A Bird of Meaning
‘Aberdevine is the old-fashioned name for a type of finch called the Eurasian siskin,’ began Marta during an interview with Maxine Gordon at the Yorkshire Press. ‘This siskin used to come into our garden when we lived near a forest in Poland. It would sit there on the fence and watch me draw initial designs. Then, one day, it disappeared.’ says Marta. ‘Weeks later, I discovered a neighbour had been heavily spraying their fields. And this siskin never came back…’
The loss of this delicate bird served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unintended consequences of human actions on the environment. This moment had a significant, lasting influence on Marta’s business’s core values and early beginnings. ‘The unusual name behind Aberdevine lingerie chimes with the ethical core of the business.’ Maxine aptly noted. And indeed, the story of how Aberdevine came to be is as inspiring as the brand itself.
Aberdevine, as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary, is an old-fashioned term for the Eurasian siskin, a small Eurasian finch scientifically known as Spinus spinus. The dictionary elaborates: ‘A small Eurasian finch, Spinus spinus, having greyish green plumage with black and yellow markings, sometimes kept as a caged songbird. Formerly placed with the goldfinch in the genus Carduelis.’
A Commitment to Ethical Practices
An economist and a passionate supporter of circular economics and well-being, Marta set up Aberdevine with the commitment to create a fully circular brand one day. Reducing environmental harm and ensuring the well-being of the people and the planet is evident in every facet of Aberdevine’s operations. From the outset, she prioritised circularity, where the materials used, the source and the operations align with her vision of an ethical fashion brand. Aberdevine’s lingerie features recycled fabrics, natural dyes, and plastic-free underwires - a testament to Aberdevine’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship. Marta’s philosophy extends beyond materials; it encompasses every person involved in creating the garments, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Aberdevine uses recycled and biodegradable packaging and non-toxic ink and implements waste-reducing production methods.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity
The name Aberdevine is more than a reference to a bird; it symbolises resilience, harmony with nature and the importance of tradition. ‘I believe there’s something beautiful about connecting with history,’ Marta noted. ‘Adopting a name like Aberdevine reminds us of the richness of language, nature, and the stories we inherit. It also encompasses our region's tradition of lingerie craftsmanship and the significance of maintaining this art and skill for generations.’
Aberdevine not only attempts to support the legacy of traditional names and language but also serves as a bridge to the centuries-old craftsmanship of lingerie that has been an integral part of our region’s heritage. We must continue to celebrate and preserve these traditions, ensuring that the name and the craftsmanship remain alive in the modern world. In doing so, we honour our cultural legacy and keep the craft of lingerie-making- an often overlooked yet vital aspect of our local history and economy- vibrant for future generations.
A Personal Touch
For Marta, Aberdevine is not just a business; it’s a profoundly personal journey. ‘Every time I see a siskin now,’ she said, ‘it feels like a little reminder to keep going and stay true to what we believe in.’ Her passion for art, nurtured in her childhood by her grandma, is evident in Aberdevine’s designs. Each piece is meticulously crafted for many months, blending elegance and tradition with comfort and versatility.
As Aberdevine continues to grow, it remains devoted to its core brand values: versatility, timelessness, excellence, and thoughtfulness, with the feather in the logo serving as a reminder of the story behind its beginnings…
Drawing by Małgosia Gibas-Grądman, Las i Niebo
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