It’s been one hell of a ride these past few weeks. Hosting TWP in London, launching Lady Pamela in Paris, the Climate Conference in Azerbaijan and this was only the tip of my melting iceberg.
Going to Azerbaijan was important to me.
I wanted to be there for Global Empowerment Mission. I was also proud to hear Conrad, my 21 year old, talk about his experiences in relief work. The kid has first-hand insight; bringing recovery after hurricanes and earthquakes, to the fighting front lines of Ukraine.
But it was also good for us both to listen and learn from others. There is so, so much more I need to be doing, but it did make me think about the long term brand partnerships I have in place.
I asked for a few highlights from the friends and partners who I collaborate with.
They all agree that luxury should not come at the cost of the planet. Slow fashion requires great attention to designing beautiful pieces, whose desirability is not at the mercy of a passing trend, but which stand the test of time.
(If you are in a hurry take a moment to scroll to the bottom..there is a PRIZE waiting)
PENELOPE CHILVERS (click on the name to see my collaboration)
‘Our collections are lovingly made by Spanish artisans who care passionately about their craft and whose knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. As a brand, we believe in preserving these rare manufacturing techniques and incorporate them into our collections. Our factories are family-owned - many of them experts in the footwear construction known as the Goodyear welt.
We consider the full product lifecycle, including the materials used, designed with quality and longevity in mind.’
TUSTING (remember…click on the name to see my collaboration!)
‘Upcycling: Knowledge of a craft is built up over many generations and, along the way, whilst the methods become embedded, the reasons behind them can sometimes become a little lost. We may find ourselves not fully appreciating all the clever things that are part of that craft - this is almost certainly true of leather production.
According to the research of Leather UK (the trade body for leather producers and users in the UK), 99% of hides and skins used in the manufacture of leather are from animals raised for wool, milk or meat. Simply put, making leather takes a problematic waste matter and upcycles it into a sustainable, biodegradable and beautifully versatile product. It is estimated that this saves over nine million tonnes of waste each year.
At Tusting, we have always considered that the longer our products last, the better - we expect them, with care, to be good enough to hand on to the next generation.’
POMEGRANATE (Yep same here, click on the name to see my collaboration)
‘Made by hand. Made to share.
India's hand-blocked printing is a centuries-old art form showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. Artisans carve intricate designs onto wooden blocks, which are then stamped onto fabric with vibrant natural dyes. The result is a mesmerizing array of patterns, reflecting India's rich cultural heritage. This ancient art form is a beautiful environmentally friendly process that aligns with the principles of sustainability, passed down through generations.’
‘We use modern materials to make products like they did generations ago - with care, craftsmanship, and bold creativity.
We want to revive the belief system that our grandparents and the generations before them had, which is to buy something of quality and longevity and then repair and care for that item.
This return-to-quality is, we believe, the foundation of sustainable design. And it's why all parts of our products are repairable and replaceable. Because you make something differently when you know it has to last forever.’
I am delighted, excited and proud that Fieldbar want to offer you this giveaway. And I am delighted, excited and proud to have made Cop count for me. And for Conrad.
THE PRIZE
Fieldbar will send their sustainably made cooler box set, comprising of a Drinks Box and a giant Gin Trunk, to a winner anywhere in the world. Click the image below to enter the competition on Fieldbar’s website. Enter to win.
Slow fashion is wonderful and I love supporting those brands. Having worked in the fashion and accessories world for many years, I have seen lots of waste, but I have also had the opportunity to work with companies that do care about the waste and work diligently to prevent that from occurring. I admire and love the brands you collaborate with-I love everything I have from Tusting, Pomegranate and Penelope Chilvers.
Well Done India💪❤️