Amazing women

INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING FEMALE-FOUNDED FASHION BRANDS TO MARK THIS MONTH’S INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Sep Jordan

Founded in 2013 by Italian philanthropist Roberta Ventura, SEP employs hundreds of female refugees living in Jordan’s Jerash Camp to create its handembroidered accessories. The women undergo a two-month training course at the SEP-Tamari Foundation Academy and are paid a fair wage to support their families. An estimated 50,000 people live at the refugee camp, which opened in 1967 to house people fleeing Gaza. In 2020, the brand was awarded B Corp status, certifying that it puts purpose above profit. “Unlike other brands that are trying to adapt to sustainability goals and trends, we were created with a specific mission to bring thousands of refugees above the poverty line,” says Roberta. “Employing the refugees rather than supplying them with constant aid helps them to grow as people, collecting a continuous stream of income for themselves and their families.”

CONTACT: E: info@sepjordan.com sepjordan.eu

The Colombia Collective

Launched in 2019, The Colombia Collective works with talented artisans to create beautiful handmade homewares and accessories using traditional techniques. The brand is the brainchild of Kate Wrigley who worked as an architect for the Colombian government. During her time living in the country she discovered the work of local artisans and decided to help sell their products internationally. Today The Colombia Collective is made up of 800 artisans from 14 different communities, each with their own identity and story. Kate’s aim is to preserve ancestral craft techniques while celebrating and supporting the region’s talented makers. Best-selling products in the range include intricately woven bags, napkin rings and place mats, colourful ceramics and intricately crafted earrings.

CONTACT:

E: contact@thecolombiacollective.co.uk

Stine Goya

Cool Scandi label Stine Goya launched in 2006 as an antidote to the Danish fashion scene’s minimalist designs and muted colour palettes. Its eponymous designer, a Central Saint Martins’ graduate, is the driving force behind the brand. She works alongside a team of talented designers to create kaleidoscope collections that mix striking patterns with saturated hues. Each of her collections is underpinned by bespoke hand-drawn prints and luxe materials, with signature pieces including floral-festooned dresses, bright knitwear and relaxed tailoring. Stine says she draws inspiration from her hometown of Copenhagen as well as the design and art worlds. Fans of the brand have come to expect vivid colour schemes, flattering cuts and simple yet quality fabrics.

CONTACT: E: ml@stinegoya.com stinegoya.com

Saywood

Created in 2020 by London College of Fashion graduate Harriet Saywood-Bellisario, Saywood is an ethically made slow fashion brand specialising in colourful everyday essentials. Each piece is made in small volumes using responsibly sourced materials and then elevated with beautiful details. Designed to be worn and re-worn, its signature garments are both timeless and modern. Expect to see classic styles such as shirts with unexpected contemporary twists. With sustainability at the heart of her brand, the designer takes a responsible approach when creating each garment and works with sustainable fabrics and local makers whenever possible.

CONTACT: Tel: 07745 245 512 E: info@saywoodstudio.co.uk

People Tree

Pioneering sustainable womenswear brand People Tree was created over 30 years ago by social entrepreneur and women’s rights campaigner Safia Minney MBE. Its core mission has remained the same over the past three decades: to create every product to the highest ethical and environmental standard. The brand works with highly skilled garment makers from around world and ensures they are provided with good working conditions and paid fair wages. Its design team not only focuses on creating beautiful clothing, but also on preserving traditional hand skills such as weaving and embroidery to help women out of poverty. Its garments are made by unique fair-trade groups from around the world, such as sock maker Bulus in Turkey and Dhaka’s Artisan Hut, which put women’s rights at the forefront.

CONTACT: E: wholesale@peopletree.co.uk

Daska

Twenty-four-year-old Maryam Khan is changing people’s perceptions about modest fashion with her recently launched label Daska. The brand was created after the designer spotted a gap in the market for high quality and stylish modest clothing that could be worn by everyone. Part of her mission is to empower women to feel beautiful without showing their skin, whether for religious reasons or otherwise. Each of its garments pushes the boundaries of traditional modest design with timeless silhouettes, playful patterns and a bright colour palette. Its founder is also dedicated to sustainability and enlists environmentally responsible fabrics for each new season collection.

CONTACT: E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk