Best ethical fashion boutiques in London
What are you doing for Fashion Revolution Day? Here are our favourite ethical fashion boutiques in London.
The Keep Boutique
Fashion houses and collectives such as Stella McCartney and Brothers We Stand have long been committed to sustainable, ethical fashion. But when, two years ago this month, 1133 people were killed and over 25,000 injured in the collapse of a fashion complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the wider community began calling out for more companies to think more about their production lines, by asking “Who Made My Clothes?”.
Getting behind the #fashrev movement this Friday, as part of the Fashion Revolution Day 2015, we’ve rounded up our favourite ethical boutiques in London, perfect for the curious Londoner looking to make a difference this week.
Best for jewellery: Danaqua
This ethical fashion boutique in West London showcases statement jewellery made by women in the developing world: Ethiopia, Rwanda and Botswana. Their beaded necklaces are made by a group of domestic abuse victims in Nepal and the soft leather bags are all made from off-cuts form the food industry that would otherwise go to waste.
We caught up with Danaqa founders David Thomas and Nadina Manning-Thomas to discuss their unique brand:
Define Danaqa?
We want to showcase the connection between the developing world and luxury design. The core of the Danaqa brand is the synergy between a quality product, its inspiring story and the developing world.
What is Danaqua’s mission statement?
To redefine ethical luxury and take it beyond a ‘charity’ mindset and beyond simply fair trade. We want it to be a place where we recognise lesser known talent.
What is your current favourite Danaqa product?
The ebony, tanzanite and sterling silver bracelets are made with beautiful raw materials and great craftsmanship. They're stunning.
What's the plan for the future?
We want to develop more branded ranges that integrate the best craftsmanship throughout the world. We are excited about a new range of handbags from Ethiopia and potentially a scent and candle range from the Caribbean.
What are your favourite London shops?
We love the arcade where our boutique is based and the hidden treasures further along the Portobello road - places such as Unite and Type, The Cloth Shop. Online we like Sapelle, and MyAsho - amazing, inspirational brands.
What's special about Ethiopia, Rwanda and Botswana?
They are not your normally producing countries. They are filled with creative, inspiring people. They have craftsmen that can utilised traditional skills to create modern, beautiful pieces. They are countries that are perceived undeservedly negatively and have massive potential.
Danaqa location: 281 Portobello Road London W10 5TZ
Culture Whisper exclusive: our readers can get 15 per cent off at Danaqa using discount code Culture15 or quoting "Culture Whisper"
in store. Click here to find out more.
Best ethical fashion boutiques in London
Best for womenswear: 69b Boutique
Founded by stylist and former fashion editor Merryn Leslie, it’s no surprise that 69b London boutique was tipped by Vogue as one of the "hippest places in the world". This drop-dead cool ethical shop in Broadway Market offers a selection of beautifully tailored womenswear from emerging designers and accessories. 96b does not brand itself as an ‘eco’ boutique, because who needs to make a big fuss about a sustainable product if the designs make headlines all on their own?
69b location: 69b Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH
Best for presents: The Keep Boutique
Independent boutique The Keep, Brixton village was set up a couple of years ago by Kate Richards following an ‘incredibly cukoo idea’ to promote fashion brands with integrity and style. Expect to find a selection of sustainable, feminine dresses and ethical homeware brands including Ace & Jig, Armedangels, People Tree and Desmond & Dempsey in this quirky, independent Brixton boutique.
The Keep location: 32/33 Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8PR
Best for spring wardrobes: Here Today Here Tomorrow
This collaborative fashion design label boasts a trendy ethical London boutique in the back streets of Dalston, celebrating diversity and sustainable clothing. Set up by four friends and designers, Anna-Maria Hesse, Emma Dulcie Rigby, Ketlyn Toth-Fejel and Julia Crew, have their environmental backgrounds to make beautiful pale clothes - perfect for spring - with soft, sustainably sourced wool and handwoven cotton that have garnered Here Today Here Tomorrow, London, quite a name.
Here Today Here Tomorrow location: 30a Balls Pond Road, Dalston, N1 4AU, London
Best place for the environment: Lowie
The place for soft wools, glamorous hand-stitched embroidery and bright colours, Lowie, London, stocks a number of brands including children's clothing from Petit Bateau. Drop in next time you’re shopping on Herne Hill to pick up lovingly made vintage style clothes with a contemporary twist and, importantly, as small an environmental impact as it is possible to make.
Lowie location: 115 Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 0NG
Getting behind the #fashrev movement this Friday, as part of the Fashion Revolution Day 2015, we’ve rounded up our favourite ethical boutiques in London, perfect for the curious Londoner looking to make a difference this week.
Best for jewellery: Danaqua
This ethical fashion boutique in West London showcases statement jewellery made by women in the developing world: Ethiopia, Rwanda and Botswana. Their beaded necklaces are made by a group of domestic abuse victims in Nepal and the soft leather bags are all made from off-cuts form the food industry that would otherwise go to waste.
We caught up with Danaqa founders David Thomas and Nadina Manning-Thomas to discuss their unique brand:
Define Danaqa?
We want to showcase the connection between the developing world and luxury design. The core of the Danaqa brand is the synergy between a quality product, its inspiring story and the developing world.
What is Danaqua’s mission statement?
To redefine ethical luxury and take it beyond a ‘charity’ mindset and beyond simply fair trade. We want it to be a place where we recognise lesser known talent.
What is your current favourite Danaqa product?
The ebony, tanzanite and sterling silver bracelets are made with beautiful raw materials and great craftsmanship. They're stunning.
What's the plan for the future?
We want to develop more branded ranges that integrate the best craftsmanship throughout the world. We are excited about a new range of handbags from Ethiopia and potentially a scent and candle range from the Caribbean.
What are your favourite London shops?
We love the arcade where our boutique is based and the hidden treasures further along the Portobello road - places such as Unite and Type, The Cloth Shop. Online we like Sapelle, and MyAsho - amazing, inspirational brands.
What's special about Ethiopia, Rwanda and Botswana?
They are not your normally producing countries. They are filled with creative, inspiring people. They have craftsmen that can utilised traditional skills to create modern, beautiful pieces. They are countries that are perceived undeservedly negatively and have massive potential.
Danaqa location: 281 Portobello Road London W10 5TZ
Culture Whisper exclusive: our readers can get 15 per cent off at Danaqa using discount code Culture15 or quoting "Culture Whisper"
in store. Click here to find out more.
Best ethical fashion boutiques in London
Best for womenswear: 69b Boutique
Founded by stylist and former fashion editor Merryn Leslie, it’s no surprise that 69b London boutique was tipped by Vogue as one of the "hippest places in the world". This drop-dead cool ethical shop in Broadway Market offers a selection of beautifully tailored womenswear from emerging designers and accessories. 96b does not brand itself as an ‘eco’ boutique, because who needs to make a big fuss about a sustainable product if the designs make headlines all on their own?
69b location: 69b Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH
Best for presents: The Keep Boutique
Independent boutique The Keep, Brixton village was set up a couple of years ago by Kate Richards following an ‘incredibly cukoo idea’ to promote fashion brands with integrity and style. Expect to find a selection of sustainable, feminine dresses and ethical homeware brands including Ace & Jig, Armedangels, People Tree and Desmond & Dempsey in this quirky, independent Brixton boutique.
The Keep location: 32/33 Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8PR
Best for spring wardrobes: Here Today Here Tomorrow
This collaborative fashion design label boasts a trendy ethical London boutique in the back streets of Dalston, celebrating diversity and sustainable clothing. Set up by four friends and designers, Anna-Maria Hesse, Emma Dulcie Rigby, Ketlyn Toth-Fejel and Julia Crew, have their environmental backgrounds to make beautiful pale clothes - perfect for spring - with soft, sustainably sourced wool and handwoven cotton that have garnered Here Today Here Tomorrow, London, quite a name.
Here Today Here Tomorrow location: 30a Balls Pond Road, Dalston, N1 4AU, London
Best place for the environment: Lowie
The place for soft wools, glamorous hand-stitched embroidery and bright colours, Lowie, London, stocks a number of brands including children's clothing from Petit Bateau. Drop in next time you’re shopping on Herne Hill to pick up lovingly made vintage style clothes with a contemporary twist and, importantly, as small an environmental impact as it is possible to make.
Lowie location: 115 Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 0NG
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