South West Style

Well, this is awkward.

2011-01-06T15:30:00.002Z

Hi.
As you might have noticed, the last blog post was in March 2010.

Unfortunately, a few different reasons mean that I'm not as close to the heart of the action in the Southwest anymore, so I am not going to update this blog any more.
I'd like to thank any of you out there that read, and especially to all of you who participated! I'm sorry I didn't get to feature everyone that I would have liked to, there's so much more out there!

If anyone wants to take over what I think could be a really great opportunity, please get in touch via the side panel on the right.

Over and out :)

Ethical threads Fashion Show - Roundup!

2010-03-17T22:44:00.010Z

Here's the roundup of my night at the Ethical Threads Fashion Show, last Thursday at the Plymouth University Students Union. Please excuse my below-par photos, I've picked out the most acceptable ones for you guys!
Entrance to the gig was soon followed by... er... the bar, soon followed by a browse around the stalls present. Much, much cool fashion to be found there, although a few were still setting up. Surfers Against Sewage, The Body Shop, and The Co-operative (sponsors of the whole extravaganza) also had great stands. I loved the Tea Appreciation Society's "Drink of Champions" T-shirt.
On to the gig itself - a few photos.

The Co-op, they're just happy to be here! They thank the organisers and the lovely comperes who were dressed in fabulous vintage themselves.

Some great spring dresses from Forty Five's and Faux Couture's vintage range. I had my eye on a few! The models were great, with smiles all round, and some of them really worked the clothes!

Shake that thing! A model works a look straight out of the 80's, and plays to the crowd.

Nikita the dog and her friends win the Pimp My T-Shirt competition - the tshirts were kindly donated by the Co-operative.

All the models pose for one last "look". Wild Applause!

Add to this a free glass of wine, and chocolate, and a chance to meet and hear of some of our finer ethical establishments within and without Plymouth, and the night was a real success. Congrats to everyone involved.

Hooray! The Ethical Threads Fashion Show is here!

2010-03-04T14:30:00.003Z

Hello!
I am really looking forward to going to The Ethical Threads Fashion Show in Plymouth next Thursday. This is just what you've been waiting for, as shoppers who want that little extra something from their clothes, something ethical, alternative, recycled, or vintage. The Ethical Threads Fashion Show will be held on Thursday 11th March in the University of Plymouth's Student Union (that's just off North Hill on the left if you're not in Plymouth) and the show starts at 7pm. Entry for everyone is £3 - if you're a student, just flash your NUS card to get entry for £2. Check out all the details on the UPSU website or on the ubiquitous Facebook.
Friends of ours will be there, like Quail ( check out my interview here), Faux Couture, and Forty Five from Plymouth alone!

AND if that's not enough, then you can even get involved, by auditioning as a model! Just click on the UPSU website to find out more details, and strut that stuff.

I'm looking forward to it - see you there!

Hello again!

2010-02-02T22:56:00.004Z

It's been a while! Hope everybody is having an awesome 2010 so far, and hope you are looking forward to much more independent fashion and style this year.

As your first treat for the year, let me bring you news of not one, but two vintage (yes, you know I've got a soft spot for vintage) fairs taking place in the South West in Feb and March.
Both of them take place in Bristol and beyond, so if you are nearby then take advantage when you can. They are hosted by Blind Lemon Vintage Fashion fairs and they are open from 10am to 5pm. The dates are as follows:

Bristol – Sunday 21 February, The Anson Rooms, BS8 1LN.

Cheltenham – Sunday 14th March, The Pittville Pump Rooms, GL52 3JE.

You can get more information about these two, and details of other events taking place in Wales, at the Blind Lemon Vintage website. Happy shopping!

Vintage in Falmouth

2009-11-24T21:39:00.006Z

Hi again!
If you are a fan of vintage, mens or womens, as I am, and you live in Cornwall, then check this out!

Every last Saturday of the month, the Falmouth Vintage Flea Market is held at the WI Hall in Falmouth.

View Larger Map
There is, as they say "a treasure trove" of not only clothes, but also home deco, and vintage records, for jazz and blues lovers! That's what I'm talking about. Could this be the perfect itme to hunt for that unique Christmas present?
The next fair is this Saturday, thats the 28th Nov, and it starts from 12. I wish I could go!

It sounds like a great event - and held monthly so, if you're missing it this month like me, it will come around again. Check out more info on the Facebook page.

Crafty Christmas

2009-11-19T14:36:00.002Z

For all y'all thinking about Christmas presents, or just some crafty goodness for yourself, then come along to the Craft fair before Christmas, which will be held on Sat 21st November, at the Fortescue Pub on Mutley, in Plymouth. It starts from one, so come along and browse the tables, treat yourself to some mulled wine.
It's hosted by the Plymouth Knitters Social.

For more info, check out the Facebook page, or join the Plymouth Knitters Social.

Plymouth Style Week

2009-10-27T11:40:00.003Z

Plymouth Style Week is on this week! There's plenty for your discerning independent shopper - here's some of the highlights.

First, some of the independentt shops in the City centre are offering 10% discount; see here for the full list. You'll need a discount passport from the Evening Herald from this Saturday, so ask around, and get going!

At the City Library on the 12th November, there will be the Frock Exchange. Following on from last years success, this event needs you! Search through your wardrobe to find clothes that you want to revamp or recycle, bring them along to the clothes swap, and browse through the rails to find something new. As well as the Frock Exchange, there will also be an exhibition of vintage clothes and costumes from the museums collection, a showcase of PCAD student's designs, and the change to get a makeover from the Bodayshop or make-over your clothes, by making simple accessories with the help of the students.

I'm looking forward to this, especially checking out the museum, and seeing students takeover city centre shop windows, and just celebrating independent fashion and style! I'd love to know if any other cities do a similar week or event?

Check out the Plymouth City Council website pages for details of the whole event, including what's going on in Drakes Circus and elsewhere.

It's back!

2009-10-24T18:18:00.006+01:00

The successful Afternoon-Tee is back! I'm way late on this but know this:

1. Its tomorrow! Sunday!

2. It don't matter if it's sunny or rainy because its indoors in the Univeristy of Plymouth Student Union!

3. It's going to be ace!

Afternoon-Tee this year features 3 huge rooms of art, music, fashion, and style.
Check out the Indie room ,hosted by the White Rabbit, featuring great live bands all day, like Head of Programmes and Kat Marsh :) Alternatively, hip-hop into the main room, where my faves Hong Kong Ping Pong Club will be hosting, and so many other hot DJs I can't name them all. Put it this way, if you like a bit of hip-hop, funk, house, breaks, electro, etc, then head there. And get dancing!

But mostly it's about the clothes. And oh what clothes. Our friends Faux Couture will be there, and so will Applied Clothing, PimpMyHoodie, Dephect (as seen in ForyFive) and many many old and new faces. Also at Afternoon-Tee will be... Crafternoon-tee. Now this is my kind of thing! Craft away to your hearts content all day with glitter, glue, egg boxes, felt, wool, or whatever ideas you have, or bring a mixtape of your own to the Mixtape swapshop.

Above all hope to see you there, and check out, the Facebook page for all the event news and to find about past, present, and future Afternoon-Tees.

Happy Birthday!

2009-10-06T20:47:00.003+01:00

Hello! Just wanted to say, can't believe its been exactly a year since Lee over at Channel-3 started doing his thang with his t-shirts and company! And it's gone from strength to strength.
Check out news of the new online shop coming soon, all news and events and promotion as Channel-3 goes into its second year of success at Channel-3's Facebook page.

Up the Line

2009-07-20T20:14:00.009+01:00

Well, I spent a lovely weekend in Bath and Bristol, with my lovely friend Lucy. We did a lot of strolling around (in the rain! Pfff!) and of course, we discovered lots of beautiful independent shops, and unique places!

In Bath we took a walk up to the Royal Crescent, and just off there we went to Margarets Buildings where we entered an Aladdin's cave of antique furniture and housewares in an old pharmacists. Next door, we also visited Hansel and Gretel, where we were transported to the valleys of Austria for a little Kaffee und Kuchen, and had Christmas in July with the litle Christmas shop in the grotto downstairs. Visit them online at http://www.hanselundgretel.com/index.html.

On Sunday we drove out to Brizzle (in the drizzle) and visited Park Street, where all discerning individual, vintage, and independent clothes lovers shop!

I'm sure all Bristolians from near and far have heard of Motel, the shop for girls who love that individual dress with great fabric patterns, all colours of the rainbow, and a twist of vintage style, with 80's style bodycon, 60's peplum skirts, and 50's nipped in waists and playsuits. They also had saome great leather handbags and accessories. If only it would sunny up a bit, then we want to swan about in these great dresses!

We also popped into BS8, which seems to be some kind of mecca for alternative style.
Great menswear in here guys, lots of lovely shirts, and sweatshirts of the "Brett-from-Flight-of-The-Conchords" variety. It's a big place, on two floors, so it looks like everyone could find something in here. Thats on the right side (if you're looking up the hill).
Shame I didn't have longer to explore, shop, and investigate, and speak to more people.
Also that I didn't come the following weekend, when this great exhibition, The Story of The Supremes at the Fashion Museum, Bath starts on the 25th July. Swoon.

Repping your ends

2009-07-14T09:05:00.014+01:00

South Westers are proud of where they come from so I thought I'd put together some of the ways Bristolians, Devonians, Kernow(lians?), Plymouthians, and other SW-ians can wear their heart on their chest.

First, to Bristol and to Beast Clothing, whose t-shirts are gert lush! Speak like a true Bristolian with their Brizzle Language School, then pop to their outlets (Wherezat to, then?) where you'll find gems of t-shirts like "Cheers, Drive", "Alright my luvver?", and "Proper Job". They're just the ones I recognise!

Living in South Devon and want the world to know? Then help Peoples Republic of South Devon out and wear one of their t-shirts, while also finding out about local arts, culture, politics all around the South Hams.

Of course, Cornish folk feel strongly about their beuatiful county, so if you are a Cornish maid or dén, then represent with this great Cornwall Rocks t-shirt from http://www.kernowclothing.com/.

They use Fair Trade, Carbon Neutral, Soil Association Approved Organic Cotton. Phew!

Also, on eBay, fulfill your love of pasties with the Half-Man Half Pasty tshirt. Well, it tickled me!
Or make sure everyone knows you're not an emmet, with this tshirt from The Cornish T-shirt Factory.

Don't forget Plymouth, and tell the world you got soul, Plymsoul. I've seen people with these t-shirts on since I first became a student in P-town, you can get yours at Soul Life (on the Barbican), FortyFive, or online at http://www.plymsoullife.com.

And if you want the whole world to know just how proper lush the South West is, then treat yourself to this "The South West" tshirt, which looks to be available in Forty Five too. I like the one that takes it a la Francais, "Le Sud Ouest" too.

I'm sure there's some other local t-shirts to make you beam with pride for the rolling valleys and sunny coastlines of our South West. I want to hear about them! Please get in touch!
Till next time, me luvvers!

Summer Sale at FortyFive

2009-07-14T08:32:00.002+01:00

Good news, everyone!
Forty Five have kicked off their summer sale, with massive discounts on hoodies, shirts, skirts, t-shirts, and other beauts. It's on in their Plymouth store, and online in their web store which is up and running. And all you kids know the best way to get even more off is by joining FortyFive on Facebook, and look out for those updates!
Hop on over to http://www.fortyfiveclothing.com/ now.

Faux Couture, Plymouth

2009-06-05T17:38:00.006+01:00

Faux Couture is the second vintage store to get up and running in Plymouth, so I had to get down there and find out what it's all about.
Adam and Dan have got themselves a tidy little space up in Mutley, painted the walls nice, and have absolutely filled it up with all manner of beautiful womens wear, menswear, shoes, accessories, homeware, books, and more. (Its all sourced so secretly, they wouldn't even tell me where they got it from!) As they say: "Faux Couture aims to provide Plymouth with an alternative shopping experience. Cheap & Chic is the name of the game, with a unique selection of hand-picked, vintage garments & accessories from the 30's to the 90's that all fits in with the image of Faux Couture. What is the image? Well, simply stuff that looks amazing, is individual and makes you feel a million bucks!"

Check out their online shop here for quirky jumpers, amazing nautical theme dresses and shoes (if only they fitted me!) and some pretty hot handbags. Ok, so I'm bigging up the girls stuff, but there is great mens retro t-shirts, a couple of cool looking wallets, and some great check-shirts for the discerning sartorialist too!

And they are open from today!! The shop announced today on their Facebook page that they are now open every day except Tuesday and Sunday. That means you can hit them up from right now, right now! for one of a kind vintage, cool retro, and a whole new look! Primark is dead! Long live vintage!

Vintage and Retro

2009-05-27T11:38:00.004+01:00

Vintage is in Plymouth! Finally!
When I first moved down to Plymouth, I noticed the lack of vintage shops, or rather, I noticed that there were none! Sure, we got charity shops, but now all you vintage loving girls and guys dreams have been answered with not one but two dedicated vintage stores right in P-Town!
So here's the lowdown on the first one...
Lorraine has seen the light and has a treasure trove of beauties in her Vintage and Retro Stall, in the Pannier Market downtown at the bottom of Cornwall Street and new George Street. The lovely ladies are selling every day of the week. I spied a great 60s taupe coloured handbag, and a doctors bag from the Victorian era! There is also an amazing light blue 50's dress, which made me stop in my tracks!

Wish I had some photos to show you. You'll just have to check it out yourself! Head down there to stall 191/192. It's just down one row from the diner, so indulge your 50's side, and have a cuppa and a browse.

Afternoon Tee 2009 - After the storm

2009-05-19T14:40:00.002+01:00

Hope it's not too late to say...
another Afternoon-Tee in the box! It was great, so cool to see loads of different clothes, in partcular great t-shirts and accessories, all accompanied by top music and sunshine. Sorry I couldn't stay longer to hear some of the ace hiphop and drum and bass and live bands, you can check all the photos and gossip at the Facebook page.
Next one rumoured to be in October? What can I say? Excited already!

Plymouth Update

2009-04-11T10:19:00.006+01:00

Spring is sprung!
Three quick updates for everyone.

Plymouth store Forty Five, are bringing it strong for spring and are ofering their Facebook and myspace friends a 20% discount voucher. So get on to Facebook or Myspace and get shopping for spring. I personally love these Japanese koreshi doll necklaces.

Lee at C-3 has just finished a nationwide tour, promoting the next level of C-3 and in particular the new "varsitees" (see what he did there?). You can read all about the tour here and see and buy the new t-shirts at http://shop.channel-3.co.uk/.

And lastly, Afternoon Tee is kicking off real soon, only a couple of weeks away and it's looking real hot! See the updated lineup of clothing and music at the Facebook page, and keep checking back here for the low down.

Claire out.

Break in service

2009-04-08T00:03:00.002+01:00

I'm just going out, I may be a while...
I have a few juicy things I want to tell you all about, including vintage - a subject very close to my heart!
But I have had to go away from Plymouth from a while. When I get back, I will be on that like Donkey Kong, and see what I can find out for you! Looking forward to it!

Afternoon Tee 2009

2009-03-10T08:50:00.003Z

Yes, by "soon", I meant today!

Afternoon-Tee 2009 has officially been launched.
This year it will be held in the University of Plymouth Student Union (UPSU) on the 10th May, so stick that in your diaries now folks, cos if it's like last year (including the great weather) it should rock.
Afternoon-Tee is a showcase and mini-festival of all things independent fashion, djs, music and art from all over the Southwest.
Our friends C-3 clothing will be there, as will a host of other great clothing brands, plus more to be announced. There is also the great news that there will be no less than 4 music rooms, including a Band Room, hosted by star Plymouth rockers Less Than Me.
And if that doesn't float your boat, there's still loads TBC, so more surprises to come. If you have any interest at all in independent fashion, cool music and art, and a cider in the sunshine, then I thoroughly recommend you get down there. See you there!

Afternoon Tee 2009

2009-03-09T22:56:00.003Z

Psstt!! I've heard news about Afternoon-Tee which rocked it last year. Check back soon for the lowdown!

Patagonia

2009-03-05T13:30:00.003Z

Well I know this isn't a South West brand, but I read this great article in the Guardian the other day, which gives you an example of a company that is really pushing forward in terms of ethical and green clothing.
Patagonia are not compromising, they are using 100% organic cottons and synthetics, and they even set up projects and organisations such as Organic Exchange, and 1% For The Planet (what a great idea!).
So check this interview out, for an idea of how some companies are succeeding in making themselves 100% environmentally friendly!

IAMWHY

2009-01-19T17:45:00.003Z

Yes! We are starting the new year in style with IAMWHY and their cool brand of surf and skate wear, based in Cornwall. I spoke to the founders Mike and Caz about their dream becoming reality… read on!
Introduce yourself and/or the team.
“Mike is the definitely the creative person of IAMWHY and I am the organiser, but in saying this, our roles reverse, move sideways and constantly change on a daily basis. We grow the designs from ideas, Mike brainstorms, gets creative and I throw my penny’s worth in. I find the garments, trying to keep as much of the range environmentally friendly, ethical trading and still with a fashion element to it. “

How did the brand start?
“The brand started because we were fed up of mass produced board clothing. We wanted a range of clothing unlike other brands in designs and colours, which fit everybody’s lifestyles and is comfortable to wear. IAMWHY, because I am is me, you and the guy and girl down the road. Giving up jobs to start IAMWHY was a big hairy step and one we did not take lightly, but at the same time we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Three years down the road and we are still wondering what hit us.”

“The brand is influenced by what we do daily, on the design side Mike sees things in unlikely places and these images are used in his designs. It’s a treat to watch him in action. In the quiet moments, at the top of a mountain we get tons of inspiration and ideas for the brand. Watching surfers, chilled out, relaxed and ready to take the wave quietly puts things into perspective for the long haul. Not forgetting the attitude of skateboarders, cocky and so sure of themselves. So its really a mix of inspirations that gives fuel to IAMWHY, Mike and myself. Commitment to the brand is 100% and nothing less. Despatching an order to a retailer or seeing a complete stranger wearing IAMWHY, now that is 100% inspiration. “

What measures, if any, do you take to make the brand ethical/green?
“We decided that we would use as much environmentally friendly garments as possible in the range and are sitting at 90% at the moment. We can do this because we print the range ourselves in-house. So every order is printed just for that customer. We have natural paper bags for the customers and I have just ordered in bio-degradable plastic postage bags for our online customers. Plus we use as many environmentally friendly chemicals as possible. We wash everything in cold water and reuse unwanted paperwork as scrap paper. We switch every appliance except our fridge off in the workshop when we leave. I’m not on a crusade, but every bit helps and this is our way of trying to help.”

What advice would you have for anyone setting up their own independent clothing brand?
“Think long and hard as you are giving up your weekends and evenings. It will consume you. Find your market place and unique selling point and stick with it. Get support from Business Link and local bodies, they are a source of information, financial assistance and support. Have millions to hand as a brand will eat at your purse strings in the beginning. Commit to the brand.”

“There’s so much in the pipeline, but the one thing that is important to us, is ensuring that IAMWHY’s foundations are solid. Having a shop is on the cards in the next year or sooner if we see an opportunity waiting to be taken. Employing staff is definitely in the pipeline for 2009.”

Well, IAMWHY is really bringing an individual flair to the surf and skatewear market. I love this jumper and this mens tee, among the other great styles!

IAMWHY are online at the moment, but like they say, maybe we’ll see a shop in 2009, so I’ll keep you posted!

Konichiwa 2009!

2009-01-18T21:45:00.003Z

A very happy new year to you all! Hope everyone had a great holiday, and you are ready for the year ahead! Just to say, I am back this year better than ever, hope to se you here again soon!

Sayonara!

Pouch

2008-12-09T13:02:00.006Z

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

2008-11-23T20:27:00.006Z

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

2008-11-09T18:27:00.004Z

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

2008-11-07T18:12:00.002Z

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

2008-10-21T19:50:00.007+01:00

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

2008-10-15T19:51:00.004+01:00

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

2008-10-08T18:20:00.004+01:00

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

2008-10-05T19:51:00.004+01:00

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

2008-09-21T22:10:00.003+01:00

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?

2008-09-21T20:29:00.002+01:00

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

2008-08-05T10:42:00.004+01:00

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!