Richard Quinn believes whisky is no longer a masculine product and can be shared and appreciated by anyone. The fashion designer collaborated with Royal Salute in 2021 on an exclusive bottle and was so blown away by the reception that “extending the collaboration was a no-brainer”.
Quinn tells us more about the second edition and how he transfers his fashion sensibilities onto a bottle.
Why did you continue this collaboration with Royal Salute?
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II is a collector’s item, and together, the trio is a work of art in itself. After seeing the successful launch of the first expression in 2021, extending the collaboration with Royal Salute was a no-brainer for me, and I love the idea that our collaborative effort will find its way into the hands of appreciators of craft across the world.
What did you learn from your first collaboration with the brand that guided the second?
I am so proud of the exceptional expressions that I have co-crafted with Royal Salute for the Fashion Collection, the latest being Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II. Through each project, I’ve learned so much from the team, and it has been a real collaborative experience.
Since I first worked with Royal Salute in 2021, I have recognised a shared desire to push our crafts beyond expectations. When we first partnered, it was a steep learning curve. Even though I’ve always loved whisky, I used to drink it with mixers, but now I have a deep appreciation for it neat, with a drop of water, or in a more sophisticated cocktail.
For this second expression, I’ve learned even more about the art of whisky blending and spent time with Royal Salute’s master blender Sandy Hyslop at Strathisla Distillery in Scotland. As we worked together on this new blend, I gained even more insight into the world of whisky.
What is the difference between designing for a bottle and a piece of clothing?
There are similarities between designing a bottle and designing clothing. While
the human body and whisky flagons are different, both require an immense amount of thought, especially when printing patterns onto curved, 3D shapes. It’s all about creating prints that enhance the shape of the object they are emblazoned on. There are differences, too.
With a bottle design, we look to create one seamless print. In clothing, the pattern is broken up because seams and different parts of the body require different patterns or shapes.
What is the inspiration for your second set of prints for Royal Salute?
The trio of designs combine my best-known prints with my more modern, bolder designs, mirroring Royal Salute’s juxtaposition of being a heritage brand fused with modern innovation.
In addition to showcasing my love of colliding patterns, each print also matches some of the flavour notes of the blend. While one depicts a print reflective of my most famous work with rose petals and white polka dots against a black backdrop, another features a striking white daisy against a forest green background.
Completing the trio, the final pattern uses bright purples, yellows, and greens with a modern floral pattern against a pristine white background.
You’ve designed for both Amal Clooney and Lily Aldridge. Can you tell me more how you work with celebrities like them?
When we work with celebrities, we have a clear policy that they must come to our studio
in Peckham. We like to spend time with the people we design for and it’s always quite inspirational to see them slightly out of context. It creates an informal setting where we can work together to create a piece that we both love.
