Having a gander with… @nots
We first crossed paths with Mills in December 2022 at an event in Manchester and been a big fan of her brand @nots ever since.
Mills is constantly ‘knotting’ as she likes to put it, any free time she finds - on the bus, in the park and at jury duty. We managed to stop her ‘knotting’ for an afternoon and invited her up to manchester to show her around the local city sites. We had a little chinwag about her, nots and what’s upon the horizon for both.
Keep your eyes peeled as we will be giving info on our upcoming collaboration with Nots soon. Releasing early December.
- You’re an active person, running, climbing, hiking, camping - what is it about the active lifestyle that draws you to it?
I guess it’s stemmed from spending a lot of time in South Wales whilst living in Bristol. I love the outdoors, especially taking my jeep (Jerry) out to nature and kipping in the back. I really enjoy long solo runs on the weekend - getting out for hours really helps me switch off. It’s the opposite to what I used to be into, going out loads but I stopped all that and everyone keeps on going with it. I think that’s why all this movement popped off during lockdown because all you could do was go outside into nature - something I’ve not stopped doing. You see loads of people out in full kit but more likely to see the Arcy boys in Bristol raves round by me.
- You’re a junior designer, what started you on this path?
I started off doing Fashion Design at uni, I guess that is where my appetite for Fashion started. I managed to grab a 6 month internship in London which was a really good experience. It was a bit of a whirlwind, as I worked in a bar in Bristol thursday - Sunday then hopped on a Megabus to London Monday Morning - Wednesday every week, never had a day off. I feel like everyone goes through that sort of time, paying your dues. I’ve now worked at Superdry for 4 years.
- What does a normal day look like for you?
Driving to work in Cheltenham, going gym on the way home, then knotting for the rest of the evening watching tv.
- What tv do you watch?
I must admit, I dont have the best tv taste Big Brother and all that reality tv shit. Married at first sight is my favourite. I don't like drama in my own life so I think that’s why it’s so entertaining.
- When did you start Nots or Knotting as you like to put it?
I started nots nearly 3 years ago now in 2021.
- Only 3 years ago! Where did the idea of Nots come from?
I really liked all the rope and decided to make something out of it, experimenting in my bedroom. I saw everyone carrying their bottles around and I thought probably need a bag for that.
Entrepreneurship at its finest.
- How about your personal styling, what brands/trends got you into fashion?
Hmmm, have you heard of the brand Monki? They’re Swedish, I really liked the prints growing up. Also, Adidas tracksuits when i was younger.
*another tracksuit lover*
Skating brands I really liked too, with living in Bristol, theres a big skate culture there, I was surrounded by it.
- What do you reckon the next trend is going to be either sport or clothing trend?
*a Tesla drives past*
I would love to sleep in a Tesla, they have that fire on the screen. Proper cosy vibes.
Sorry your question - Mushroom picking / foraging it’s already popular in a way but I believe the way the industry is going, hopefully natural dye processes will become more prevalent in everyday attire. There is so much to be explored with all that.
With being at Superdry, I have turned into a bit of a geek with materials and i think Arcteryx have really good fabric innovation, they always seem to have their finger on the pulse.
This isn’t that elaborate but i really love Gramicci skirts - if i was to be sketched, draw me in a Gramicci Skirt is my only request.
What’s next for you in your personal life?
Moving to manchester in the future and wanting to do Nots full time are my main goals to be honest. Whenever that will be is anybody’s guess.
I think manchester has such a good community feel to it, everyone seems to know everyone but it still has loads going on. I love the popular run clubs and walking clubs you guys seem to have up here.
- What’s your favourite camping tune? running tune?
I listen to Adele in the gym, bit of a rogue one but gets me going and bit of a contrast but a good running tune ‘Overmono - Good Lies’.
- Being stocked in Goodhood is a good gig. How did that come about?
Yes goodhood they reached out and their buying team are really cool, I really like what they stock so that was a no brainer for me.
- You’ve recently brought out your own Skirt - What else are we going to see from Nots?
Yes! We are bringing out the zigzag bags before the end of the year. I’m really buzzing about these, it’s a different process to what i’ve done before and it’s definitely venturing into exciting territory for Nots.
- What clothes are you into at the moment?
Story MFG is the biggest inspiration i take i would say, in my personal style and at Nots. Aries, as well, their sweater quality is really good.
- You’ve styled yourself in the Peveril Jacket today, what do you like about it?
*Mills styled herself with a Nots Zigzag bag, Story MFG Forager pants with the Peveril Jacket in Willow and a pair of Clarks Original Wallabees Hi-Top Quilted in Khaki.*
I really like the fabric, the silhouette is banging - good job and the fact it’s oversized with the dolman sleeves. Winner. The bungee cord on the hem, the high neck and to being able to adjust the hood. Also, i love the pockets on the front, they are very well proportioned. I actually own one of your Stone Circle tees too and i really like the length, nice and cropped.
