Shopping
()U'l [/(Jljt‘if‘i TISO Try before you buy
If you think the great outdoors is iust for bobble-hatted ramblers wrth knapsacks on their back then you're in for a surprise. Tiso's newest and biggest outlet in Glasgow sells not only the core outdoor items of tents and sleeping bags. but even/thing else you could possibly need to do pretty much anything outdoors.
Tiso started in Leith in 1962 when Graham Tiso found he wasn't able to buy good duality outdoor equipment in Scotland. The business has now expanded from one shop in [flinburgh to twelve shops throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland specialising in camping. skiing and Climbing actiVities. The new Glasgow venture allows the company to go one hikingbootrxl step further and create a whole outdoor experience under one roof. Other partners have joined in for this venture. with John Smith 8 Sons supplying Ordinance Survey maps. magazines. travel books and a vast selection of outdoor books. and Alpine Bikes providing a wide range of mountain bikes as well as all the necessary accessories and clothing.
The range of activities covered in the centre includes walking. hill climbing. rock climbing. canoeing, backpacking. adventure travel. camping and cycling. For all of these sports there is equipment and clothing which aim to keep you comfonable. dry and preferably in one piece while looking good at the same time.
If you are still not sure. it also has specially designed areas for you to test your new gear. You can try out walking boots on the stone bridge. climbing boots on the climbing wall, torches in the test cave. waterproofs in the Gortex shower and campsite cooking options in the stove test area. For the very brave there is Europe's first ever indoor ice wall where you can give your new crampons. ice hack. fleece and nerves a thorough test drive.
If the adrenaline rush gets too much you can take time out in the cafe before donning your new gear and putting it to the test in the Wilderness that we love to call the great outdoors. (Jane Hamilton)
I Tiso G/(ngOH’ Outdoor t-Xper/ence. Couper Street. Glasgow. 0141 {3:39 5450. www.tiso.co.uk
Test your boots on the climbing wall (top) before selecting a mountain bike
which I got in a flea-market in Milan. It is so camp-looking but l love it.
What is your advice to anyone interested in working in the design industry? Be really passionate about what you do. and hold on to the
bag designs. but I will still do hats on a commission basis.
I'm from Lewis originally so I use a lot of Harris Tweed within my designs. It's funny though. people have a perception of it as peat-coloured and scratchy rather than luxurious to
What is your long-term goal? To keep making beautiful things and to sell them internationally. but l really iust want my things to go to a home where they‘re loved.
Where can we buy your designs?
On an order basis (see contact passion that drives you to design
STYLE FILE
DONNA MACLEOD
Based Glasgow.
Occupation Bag. hat and furniture dedgner
Background I did Theatrical Art in Dundee. studying subjects like theatre. costume and performance. but I always designed for friends by customising things.
Since leaving Dundee l have been working in the media doing costume design; I‘ve been doing that for about eight years and my business took a back seat. I mainly do furniture and
1 18 THE LIST 12—26 Apr 2001
touch. It comes in such a variety of colours now and it's perfect for my bags because it's so hard-wearing. How and when did you establish your company? I am still in the process of establishing my business. All my energy and efforts are going into it right now.
What style do you specialise in? My
style is based ar0und colour. For my bags I am generally influenced by lifestyle; you could say the art of living. Within my furniture designs evthing is very tactile and feely.
Where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere! Getting up in the morning and walking around and seeing the world. I did take inspiration for my bedspreads from flowers and I really love French chic and Art Deco. What designers influence you? I have no real specifics. No big designers really. I prefer smaller less mainstream ones.
number below).
What is your own favourite item? I absolutely adore bags. One of my favourite things is a gold candelabra
something. because you have to
believe in it to make somebody else believe RETAll. in it. iKyla Singletonl I Donna MacLeod. 0802 433 43 l .
MacLeod likes her furniture ‘tactile and feely’