Pouch

Hello again! It’s been a while, but I’m back, and this post we have Pouch with us. Nicola and her mum Ruth run this lovely business in Bristol making bags and accessories. Nicola’s here to tell you more about Pouch…

“Pouch started through frustration at poor quality high street products sold at such low prices. You know that somewhere along the line, someone is getting exploited.”

Pouch’s green credentials make them stand out from the crowd. The website and shop are filled with environmental facts (did you know plastic bags will take 500 years to degrade in landfill?) and the website links great eco-friendly businesses in Bristol and beyond. As Nicola says…“Nearly everything we make has a recycled element involved. I feel that we have become a very wasteful society. We throw away stuff that still has lots of life left in it! I am particularly interested in using recycled fabric because Over 900,000 million items of clothing are thrown away each year in the UK alone. Discarded clothing and shoes are typically sent to landfill. Textiles present particular problems in landfill. Synthetic (man-made fibres) products do not decompose. Woollen garments do decompose, but in doing so they produce methane, which contributes to global warming and climate change. We also use recycled packaging when we post out orders. We also send out a monthly newsletter which features at least one link to a website with an eco-friendly theme. Our ethos is to promote low impact, environmentally friendly, local production.”

A lovely bag, or brooch would make a great handmade Christmas present if you are quick. Nicola says she is inspired by “beautiful fabric. I could sit and look through my vintage fabric collection all day! Every time I think I've found my favourite fabric, another piece comes along which I love even more”.


So what’s in the future for Pouch? “To keep developing and refining our products. By listening to customer feedback, we are always learning new ways to make our items better. I would also love to get featured in more blogs and press articles in 2009, so that’s on the agenda!” So get in touch if you can help out! Pouch also sell regularly at fairs and events, so sign up for their lovely newsletter to keep up-to-date.


http://www.pouchbags.co.uk

Abi Bansal Design

Hello readers! This is Abi. She is based in Devon, making beautiful one of a kind clothing. Here's Abi to tell you more...

"I have always enjoyed making things really, but Abi Bansal Design was initially borne of frustration, It used to really annoy me that I was paying over the odds for the same mass produced, generic garments that were poorly made and which were the same as everyone else. Being almost entirely self taught I learnt very much by trial and error and realised that with practice I could make the things I wanted, exactly how I wanted them. I am a handbag addict and began making bags and purses for myself and as gifts for friends. It never really occurred to me that anyone would want to buy them until a lady stopped me whilst I was out shopping to ask were I got my bright green button encrusted bag from. After admitting that yes, I had made it she offered to buy it right there. After that I began work on a small collection of handbags which I sold out of a friends shop. It was whilst searching for supplies online that I discovered a whole world of craft blogs, written by people making and selling things like I was. After several months of selling my accessories on sites like www.etsy.com and getting to know the network of UK based artisans I found the confidence to experiment and expand. One day I uploaded a photograph of a dress I had made to the photo sharing website flickr and received an avalanche of positive comments. After revisiting some of the techniques I already had, I learnt how to make patterns and realised that the whole process came pretty naturally to me. From there I began making a few clothing pieces and built the seasonal collections from there, inspired by nature, lifestyle, and comfort. I design for women like myself who shouldn’t have to pay over the odds to have well fitting garments in beautiful fabrics. I keep a sketchbook of ideas and pictures which can often be the starting point for a piece. I also like to invent scenarios for the customer- who is she and where is she going? Very often I will look to my own wardrobe and see what is missing. My current Autumn/Winter collection is inspired by Scandinavia, cocktail parties and weekends in the Devon Hills.

It worries me that for the most part- the textile industry is responsible for a huge percentage of waterway pollution, unethical working conditions and subsequent related problems. In an age where the consumer demand for cheap, throwaway apparel is being met with alarming speed it is up to us to do what we can to change the way we shop and in turn the labels we support. I cannot help but feel that the delight I take in my bargain £3 tee shirts will ultimately mean a worker in another country is being placed under unrealistic pressure to produce more, better, faster, cheaper. We all have a responsibility as consumers to think about where and how we shop and use the power that our ability to choose has afforded us. When I first began making clothes I realised early on that I had to price things honestly, but even the most reasonable of prices seem extortionate when compared with the rack upon rack of £10 dresses. I feel that now I have reached a happy medium where the cost of producing an item impacts as little on the environment as possible. I only buy as much fabric as I require and from local producers wherever possible, I favour natural over synthetic fibres and have recently switched to using less harmful detergents and organic fabric dyes. I am a workforce of one so can guarantee the worker is happy and well treated!"

These are Abi’s tips for starting up independently:-
“Have confidence in your product. Know what you do and stick to it but be honest about what doesn’t work- I always had a clear idea of the kind of work I wanted to produce but no idea if others would want to buy it. It’s a process of trial and error but if you are realistic about it and happy with whatever it is you have made, your customer will be too.
There have been times when I have realised that I was drastically underselling myself. Placing a value on your work is always hard but remember that it is not just the item you are selling- it is your time too!"

“Work work work- and try not to be discouraged! it doesn’t just happen. There have been many times when I have considered giving up and it has taken two years of pretty much solid promotion to get to a point where I have regular visitors to my shop. Remember that competition is fierce so you need to stand out!. Check out local independent shops and retail sites like Etsy or Folksy. Start a blog and write about your crafty endeavours with a link to the things you sell, seek out and join in craft forums and find like minded people. These could well be your customers! I would not even be where I am without the support of my fantastic UK based crafters who have supported me along the way, put custom work my way when I was short of cash and couldn’t afford supplies and generally been a shoulder to cry on when I thought it just wasn’t going to happen.Most importantly take regular tea breaks. You don’t want to burn out!”

Abi hopes to keep making clothes for people and expand her website in the new year, which is exciting – we will look out for it!

blog http://trainersinnightclubs.wordpress.com/

shops http://abibansaldesign.etsy.com/ ($), http://www.folksy.com/shops/abibansaldesign (£)

Becky Dodman

Heres something a little different. Becky Dodman is working out of her studio in Modbury, Devon creating beautiful accessories and toys. Let her tell you more...

“Hi, I’m Becky, a crafter (designer) who has recently started an online store to share my love of making things... I believe in making high quality products with materials sourced from small independent traders - from markets, small businesses and online retailers. All of the products have been hand made in England by myself (from my studio in South Devon). These range from bags, clutches, scarves and fabric/button based jewellery; to a range of handmade toys and accessories. All the products are unique in their colour mix and choice of fabric and textile.

The brand is still in its infancy, and I have only been online for 5 months. Previous to this, and periodically through the year I attend local craft fairs, and collaborate with friends at events so that people can see my products, purchase, and get a feel for the response to the products I’m producing. I feel it is a really exciting time for me, and for my customers who can see how the brand develops.”

Beckys inspirations are clear in her work – as she says, “I adore colour and print and love exploring the combinations of different fabrics, the feelings they can evoke and how they can be used in our everyday lives. Fabric just excites me – from vintage prints found in remnant buckets at the back of a charity shop, to liberty prints found in a London store. I am currently inspired by Toykos street styles and Japans textiles designer Echino, Vivienne Westwood, Custo Barcelona, the monster movement in toys, the re-use of vintage fabrics and notions to make funky and fab new things, ….. and inspired by lots of stuff in between. I think my inspiration is such a fluid thing, and can be expressed so readily through making accessories.”


“Although not exclusively using vintage fabrics or notions I feel that I makes some ethical accessories by using previously forgotten, or unused fabric, to make some of my bags; by using vintage buttons from local retailers; by making good quality products that are designed to last, I utilise my skills to re-spark a love or longing for something that may have been discarded in its previous form.

For the future I hope to continue with my experiments into accessory design, but excitingly I am doing a Fashion degree at Plymouth College of Art and Design, so who knows - I could be taking all sorts of twists and turns along the journey in the fashion and crafting world – with the possibility of one off clothing pieces and more accessories – watch this space!!”

Beckys accessories make a perfect present - the gift will be unique and beautiful, and you'll be supporting independent craft, so check her out at www.beckydodman.co.uk.

Facebook for ever

Hello again!
I am now on Facebook! Join the South West Style group here. I'll be updating with the new blog posts and other news and gossip, so please join and tell your friends! It's all about word of mouth :)

a bientot!

Forty Five

I’m really happy to rep Plymouth store Forty Five – founders Mary and Dave are bringing the independent style strong to the city, which is sadly lacking these kind of unique shops. Mary can tell you more…

“Forty Five is me - Mary and my husband Dave, plus a handful of lovely part time ladies that work in our Bristol store.

Dave had been designing his own t-shirt brand for a few years, selling into independent stores and chains like Cult, and as his business took off we decided to open our own shop to showcase brands like ourselves and other independent brands too. We decided there was a gap in the market in Plymouth and that it desperately needed an alternative to the chain stores that dominate the town centre.”

Forty Five is inspired by…”Anything and everything - people on the street that make their own stuff and work individual looks, vintage clothing, architecture, graff.”

“As far as the stock goes we are gradually increasing the amount of organic and ethically produced clothing as it becomes more available. When we first opened Forty Five in February 2007 there really wasn't any well designed ethical or environmentally friendly clothing out there. In the last 18 months this has changed dramatically and nearly all the t-shirts we stock are sustainabally and ethically sourced. We also know all the designers that we stock in our store, and the majority of them visit the manufacturers that they use to ensure they are working in an ethical way. In our coffee shops we use rain forest alliance certified coffee and organic + fair trade certified tea, our other food and drink is local and mostly organic, our icecream comes from Langage farm just outside devon, our soft drinks come from Luscombe farm in Devon, our soup is from Rod & Bens farm just outside Exeter and we use local bakeries for our paninis and other breads.” Yummy!

Forty Five has great advice for all budding entrepreneurs…

“Know who your customer is and what they want. Location is really important. Keep your costs as minimal as possible - you don't have to spend a ton of money to open a store.”

But in the meanwhile…”We're expanding the Plymouth store into the unit next door and opening and in-store coffee shop, like our Bristol store. We also have plans for a few more Forty Five stores over the next few years....so watch this space!”

Forty Five also sponsor the best Plymouth club night, Battlestations, for serious graffing, dancing, hiphopping, MCing, baking and more. Get thee down there second Thursday of the month!

Afternoon Delight

The first Afternoon-Tee has been a success! Sunday was sunny enough for sunglasses, the drinks flowed, music played all afternoon, and many of the great labels were there to sell their wares. I met a few of the people there representing their labels, and it was great to see all this talent in one place.
And! On Sunday I heard from James, the organiser, that this will be a bi-annual event (or possbly even more!) with the promise of an accompanying online shop selling the brands showcased and even a clubnight. So I'll keep my ears to the ground for this!
And meanwhile keep checking out www.afternoon-tee.co.uk for the latest.

Afternoon Tee

On Sunday Oct 12th, Air Bar in Plymouth will be hosting Afternoon-Tee, a sample and clothing sale which will feature South West and other independent brands. Among the labels at this unique event will be...

http://www.channel-3.co.uk/ (who I've just featured!)
http://www.appliedclothing.co.uk/
http://www.underthehatclothing.co.uk/
http://www.skank.com/
http://www.southcoastclothing.com/
http://www.pimpmyhoodie.co.uk/
http://www.lhome.co.uk/
http://www.yesplsnothnx.com/
http://www.funkrushclothing.com/
http://www.bantum.co.uk/
http://www.distresstoimpress.com/
http://www.rebuscollective.com/
http://www.slutclothing.co.uk/
http://www.slipalongtrevaskis.co.uk/
...as well as accessories, and live screenprinting demonstrations (which is really cool!).

Not only will you be able to shop, but there will be DJs including http://www.myspace.com/fajitafunk, MC Lacey from Scribes, and http://www.myspace.com/thedirtyfashions playing all day. Not only that, there'll also be an after-party in Cuba, right next door, where you can celebrate your hot new purchases!
This is going to be hot! I'm definitely going to try and be there. The sale starts from 12pm
Check out the details on the Facebook page at http://www.afternoon-tee.co.uk/.

Channel-3

I've never met Lee Spence but I can hear his enthusiasm for his new brand http://www.channel-3.co.uk whose online shop opens Monday (that's tomorrow!), in the following interview he did for me.

“Hello! My name’s Lee Spence, I’m 19 years old and I am the founder of channel-3 – a new lifestyle clothing design company born in the city of Plymouth, UK. It’s just me, for now, but a lot of people have helped out and have shown support along the way, too many to mention, but to all those people, thank you. It takes teamwork to make the dreamwork.
After leaving PCAD where I studied Graphic Design, in Summer 07 I knew that University wasn’t the route I wanted to take. I planned to break into the industry and find a placement within a local Graphic Design company. But it didn’t really work out that way due to my lack of experience, on paper, and my fresh out of college status. Around Christmas 07 I came up with the idea to go it alone and develop my own creative business. I was already running a personal side project under the name of “channel-3” which at the time was just a website and a way of showcasing some local snowboarding, skateboarding and design talent. Side note, the name channel-3 came about in 2005 when I dislocated my knee playing Frisbee! I started playing around with some designs on my home computer and then came across a website design program. It’s basically because there were 3 of us that used to snowboard at the local Plymouth dry slope, so 3 different styles, 3 different people, 3 channels, as if you were switching styles through a TV or something. And from there 3 has just been the magic number so the name’s stuck. I found clothing to be a real good outlet for my designs and I was just getting into fashion at the time, plus I had already touched on t-shirt printing when I was back in college, so it all pretty much came together from there.”

“Channel 3 is inspired by a lot of things from a lot of different places. For actual personal inspiration and motivation my main source is music. I’m into a lot of inspirational music with meaningful lyrics that really connect with me, and just lifestyles of people who have done the whole from nothing to something thing, all that inspires me. I’m also into a lot of movies! As for the brand, and the designs, there are a lot of other brands out there that inspire me and I have a big list of favourites on my web browser for fashion blogs, cool hunting sites, streetwear sites, brand websites etc. I like to keep up to date with what’s going on in the industry. I think, when you can take different influences from a lot of different places and then combine them all together and put your own spin on it, that’s when it works.”
Lee tells us about his green plans…“For now I’m just using 100% cotton t-shirts but when I get to the stage where I can start manufacturing, fair trade and eco-friendly clothing materials is something I definitely want to get involved in. Beside the clothes, channel-3 uses recycled and recyclable materials everywhere possible. All papers are 100% recycled, the card too, and the flyers are printed on recycled pulp board using vegetable based inks. Recyclable poly-mailers are used for the packaging and sending out the shirts. It’s definitely something that I stick to and feel quite strongly about.”

On starting your own independent brand

"It’s always hard when you try breaking the norm because people don’t see how it could work but if you stick at it then it will be worth it.That’s what I keep telling myself anyway!".
“As for the future, I’m looking to steadily expand the range of clothing to the point where channel-3 is a full clothing line that is selling worldwide. I definitely don’t want to define what channel-3 is and close any doors so the future is pretty open right now. There are endless amounts of designs in the pipeline that are eager to blow and a lot of crazy ideas lined up (crazy good). There are loads of tradeshows that I want to attend, and the dream is to be able to travel with the channel-3 brand and introduce it to new people around the world. It’s something that I really believe in so I just want people to be able to connect with the project and like the clothes! So, stay tuned!”

Quail by Mail

I've had my eye on Quail (or QuailbyMail) for a while. Based in Brixham, Devon, they bring you a brand of totally ethical, organic, fairtrade fashions, made in Britain. I spoke to Shauna, and she can introduce herself and Quail...

Hi Everyone! My name is Shauna Chapman and I founded Quail in 2007. I produce ethical, organic and fairtrade clothing for women of all ages who appreciate artisan quality and unique styling. My husband, Jason Clark is a partner in the business and being a graphic designer he produces all of the graphics. We moved the company from London to south Devon in Summer 2007 and renovated a 200year old ship’s chandlery together which is now our live/work unit. We’re devoted to green living!
The brands been online, since December 2007 with a lot of design and manufacturing taking place in the months leading up to this time! I started the whole process by sourcing organic and fairtrade cotton fabric and genuine Indonesian batiks and South African shweshwe before I even commissioned the designs. So I sort of became a fabric specialist and importer before the Quail brand was truly born. But my methods have paid off as I have an excellent supply chain and access to the best unique ethical fabrics.
I find the fabrics I source inspiring. Real people and real places are involved with producing quality organic and fairtrade, exotic and handcrafted cotton fabrics. The eco and ethical provenance of the fabrics is incredibly important to me. I also adore colour, texture and print and pattern. In fashion, there are an infinite amount of ideas to explore. I love funky use of colour and print by Spain’s Custo Barcelona and India’s Alpana Bawa. I also borrow cuts, detailing and pleat ideas from vintage clothing from the 1940s.
I started my own ethical/green label because I am a long term fan of organic and fairtrade food and I moved onto cosmetics and cleaning products so it was only natural that I started thinking about where my clothing came from. Two factors of modern fashion which need to be told are the environmental and human impacts. Cotton is one of the world’s largest crops and the use of pesticides and herbicides make it the most polluting of commodities. Unregulated labour practices in developing countries makes for unfair treatment of workers, child labour and living in a vicious circle of poverty. Hunting for bargains on the highstreet in England is a million miles away from the reality of fashion—and it needs to change!

Tell us about “Product Provenance”?
‘Product Provenance’ is a term I invented as an ethical label operator to show customers the exact details of the supply chain of any Quail By Mail clothing item. I publish this information on my website. Customers can read about the Indian cotton I use and how it turned into a shirt. A non-GM cotton seeds, fairtrade and organic agriculture, traditional skills, fairtrade labour in the weaving community, British design and ingenuity and eco friendly haberdashery such as shell buttons are used.

What advice would you have for anyone setting up their own clothing brand?
As with all products, ‘the market’ needs to know you exist before they can buy from you. Advertising and PR are massive factors so a lot of time, money and consideration needs to be put into how you are going to get your lovely things to people who might want to buy them.

What’s next for the brand? What are your plans for the future?
I will introduce new styles and colours for the Autumn of course, but I think Christmas 2008 will be the best yet for ethical/green fashion - the message is gradually reaching consumers and changing their habits. I want to spend time developing styles of clothing which look really cool, are funky and unique but also styles to fit the variety of budgets out there.

Well, looks like Quails got it all, style, a sound eco-concience, and a big future. Oh and whats this? A summer sale, with up to 70% off?

Ok, so I've been getting the boat ready to push off from shore, and I'm excited about the people I've got so far to be on board :) Here's to the first feature!

Watch This Space

In a few weeks, I will be setting up a blog here on this very spot. I want to promote independent clothing and brands in the southwest, and every post I will feature something new or cool that I've found. I want to feature you!
I want to put an emphasis on green/fairtrade/eco sound clothing so get in touch if that's you.
At the moment I am researching and getting together a few brands to start off with, and I will launch properly with the first post. I'll post a launch date!
Meanwhile, please let me know via the comments box if you have any ideas, brands that you think need promotion, or feedback.
Hope to see you here again soon!