Our story started on a bus to Kathmandu. Two women met many years ago, when travelling on this bus, and enjoyed more travelling adventures together. We were lucky and travelled through Iran and Pakistan – as well as seeing beautiful Syria. We lost touch over the years as our lives went in different directions, but through re-connecting recently we found we shared so many interests and values in common – especially a shared passion for ethical fashion. We found that as we reached middle age we didn’t want to wear boring clothes and we also wanted to feel good about what we wore. We didn’t want to exploit workers in the garment industry or wear disposable fast fashion that literally cost the earth.
Six years on, with the company now based solely based in North Yorkshire – after Karin moved to Malton, we have perhaps most enjoyed the creative collaborations with the makers and designers of artisan clothing, with jewellery maker and artist Ruth Claydon, with photographer Deborah Stevenson – and with the inspirational women who model for us.
Our latest photo shoots have showcased some beautiful Nila Rubia clothes and our own collection – working with Vintage Crafts. We are so grateful for the help of Pranay and the team at Vintage Crafts – for their cutting, sewing and pattern matching expertise, and for their skill and artistry.
Vintage Crafts specialise in garments made from recycled silk sarees. The company is committed to environmental sustainability with a zero wastage policy that ensures every inch of a saree can be re-used. Production begins with the selection of sarees from various suppliers across India, which are then meticulously sorted and cleaned and made into high quality new garments using ethical production and manufacturing. We have called our designs after the states, cities and rivers of India – to honour where they have come from and the sisters who wore them first.
So please join us and celebrate ethically made clothing that will make you feel fabulous whenever you put it on – clothing that can make everyday feel special.