Year Two - Progress, Community & Craftsmanship

Made Closer to Home

The biggest win this year? Bringing more of our production home.

From the Rail Worker Jacket proudly made in the west of Scotland by Juliet and her team to the upcoming run of Pinch Chinos now being produced in the same factory, that shift to small-batch, Scottish manufacturing has been huge.

It’s not just about geography — it’s about people. Trusting our makers. Knowing their businesses. Supporting each other to grow. Watching a sketch become a sample, then a garment you wear and live in for years.

Trading in the Stockbridge store is up, with more returning customers and new faces every week. Some still walk in saying, “I used to shop at Xile” — and now they’ve found us again. That kind of loyalty means everything, both online and in person.

Nothing hard about this year, as running a loss-making Xile business, knowing it had to end, that was real hard work. it’s been full throttle. Seven days a week. I’m still packing orders, tweaking fits, writing product copy, getting fabric deliveries through the door but it doesn’t feel like work.

PARA‑DAIZA’s like my fifth child. I’m loving watching it grow.

One Jacket Says It All

The standout piece this year? No question the Rail Worker Jacket.

Made in Scotland from heavyweight Orta herringbone denim. Cut sharp with a pleat-back and corozo buttons. It’s got presence. And it represents everything we’re about proper garments made locally by people we trust.

It’ll always be in the collection. We’ve already got new fabrics lined up for spring.

Sharper, Slower, Better

This year we slowed things down to get sharper.

We focused on refining the product from cut to cloth and deepened relationships with our makers. From our partners in Leeds to British mills like,Alfred Brown, Moon and Lovat. Small runs, proper fabrics, and attention to detail over volume.

Getting it right - not rushing it out.

Starting PARA‑DAIZA from scratch has forced me to thread into every part of the business and I’ve genuinely enjoyed it. Being that close to everything has been amazing and taken me back to the early Xile days as a young buyer, but this time, with even more creative energy and clarity. When you’re connected, ideas keep coming. And the more you learn, the more you want to do.

Stockbridge: Our Kind of People

Every week, new characters walk through the door and I love that.

Tizzy, 86 and sharp as ever, chatting style and life. Donna, always with a gift brass ornaments and trinkets picked up from the charity shop. And the Rita regulars who swing by just to sneak her a biscuit.

The shop’s not just four walls and a till. It’s a space where conversations happen. Connections are made. That’s what makes it special.

Looking Ahead

2026 is about refining again. Outdoor jackets I’ve had in mind for years are now in development. More shirting. Clean overshirts. Strong cloth from local makers. All classic, all built to last.

I don’t need to look far for inspiration. I jump in the loft, pull down an old Commes des Garçons shirt or a some jackets from the 90s.

“If you want a new idea, read an old book.”

But more than anything, I’m enjoying the ride. The goals are simple:
Make good product.
Work with good people.
Grow!

And maybe start taking a few more days off - me and Rita deserve some longer dog walks.