Ethical Fashion & Beauty Boutique wins “Best Newcomer” at the RSPCA Good Business Awards ceremony after just six months of trading.
 
An online fashion and beauty business specialising in vegan and ethical products has won “Best Newcomer” at the national RSPCA Good Business Awards within just six months of trading. Founded in February this year by animal-lover and vegan Carrina Rowe, she received the award which was presented by the world famous designer Wayne Hemingway at One Marylebone, London, on Wednesday 6th October. 

The fashion and beauty website’s strict animal welfare and ethical business policies were praised by the high-profile judging panel who recognised Carrina’s efforts as a small business owner who places animal welfare at the top of her agenda.
 
“It is a fantastic surprise and a real honour to have received the award for “Best Newcomer” in such a prestige national competition. I have always admired and respected the companies chosen for the RSPCA Good Business Awards so to actually be a winner myself and in my first year of trading is absolutely amazing and makes me incredibly proud” said Carrina, whose life-long love of animals and nature stems from her mother who worked as a veterinary nurse.
 
“As a little girl, my mum always rescued animals and when I left home, I followed in her footsteps taking in all sorts of creatures in need! My belief that no animal should have to suffer for the sake of our beauty led me on a search for cruelty free make-up and skincare products that were also natural, kinder to the environment, animals and my skin.    
                                                                                                                                  
“I started Nature’s Boutique after discovering some products that claimed to be cruelty free were not necessarily so. None of the products we sell are tested on animals, nor do the brand owners pay third parties to conduct animal testing on their behalf. In fact many are certified by independent bodies such as the BDIH, Soil Association and Vegan Society which have strict criteria for products bearing their seal. Customers can shop safe in the knowledge that there are no animal derivatives and no animal ingredients in the products sold on our site.”
 
Among the sites most popular buys are design-centric and eco-friendly label Matt & Nat whose on-trend bag collections feature ultra-soft inner linings made using around 21 recycled plastic bottles. Other products to be found on the site are natural organic beauty buys from pioneering German brand lavera, MÁDARA eco-cosmetics from Latvia, African bodycare brand TAMU and jewellery by Kate Hamilton-Hunter. All purchases are gift-wrapped in boxes made using recycled and recyclable materials.
Carrina also supports a number of local and national animal charities such as Freshfields Animal Centre, World Horse Welfare and the Parkgate Pony Sanctuary, co-sponsors Scouseveg – the social and campaigning group for vegetarians and vegans in the North West where Carrina is based. and actively helps raise awareness of the many animal-related causes close to her heart via Facebook, Twitter as well as via her own website and blog.

Judge², designer Wayne Hemingway said “Companies now understand the importance of actively listening to customers who want to see changes made and animal welfare policies communicated clearly.  When talking about Nature’s Boutique he said “This company has done everything right from the start” Referring to Nature’s Boutique he continued: “This company has done everything right from the start.”
David Bowels, Director of RSPCA Communications reported that “The quality and quantity of entries to the fashion category this year is a clear indication that companies are responding to the shift towards responsible consumerism.  “All these companies were recognised for leading the way in animal welfare on the high street and the catwalk, and deserve our recognition as they set the standard for others to work towards. Accessories retailer Nature’s Boutique was named Best Newcomer because animal welfare is integral to the company’s philosophy.”
 
For further information about the RSPCA Good Business Awards, please visit http://www.rspcagoodbusinessawards.com and  http://www.goodthings.org.uk/

Design a winning reusable bag

Reusable eco-bags are a must-have for retail, fashion and the High Street. Every time they are used they’re promoting your brand, they show you care about the environment and increase revenue if sold in a retail store. That is why it is so important to choose the right bag for your company. We see many eco-bags hastily put together, with the main reason either lack time or lack of know-how. Here are my top tips for designing a reusable bag that will make your bag stand out from the rest:

1. Be organised: Pre-planning is essential to achieve the most out of your bag. Allow the most amount of time possible for design, manufacture and shipment. This will save money as well: all too often clients end up spending as much on express delivery as the actual bag cost. It takes eight weeks for manufacture and delivery which needs to be factored in on top of the time you spend selecting the style of bag and creating the artwork for it.

2. Bag your brand: This is an opportunity to extend your marketing campaign. If you have a great logo, use it. Often a simple design that encapsulates the sentiment of your brand used with your website address can be more effective than a traditional branded logo bag.

3. Be creative: This is your chance to be different. Consider having the handles, piping or gusset in a different colour to the base bag colour. Instead of being tempted for a white bag with your logo printed in your brand colour go for a Non-woven bag made in the material colour of your brand and the printing in black, white or a complimentary colour.   So many bags end up looking the same and you want yours to stand out!

4. Use colour:  The benefit of choosing a Non-woven polypropylene bag is the huge range of vibrant colours you can choose from. Non-woven material can be matched to the exact pantone colour for large orders.

5. Think detail: Increase the quality by adding poppers, a zip or pocket. Perhaps a hard base insert to improve durability? Laminating a Non-woven bag will transform it to a totally different bag.

6. Make it simple: Style is king! You want your bags to look great so they are used over and over again to get your brand maximum exposure. Avoid the temptation to print too much text. A great image, design or colour choice will create bag envy.

7. Think about your audience: Match your style of bag match to suit your target audience. If it is mainly for women think about a tote with longer over the shoulder handles. For men, a messenger style bag would be suitable while a drawstring bag would be best for youth or sports use. For supermarket shopping a heavy duty green bag with a base might be the best choice. These are only a few suggestions, but each campaign will have different considerations.

8. Choose the right material: Make sure the material compliments your brand, style and target client:

Non-woven PP: is recyclable, contemporary and versatile. It can accommodate sophisticated full colour print techniques to achieve a photo quality as well as silk screen printing or heat transfer.

Cotton: is traditional and suited to simple one or two colour screen printing

Jute: is natural, rigid and suited to supermarket style shopping bags.

rPET: is a modern and environmentally friendly made from recycled PET bottles. This might be a feature that is important and a message in itself.

9. Think print: Spend time thinking about the kind of print you will use:

Silk screen printing: is available for Non-woven, cotton, Jute and rPET. The most intricate of designs can be portrayed in perfect detail with single print colours.

Heat transfer: for a photo quality finish a heat transfer might be the ticket. Essentially a tattoo or a decal is created and with the use of heat bonded onto the bag. This method can be used for non-woven bags, cotton bags, jute or rPET.

Full Colour Process: best for woven or Non- woven bags. It is suited to graphic and digitally created art work where 100% print coverage is desired. It will guarantee a contemporary and vibrant bag and no limit to creativity.

10. Make your bag do business for you: Think about using your bag in promotions – customers spend over £50 and get a bag free or have a special environmentally friendly days when you give away a complimentary bag.

These considerations will affect the quality and price of an ecobag. It is worth the time and investment as it will result in the best bag possible maximising your brand, encouraging reuse and adding to the success of your marketing campaigns.

e: leanne@smartbags.co.uk          

w: http://www.smartbags.co.uk/

p:0208 242 4468        

Smart Bags is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Farnham Maltings-based Fashion designer Eloise Grey has been selected as one of only three small fashion businesses by high profile fashion judges such as Wayne Hemmingway for the small company category for best fashion.

Recognising the very best businesses in the UK, the RSPCA Good Business Awards 2010 reward companies for their ethical approach to animal welfare.

Eloise Grey has been praised for excellence in advancing animal welfare and going the extra mile to include best practice in her ethical business policy. Eloise specialises in clothing using organic and ethically sourced tweed from Scotland. The wool is undyed and from native-breed sheep, who thrive in their natural habitat. The organic practices ensure the animals are kept in humane conditions. Her garments are beautifully made in the UK with a lifetime of wear and love in mind, as well as embodying stewardship of the land, wildlife and animals.

Judging the entries, designer Wayne Hemingway, says: “We were really impressed by the calibre of entries this year, which have shown a major advance since they first started six years ago. I was particularly taken with the smaller, ethically minded companies who are actively listening to customers and making huge steps forward for animal welfare.”

 Eloise says, “My customers generally buy my coats because they look great and they can see the quality, though some customers seek me out especially for my ethical approach. I feel really honoured by the RSPCA’s Awards and hope I win.”

The RSPCA Good Business Awards evening soiree will be held at One Marylebone, London, on Wednesday 6^th October.

ENDS

   Notes to editors:

 The judging panel for the fashion category are: Lisa Armstrong, fashion editor of The Times; designer Wayne Hemingway, founder of Red or Dead; and Shelly Vella, Cosmopolitan’s fashion director.

 About Eloise Grey

 Eloise Grey was brought up in Elstead, Surrey and returned to her roots to launch her label in 2007 working with organic tweeds from the Isle of Mull weavers and producing in the UK in the tradition of British tailoring. Eloise selects fabrics for their sustainable qualities. For AW10 Priscilla Carluccio has commissioned a version of the ‘Elizabeth’ coat for her Brompton Road shop, Few & Far.

 Stockists: www.eloisegrey.com; Eloise Grey, Farnham Maltings, Surrey (by appointment); Few & Far, Brompton Road, London; Haleluja, rue Nouveau Marché aux Grains, 6, 1000 Brussels. (Menswear).

 For media Enquiries please contact Eloise Grey on 07910 96 3737 or contact@eloisegrey.com, Studio 14, Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR

 About the RSPCA Good Business Awards

 The RSPCA Good Business Awards were set up in recognition of the achievements of companies in the cosmetics, fashion and food industries to attain higher standards of animal welfare by implementing sustainable policies and practices.

 For media enquiries, please contact Alex Kennedy, Nicki Akers or Sarah Edwards at 77PR on 0207 492 0977. Email RSPCA@77pr.co.uk or call the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244.

Eloise Grey is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Holly: I’ve seen from your bio that you trained in London, but from there how did you get started in the fashion industry?
Anna: I had a very unusual and different intro into the world of fashion! I appeared on a Saturday night gameshow with Gaby Roslin called ‘Whatever you Want’ and along with two other contestants I had to design and make an outfit for Topshop. I won and the dress I designed was sold in Topshop’s all over the UK and I also had a month’s work experience in the design department which luckily led to all sorts of other design work.

Holly: What was it like designing ranges for top high street retailers such as Topshop and Faith?
Anna: It was very exciting working with Topshop and Faith. They both are amazing retailers and I really enjoyed designing the ranges for them, I had great fun!

Holly:  I’ve seen from your bio that for your latest range of leather accessories that you were inspired by your love of Elvis and glitter. Where else do you find inspiration from for your designs?
Anna: I have always had a love for old Hollywood movies and stars like Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe. I also love the glamour of the showgirls from the early 19th century Zeigfeld Follies alongside current designers such as Balmain, Luella Bartley and Scott Henshall. Mix that up with a bit of rock chick crossed with the colour scheme of the 80’s and that’s me!

Holly: What has been the highlight of your career so far? And what do you hope to achieve in the future?
Anna: One of my favourite and memorable moments was turning on the tv to see Denise Van Outen wearing one of my customised t-shirts that I sold in Topshop, that particular t-shirt sold out the day after would you believe. I would in the future I like my label to be available to more stores and on-line boutiques and of course for more celebs to be seen wearing it!

Holly: What do you have planned for your next range?
Anna: I’m currently designing a new accessories range using lace, fringing and studs. I love coming up with new ideas and working them through to the finished product.

Holly: Finally, what tips do you have for budding designers? Or anyone who hopes to get involved in the world of fashion?
Anna: The fashion industry is a tough one but I would say the best way to start off is to get some good work experience, you might not get paid but it’s an invaluable introduction into the industry. You can offer to dress at catwalk shows or maybe run errands for the designers themselves. Retailers are also willing to take on work experience in their head offices, you can but try! Otherwise if the high-end fashion isn’t quite you and like me you enjoy making things then websites such as Etsy, E-hive and Misi are ideal. For a small fee you can set up your own on-line shop to sell your creations.

Anna Londei’s range of recycled denim and sequin accessories are available to order now from www.puredesigncompany.co.uk. Interview by Holly Langford , Pure Design Digital Marketing Intern

Pure Design is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Specialist artisans Eloise Grey tailoring and carréducker bespoke shoes are launching a new tweed shoe collaboration at the Goodwood Revival in September.

carréducker Winkers for Eloise Grey are louche classics with a contemporary take on the Long Island beach or English house shoe. Featured in Eloise Grey tweeds sourced from the Isle of Mull, they epitomise the relaxed glamour of the ‘30s – the era of Brideshead Revisted and The Great Gatsby – with elegant lines and a raffish, fringed top edge. Crafted in England they are available in Cream & Fawn Diamond, organic Blue Woad & Cream Herringbone and organic Silver Herringbone.

The shoes complement Farnham-based, Eloise Grey’s pared down, timeless tailoring and aesthetic. She works in fine fabrics that embody sustainable qualities resulting in a product that is to be treasured. Eloise will be showing her Autumn collection of tweeds jackets and coats for ladies and gentlemen. Inspired by literature, paying particular homage to the Bloomsbury set  the collection includes style such as the Woolf coat, after Virginia Woolf. Alongside this she will present her collection of fine linens blouses inspired by Persephone Books and plain wool or linen trousers (the Vita breeches) to complement the tweeds.

Where Eloise is Bloomsbury inspired, carréducker are Bloomsbury based.

Trained by a master shoemaker for John Lobb, the bespoke shoemaking experts celebrate the natural qualities of the materials they work with and are showing a selection of shoes and boots handsewn in their studio in the finest box calf and exotics. They have also incorporated tweed and canvas into a capsule collection of new bespoke styles and offer Winkers in Harris and Dashing Tweeds.

carréducker are on hand throughout Goodwood Revival to discuss retro detailing and to take orders/ measurements for bespoke shoes and belts. Their service includes creating lasts individual to each customer, design and leather consultation, at least one fitting and the completed shoes delivered with bespoke shoe trees.

Eloise Grey and carréducker are showing on stand number 32.

For further information and high res. images:

Eloise Grey: E: contact@eloisegrey.com; T: 07910 963737

carréducker: E: cd@carreducker.com; T:020 7813 0093; M: 07710 077404

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Eloise Grey tailoring is in materials sourced for their particular aesthetic, sustainability and artisan qualities. Behind each fabric is a story and an approach to making which emphasises British craftsmanship. Eloise’s customers are individuals who wish to tell their own story with their clothes, such as Priscilla Carluccio who has commissioned the Eloise Grey ‘Elizabeth’ coat for her Brompton Road boutique, Few & Far. Stockists: www.eloisegrey.com; Eloise Grey, Farnham Maltings, Farnham (by appointment); Few & Far, Brompton Road, London, Haleluja, Brussels. (Menswear), Ardalanish Weavers, Isle of Mull.

carréducker specialise in bespoke shoes, continuing the centuries-old English craft of handsewn shoemaking, by designing and making shoes for an array of international clients. Keen to pass on their skills and the great benefits of handsewn shoes, they teach two-week intensive shoemaking courses in New York and London. They also manufacture the Winkers slip-on in England, in a selection of hand woven British Isles’ tweeds. Winkers stockists: Wolf & Badger, Notting Hill, London; Leffot, West Village, New York; Brogue, Geneva; carreducker Bespoke: carréducker, Bloomsbury, London (by appointment only); Thom Sweeney, Mayfair, London; Stowers Bespoke, Savile Row, London; Marsha Hall, Great Bookham, Surrey.

The Goodwood Revival runs from 17 – 19 September 2010 at Goodwood, Chichester, Sussex. A magical step back in time, this is a unique chance to revel in the glamour and allure of motor racing. The Revival is the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting and the only event of its kind to be staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s that relives the glory days of Goodwood Motor Circuit. It is the biggest and best historic motor racing party of the year.

Eloise Grey is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

There’s nothing like finding a hidden gem in an antique shop, charity shop or thrift fair. The thrill of finding a fashion or furniture piece that hold links to the past and its very own story is quite unlike any other shopping experience. However, with today’s fashion trends embracing and popularising the vintage look, these wonderful one-off pieces are sadly becoming hard to come by without the accompaniment of a sizeable price tag. That is, until Scaramanga…

Established in 2006 by Carl Morenikeji, Scaramanga offers a unique range of all things vintage; from fashion accessories and hand-made notebooks through to vintage and retro household furniture and accessories.

And better still, you can buy with a clear conscience, safe in the knowledge that Scaramanga takes great pride in trading fairly with all suppliers. The majority of suppliers are small-scale family run businesses who specialise in traditional artisan and craft based industries that use traditional materials, methods and skills. Additionally, the Scaramanga team always make regular trips to visit suppliers in order to maintain close, long-term relationships and to make sure ethical standards are being met.

Available both online and in store, you can find the popular range of vintage leather satchels and messenger bags which are made using traditional tanning processes, and the huge selection of restored old wooden chests and boxes. You will also find unique pieces of expertly crafted vintage and antique furniture including: chairs, cupboards, old cabinets and vintage mirrors; as well as vintage cushions, bedspreads, jewellery and the large range of more than 30 different hand-bound leather and silky sari journals, sketchbooks and photo albums.

www.scaramangashop.co.uk

Scaramanga is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Take Off With The Mile High Club!

Come fly with us and check in for our August sale items; saving up to 19% off on our Ethical Silver ‘Mile High’ necklaces.

Fifi Fantasy Airlines offers you the best of stay-cation treats, including our Drift 9ct Ethical Gold & White Topaz necklace designed to take your mind to distant shores and sandy beaches and our Caravan necklace which is perfect for working the summer Festival season look (both included in our summer sale!).

In case of emergency, you will find our super-fast delivery service invaluable. Fifi Bijoux Jewellery should be worn around the neck, on the ears and on the fingers to attract maximum attention. Should your air supply fail whilst browsing through our web boutique, please be assured this is purely excitement and try to breathe normally.

Our on-board crew will be happy to assist you with any questions, please press the ‘contact us’ button for details.

Now sit back, relax and enjoy. We wish you a pleasant visit.

http://www.fifibijoux.com/shop/

Fifi Bijoux is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Model Naomi Campbell testified that she was given some ‘dirty looking stones’ in 1997. Read the BBC news story here and hear her testimony:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-10875811

Jeremy Vine gave a wonderful lunch time show  on BBC Radio 2  6th August on the issue of Blood Diamonds, Ethical Diamonds and War Crimes.

Listen to it by clicking here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/jeremy-vine/

Michelle Tuck called in and spoke  very well on behalf of  UK’s ethical jewellers . Fifi Bijoux maintains that the sale of blood diamonds finances conflict and thus can be implemented in war crimes and crimes against humanity in many civil war situations. Transparency and known provenance of diamonds is the surest method of protecting the consumer and the integrity of the jeweller. We specialize in sourcing ethically mined diamonds from known mining projects and origins.

You can learn more about the context of the case against Charles Taylor by viewing Brightwide’s film click the link below to be taken to their site and look for ‘Pray The Devil Back To Hell’

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pray-The-Devil-Back-To-Hell/10831840869

Fifi Bijoux is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Summer 2010 sees the launch of a brand new range of Scaramanga vintage leather satchels. Inspired by the iconic old school satchel – this summer’s ‘must-have’ leather bag for men and women – Scaramanga’s range ticks all the boxes for the perfect satchel…

Scaramanga now use buffalo leather which makes them even stronger and sturdier than before, but they are still soft to the touch; whilst still maintaining that same vintage-leather look and feel that we love so much about the original Scaramanga leather satchel.

So, you can take it everywhere and use it for anything, from travelling to college work; a hand bag to a laptop bag. You can always be assured that your satchel will be reliable because, as we say… it only gets better with time and use; each mark tells a story and only adds to that vintage look.

It’s the essential fashion accessory which is stylish yet practical at an incredibly affordable price. Scaramanga’s leather bags are available in a variety of sizes and styles, prices starting from just £45.

www.scaramangashop.co.uk

Scaramanga is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more