Andreas Mikellis of Skrimshand

Meet Andreas Mikellis, the designer behind Skrimshand, an Auckland-based label built around traditional craft, exceptional materials and clothing made slowly, by hand.

After years working across fashion, tailoring, editorial and costume design, Andreas founded Skrimshand as a deeply considered alternative to mass production, creating one-off garments and small numbered editions from his Eden Terrace studio.

With Skrimshand currently in residence at Spacefor Tyler, we spoke with Andreas about his background, his process and what he hopes to build with the label.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand?

I have been involved in the fashion industry for a number of years, initially creating an international fashion label in the UK and selling to leading European and Japanese stores. I’m now based in Auckland and am the designer of luxury artisanal clothing and accessories label, Skrimshand.

How did your journey start?

I studied Fashion and Textile Design in the UK and have worked across the industry, from magazine editorial, tailoring and high-end fashion to costume design.

Can you share an interesting aspect of your work? Maybe a part of the product-making process or a unique work ritual you have?

Skrimshand pieces are hand constructed through a slow and highly considered approach to making, combining traditional tailoring, utilitarian construction and pre-industrial hand techniques.

Each piece is produced in limited numbers, as one-of-one garments or small, individually numbered editions.

We produce our work in our Eden Terrace studio. It’s a small, quiet sanctuary where the sound of hand-sewing is all you can hear.

What are the future plans and goals for you personally, and for your company?

I want Skrimshand to promote high-end artisanal craft as a valuable and compelling alternative to the prevailing culture of mass production and disposability.

I created Skrimshand to embody this belief through clothing that values the hand, the material, the maker and the individual who wears it.

Our ambition is to allow the brand to evolve organically and thoughtfully, building a distinctive place in the minds and hearts of a growing community of unique customers who recognise, value and support the work.

Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, I want Skrimshand to develop with integrity, expanding its reach while retaining the intimacy, material integrity and sense of provenance that define the brand.

Can you tell us about the upcoming Spacefor activation? What can customers expect from you, and why did you decide to do it?

We have created an elegant and serene environment, where you can experience an edit of trans-seasonal pieces in unique natural fabrics, for all genders.

The installation includes a crate by artist Noel Ivanoff, together with a loop screening of a sublime short cinematic essay that was shot in our studio, directed by Jen Raoult, with Gareth Moon as Director of Photography and a music score by Arli Liberman.

Quick Answers

Currently, my favourite brands are:
Jan Jan Van Essche and Maurizio Giacomo Altieri

An object or item I can’t live without:
Sorry, not one item. All my books!

My favourite online destination is:
@mindbendersandclassics

My favourite place to shop, anywhere in the world, is:
Porte de Clignancourt Flea Market, Paris.

Offline vs Online?
Offline