewarding results.
That same commitment to doing things my own way—and taking the time to get them right—starts at the very beginning of the creative process: the sketchbook.
To celebrate this new beginning, I am introducing a new ritual to my Cardiff studio: Daily Sketching. In a world that demands instant results, I am taking things back to basics. Sketching isn't about creating a "perfect" drawing; it is about putting thoughts onto paper to find perspective. It is the first "small act" that eventually leads to a finished garment. By embracing the "rubbish" sketches along with the good ones, I allow the design process to breathe.
This meditative approach to making is what transforms a simple piece of fabric into a garment worth keeping—the ultimate antidote to the fast-paced consumption we often feel pressured into this time of year.
We often emerge from December feeling a sense of "spending guilt," but I believe that choosing to invest in yourself should feel like a celebration, not a burden. A Stiwdio Shaw garment is not a fleeting trend destined for a charity shop by next season; it is an investment in longevity. My goal is for my work to help you turn the act of "getting dressed" into your own morning ritual. We all know that specific feeling of confidence we get when we put on our favorite, most comfortable piece of clothing. By choosing pieces made with intention, you can strive for that feeling every single day.
Ultimately, this journey—from the history of Hen Galan to the pages of my sketchbook—is about offering you something you won't find on the high street.
When you browse the new site, I hope you feel a sense of discovery. I want you to find a connection to a garment that was made by hand, with academic care and creative passion. Thank you for being part of this slow fashion community and for supporting independent, Welsh design. Here’s to a year of small acts, meaningful rituals, and clothes that tell a story.
— Jess, Founder of Stiwdio Shaw
