Introducing an Ethical Boutique that's playing for Keeps!

In March 2013, Kate Richards launched The Keep - with the purpose of providing a curated selection of ethical fashion that is both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. This thoughtfully beautiful boutique champions enduring styles that stand the test of time. I'm delighted to share with you my exclusive interview with Kate!

Q. What kept you motivated while you worked so hard to make your own way and start a brand new enterprise? 

Primarily the clothes. Every time I stumbled across another collection that was ethical, fashionable and beautiful, I got another huge surge of energy to battle on, and to create a space where others could also appreciate these great brands.
Also, the people around me who expressed their admiration for what I was doing, it’s amazing how powerful a few words of support can be.

Q. How would you describe the design aesthetic of The Keep in 10 words or less?

A carefully curated, rustic-chic, beautiful boutique.

Q. If you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be and why?

The lightening passage of trends. As soon as you’ve bought the latest jacket, the next style hits the high street. What you’ve just bought becomes discarded, and you end up just wanting what’s coming next, rather than really loving what you’ve got. It creates an endless treadmill, and unique style gets lost on this exhausting runway of fast-fashion.

Q. Which ethical designers are inspiring you right now?

Partimi. I love everything about Eleanor’s brand: the aesthetic; the sustainability; the integrity. She’s not a designer that uses the ‘ethical’ banner for marketing purposes. There’s a purity about the brand, and Eleanor’s connection to each print makes wearing here pieces a very personal experience. 

Pelican Top by Partimi

Sara C is very similar in both ethos and style. I’ve had her first collection in the shop for a month now and they’re a real eye-catcher. The prints on the bamboo tops make life very difficult…most people want them all and her maxi-dresses are unique. Seeing what’s in store for her next collection is keeping me motivated now the shop’s up and running!

Q. What makes The Keep a great choice for eco-conscious fashionistas?

I hand pick every piece not only based on strict ethical criteria, but also because I genuinely love and would want to own and wear it myself. Therefore, any eco-conscious individual can be assured that they will be able to find something that will genuinely make them feel good – not only because the natural materials are so soft, but because the designs are fashionable and the prints unique.

Q. Do you have a favourite item in store right now?

The Les Racines du Ciel dresses. They’re dyed using sweet potato paste, buried in the mud for six months and then washed in a river thirty times. They’ve become like children to me! I’m genuinely thrilled when someone buys one and I know it’s going to a good home – to someone who’ll treasure it forever.

Q. What’s your advice for people interested in making a career out of ethical fashion and design?

Do your research. That’s the advice Eleanor Dorrien-Smith (Partimi) shared at a talk I went to about a year ago and she was absolutely right. The fashion supply chain is often long and transparent only at certain stages.  

You might not be able to tick every box, but as long as you’re aware of where the limitations are, honest about these, and looking at ways to improve…then you’re on the right path.

And stick at it, because the ethical/sustainable route will become easier as time goes by and more people/brands choose to adopt it.

Q. What does the future hold for The Keep?

That’s the sort of question that makes me wish I had a business partner who I could turn to and say…why don’t you answer that one!

Right now I’m focusing on establishing the shop as a destination location in Brixton Village, whilst growing a customer base of very loyal keepers across London.

I’d love to introduce menswear in a year’s time, and then another one or two shops in London after that. I’ve been told a few times that The Keep would do well in Japan…so who knows…Tokyo here we come.

You can also connect with The Keep via Facebook and Twitter!

When It Comes to EcoFashion - The Beautiful Think!

There's nothing quite like meeting someone who shares your passion and enthusiasm for ecofashion - so it's been my utter delight to get to know Brooke Hahn, the Founder of ecochic online boutique The Beautiful Think! This vibrant woman's zest for living a holistic and beautiful life is contagious...in the nicest possible way ;-)

Q. What drove you to create an online sustainable fashion boutique?  

I’m a huge fan of Peppermint magazine and am constantly inspired by designers doing amazing things for sustainability. I love trawling through each issue and discovering new brands, but it struck me that this process for buying could be made easier – a website where all of these labels were available in the one place, so that buying eco fashion was as convenient as buying fast fashion. I wanted to capture that inspired feeling of being a part of something meaningful; and it needed to be stylish as I’m not a hippy. (And I wanted to break down the misconception that eco fashion = daggy fashion).

Brooke is wearing the Little Blue Dress by Etrala London with Jen Straw Clutch by Kayu Design

I thought that if I wanted a website like this, then other sustainably-minded people must too, so why not go ahead and create it? You know, as you do… ;) 

There were definitely panic attacks at times and delirious giggles at others (early on when designers started saying yes and it all became very real), but it has been the most amazing amazing experience where I’ve been able to meet and connect with so many like-minded and inspiring people. I love that I get to live and breathe The Beautiful Think every day! It rocks my world (and my socks).

Q. How would you describe the design aesthetic of The Beautiful Think in 10 words or less?

Style, meaning, depth, connection.

They are the four words that have been with me since TBT began. I took those words to my lovely graphic designer in the beginning and I’ve been repeating them ever since! The design aesthetic always needs to embody these elements.

Tombo Jacket by NearFar

Q. If you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be and why?

The mass consumption of fast fashion.

Large, fast fashion retailers churn out cheap, poor quality garments so that we buy them without really thinking about the impact – the human and environmental cost to create them. We wear the garment once or twice before it washes funny or it’s no longer fashionable (or shiny and new), so it gets thrown to the back of the wardrobe and eventually ends up in landfill. Then we go and buy the next trend item and do the same. It’s a cycle that is reinforced by our consuming behaviour, where we don’t think about our impact (nor are we encouraged to. Thinking could decrease sales!).

Charlotte Dress by MuMum Organic

Yet if we make a choice to consume mindfully, with awareness of the environment and garment industry workers, we can slowly break this cycle. Then real change can happen, once we shift from the throwaway fashion and the it-doesn’t-matter-if-I-only- wear-it-once-because-it-was-cheap mindset.

Q. Which ethical designers are inspiring you right now?

I feel incredibly inspired by my labels in different ways. Bhalo, One Colour, Kampala Fair, Sseko, IOU Project, Vyosna and NearFar give me a heart squeeze when I think about the beautiful artisan communities they provide employment for (people that might otherwise be lost in the poverty cycle); Starfish for their beyond stunning collection; MuMu organic for meeting almost all sustainable and socially responsibility criteria; Colin Leslie Eyewear for his reach into mainstream media (the Brit Awards woo!) and raising the profile of ethical fashion. Honestly, I could list them all!

Q. What makes The Beautiful Think a great choice for eco-conscious fashionistas?

The Beautiful Think is a stylish website – many people with eco/ethical values aren’t hippies and love beautiful clothing like everyone else. I really wanted to embody that in the feel of the site and I think people really love that about it. And on the flipside, TBT isn’t an empty, just-another-shopping website – it has a feeling and depth all of its own that makes a real connection with people.

Back Drape Plunge Monokini by Curlee Bikini

We also have a weekly mindful living and wellbeing blog/newsletter that covers a range of topics in the mindful living area that are meaningful for our audience: sustainability, alternative health, self-love, empowerment, Taoism. The most popular piece I wrote (which also happened to be my favourite, we’re on the same page!) was ‘Stop worrying and start living The Way’, which covered Winnie the Pooh’s philosophy on life: simply being.

I think for many people there is this growing awareness and discomfort in our current system of living; where something seems a beat off-kilter. TBT really explores and challenges how we live currently and allows readers the opportunity for greater connection with themselves, others and the environment.

Q. Do you have a favourite item in store right now?

I have too many! I LOVE Veryan’s organic cotton shirts, MT Labels’ bags and clutches, Etrala’s new 70s inspired collection, Vyosna’s new collection… I could go on and on...

Q. What’s your advice for young people interested in making a career out of ethical fashion and design?

The fashion industry is often regarded (quite accurately so) as being vacuous and hollow. Building a career in ethical fashion and design takes a hollow industry and injects meaning and value. Doing something creative that you love that is also pioneering in sustainable fashion – that is making a difference, that is inspiring. Plus I’d love to read about you one day in Peppermint magazine and feel the buzz, or sell your collections through TBT!

Q. What does the future hold for The Beautiful Think?

Excitement, inspiration, happiness, challenge, connection... :)

But along with these lovely things, the future will be to continue growing and inspiring others in sustainability, eco fashion and mindful living in general. To build people’s sustainable wardrobes instead of fast fashion ones; to share more beautiful eco labels; to change the way we consume and connect with fashion. And of course, TBT will continue exploring and sharing mindful living and wellbeing topics, to get people to think about their impact and ways to live a meaningful, happy and connected life. 

You can connect with Brooke + The Beautiful Think via her Facebook, Twitter and Blog!

Kindness by Review: Make Amend

I recently had the pleasure of introducing you to the inspiring young ethical designer Cassandra Pons and her unique label Make Amend. Well to my utter delight I had the opportunity to wear one of her oh so pretty pieces - the Orange Flower Print High Waisted Skirt - while visiting the sunny island of Jamaica!

Cassandra has crafted this super cute skirt from vintage garments and other upcycled materials to create something special (and really comfortable!). 

I put this skirt to the test as I strolled about Falmouth during the hottest part of the day - but the material was so light and cool that I never felt uncomfortable.

To be honest I'm usually not a massive fan of bows on my clothing BUT I actually think this sweet non-obtrusive lace bow-tie is a lovely detail. 

I chose to wear this skirt in a relaxed casual way but you could easily turn it into a party skirt with the right ecochic heels and pretty white top. 

So if you're looking for an outfit that's fashion-forward, feminine, easy to wear and also happens to be eco-friendly, then you're really going to love Make Amend's collections!  

Ps: Like the top I'm wearing? Stay tuned...

Photography: Ryan Collins

Bite Sized Kindness: Beyond Skin has a Chic New Look!

One of my favourite online ethical boutiques - Beyond Skin - has revamped their website to create an even more sublime vegan shopping experience!

The new look site was developed by UK e-commerce specialists (with an awesome name) Jellywall. According to Beyond Skin Co-Founder Heather Whittle, the new site boasts"...better usability, clear site navigation and will enable a smoother journey for the online shopper". 

All of these fab changes mean you can now browse the new SS13 Collection in style! This collection features a unique mix of vintage flavours with bold colour choices and can be separated into 4 capsule collections:

• Vintage evening wear
• Adventurous animal prints
• Bold block colours
• Exclusive dog head embroidery by UK graphic designer, Cat Finnie - with a percentage of the profits going to The Dog’s Trust Charity

I love that Beyond Skin isn't only cruelty-free but eco-friendly as well, with the majority of their shoes crafted from faux suede manufactured in Italy from 100% recycled materials. 

"We are passionate about making a difference whilst staying true to our ethos; that of creating beautiful, ethical footwear for discerning style-led ladies proving that fashion and ethics can go hand in hand!" - Beyond Skin

  
You can also connect with Beyond Skin via their Blog, Facebook and Twitter!

Shake the Dust Epitomises the Ideals of Fair Trade & Creative Design

Ahoy there ecofashionistas! I'm writing from the astounding and sweltering Panama Canal on my way from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. My next stop will be the tiny San Blas Islands, where communities rely on the trade of their unique molas textiles. 

Director of Shake the Dust, Kathy Shenoy, lives and breathes creativity, fairness and collaboration. The name was gleaned from one of Kathy's favourite poems by Anis Mojgani. It was my absolute pleasure to chat to her about gorgeous ethical design and the knock-on effects of trading fairly!

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about how Shake the Dust first came about?

I’ve been living and working in a remote valley in Swaziland, (Southern Africa) for the last few years, initially as a product designer for Fair Trade craft and design business and then coordinating an international Arts festival. I met so many people, from rural artisans to top international designers and felt that there is a real need to connect all these talented people in some way. It took me a long time to figure out how that would manifest, and how I would fund it (!) but eventually Shake the Dust was born at the end of 2012. 

The business is a platform for showcasing creative talent and products both in the UK and in developing countries, but with an ethical and developmental edge that forges partnerships. 

Q. What impact did your time living in Southern Africa’s Kingdom of Swaziland have on the way you live and work today? 

It’s been life changing in many ways. I was supposed to be there for 6 months but stayed for nearly 3 years! Living in a place with a relatively small creative industry gave me an opportunity to explore my creative direction to a degree that would be much harder to accomplish in the competitive UK scene. But what I achieved and the inspiring people I met gave me a lot of confidence to branch out on my own over here. 

Q. How would you describe Shake the Dust’s design aesthetic in 10 words or less?

Eclectic, colourful, contemporary, global designs with soul.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about what makes your label both socially ethical and eco-friendly?

The primary focus of Shake the Dust is to work with partners who share my philosophy for socially responsible business. I want to prove that investing in and developing creative economies can really impact on the lives of those living in poverty. This is particularly true in parts of the world where creativity has always been in abundance but which needs to move with the times to be sustainable. 

We have so much talent in the UK, but in an over-saturated creative industry, emerging designers struggle to find work and bridge the gap to producing product. 

Shake the Dust creates opportunities for collaboration between designers and producers. Designers get to work with new and unique materials and processes; producers get new fresh and contemporary designs to grow a UK market.

The term ‘ethical’, to me, means transparency through the supply chain and clear communication about producer’s good working practices and fair prices. Many of the producers we work with are Fair Trade certified, some are just starting this process or may be more informal artisan-based projects. 

In my experience Fair Trade has different connotations and guidelines in different places, so in all cases, it’s mainly important that I build a very close relationship with them before we introduce their products. 

I worked with many of our current partners for nearly 3 years in Southern Africa. Part of the business is about helping smaller producers to develop ethical guidelines and monitoring systems into their businesses. Our partner Gone Rural employs over 700 rural women, paying fair trade wages for them to work from home and supporting them with clean water supplies, paying school fees and offering mobile health clinics and personal development. Their hand-woven products are sourced from renewable materials such as recycled textile factory waste and native mountain grasses.

In this respect, we also strive to encourage eco-conscious methods and materials - Rosecraft buy their cotton, mohair and merino raw from local organic farms, and all of our Swaziland partners use GOTS certified dyes.

Q. If you could change just one thing about the fashion industry today, what would that be and why?

It's quite a general and large wish(!) but I’d want to see better global ethical standards in the textile and fashion industry- that way there would be no mutual exclusivity between convenience, affordability, fashion and ethics. In my mind there’s no excuse for ethical products to be either naff or too expensive.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about the designers and producers you’re currently working with?

At the moment we are launching some more ‘capsule collections’ with a couple more designers and producers. These are collections I select with each partner from their existing product lines or we rework them for our market. The next stage will be to launch collaborative products, which are commissioned and facilitated by Shake the Dust. 

Protea Cushion by Baobab Batik

Currently we have a number of Southern African producers including handwoven luxury knits and weaves by Rosecraft, bold contemporary textiles by Baobab Batik, hand-screen printed bags and home textiles by Mongoose and delicately woven sisal and silver jewellery by Tintsaba. 

Handmade Heart Pendant by Tintsaba

We’ve also launched a signature collection with Gone Rural - it’s a brave move to more high-end home décor. 

In addition, I’m championing some incredible emerging illustrators at the moment - Alice Pattullo, Josie Shenoy and I'm currently working with the very talented textile designer Kangan Arora to launch a currently top-secret collaboration later this year…

I’m always on the look out for more emerging design talent and will be open to submissions for our ‘emerging designers programme’ very soon - keep an eye on the website and twitter for more info.

Q. Which ethical designers are inspiring you right now?

I can’t wait to see the Made by Node rug collection at the Design Museum. Linking illustrators and designers to fair trade rug-weaver artisans - it’s the kind of idea I wish I’d had first! 

A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton from Made by Node

Other People's Rubbish Collection by Heath Nash

Also, anyone who hasn’t checked out South African lighting/product designer Heath Nash needs to! I had the pleasure of working with him on a community-based workshop a couple of years ago and I love that he embraces education about materials and our ideas about waste as much as he enjoys exhibiting at top design fairs.
 

Q. Do you have a favourite item in-store right now?

The new Gone Rural collection is simply stunning - I will be making a special place in my flat for my own Fluoro zig zag vase. 

I also love the Wonderland lime satchel by Mongoose - it has a colourful surprise inside with a lining made from off-cut bright African print fabric. It’s the perfect size for running around London on the tube.

Q. What does the future hold for Shake the Dust?

We’ll also be exhibiting at Clerkenwell Design Week in May with some exciting new projects to be unveiled. 

You can also connect with Shake the Dust via Facebook and Twitter!