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12th December 2017

7 brands that give back…

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman

Basket bags: Dassie Artisan.

‘Tis the season of giving, but what with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, daily gift guides and constant Christmas adverts, I thought I’d highlight a few brands doing something a little differently…

Rattan planters: from £15, Kalinko

Kalinko is a brand that was introduced to me via the lovely guys at Desmond and Dempsey, I was really interested in the product, we met for coffee, she explained the story and then I saw the product in real life at the Spirit of Christmas Fair this year – and it didn’t disappoint. Sophie lives in Burma (now Myanmar) and works with local artisans to allow them access to the international market and helping them to live more sustainable lives. She often comes up with ideas or colour ways that she thinks would work for the western market, too – and it works.

Wastepaper bins: £28, Kalinko.

‘King of Madness’ Street Art print by Anthony Pye: £20, The Big Issue Shop

We all know about The Big Issue but did you know they have a shop? Selling clothing, books, magazines and even art work? The street art section features artists that have been marginalised, and at least half the profit goes directly to the artist, and the rest helping to continue the work of The Big Issue charity.

‘The Hits’ Street Art print by Rene Robbins: £20, The Big Issue Shop.

Rug: £350, Dassie Artisan

At Dassie Artisan, they work directly with artisans in developing countries to create amazing homeware. Everything is beautifully designed and hand-made, it’ll cost you more than a basket from H&M Home but with a unique story and supporting a community.

Basket: £22.95, Dassie Artisan.

Suede boots: £84.99, Toms

Again, a concept we’re all familiar with: one for one. For every pair of shoes/sunglasses/bags (you get the picture) sold, Toms donates the same to someone in need. The concept is really inspiring – Toms has donated 75 million pairs of shoes since starting), and it helps that they make good quality, comfortable shoes too (after the recent bout of snow, I’m looking at durable boots in a whole new light).

Cushions: Happy + Co.

I’ve featured this brand on the blog before, not only do they work with artisans across the world, but 10% of their profits go towards the Happy + Co farm in Cambodia, providing jobs as well as fresh produce for the community.

Bobble cushion cover: £35, Happy + Co.

Suit: Birdsong

Birdsong promises to be a brand without photoshop or sweatshops. They work with women’s organisations to sell products made by women on the margins of society and the money they’ve made goes towards living wage employment, education, counselling and more. If you want to see more from this brand, they actually have a pop-up shop from 14th – 19th December at 11 Pearson Street, E2. Expect a curated edit of gifts, feminist bookclubs, craft afternoons and even BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) zine workshop events.

Find out more about the Birdsong pop-up store here.

Moses basket: £125 (includes mattress and sheet), Bosie Baby.

Sourced from Ghana, these baskets are handwoven from natural grasses and the weavers are paid a sustainable income. Not only this, these Moses baskets are also pretty beautiful and this small company is run by a first time mum doing it out of passion. And you can tell.

‘Toucan’ baby basket: £125, Bosie Baby.

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Allie ford says

    12th December 2017 at 7:51 am

    Lines & Current is a beautiful online store with a similar ethos: a percentage of profits are donated to helping women and their bags are made by women who have been rescued from sex slavery. The jewellery is beautiful and great quality & the customer service is excellent. Plus their Insta feed is gorgeous.
    Hope you’re feeling better & are getting to enjoy your pregnancy Alex, congratulations!
    Allie x

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      12th December 2017 at 8:52 am

      Just taken a look – really beautiful – already found a pair of earrings I want to buy! x

      Reply
  2. AppleEverAfter says

    12th December 2017 at 10:42 am

    My personal award for most inspiring blog of the year definitely goes to this one, thank you very much! I follow a lot of fashion/style bloggers, and yours is one of my favourites. Am off to check out The Big Issue shop!

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    12th December 2017 at 3:56 pm

    Beautiful moses baskets! Thanks for sharing such lovely things.

    Reply
  4. diaw says

    12th December 2017 at 5:26 pm

    this is so cool
    xx
    https://www.closettostreet.com/

    Reply
  5. Dona Jackson says

    13th December 2017 at 11:19 am

    Here I am seeing the amazing things to decorate my house, really lovely. I wish to buy Toucan baby basket. It’s so gorgeous.

    Reply
  6. Cyrine says

    14th December 2017 at 11:59 am

    Dear Alexandra,
    If you are interested in brands that give back and promote a sustainable way of consuming fashion, you might be interested in Nothing-to-Wear, a service renting out vintage and pre-owned luxury designer labels such as Chanel, Dior, YSL and supporting charities.
    Wishing you a happy Christmas and blissful year 2018.

    Cyrine

    Reply
  7. Judy Heminsley says

    14th December 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Hi Alex, I’d like to add aerende.co.uk, whose ‘life-improving homewares’ are all made in the UK by people facing social challenges – refugees, prisoners, people with learning or physical disabilities etc.
    Aerende is a social enterprise and all the products are absolutely beautiful. Such a brilliant idea!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      14th December 2017 at 8:16 pm

      Oh it’s gorgeous! Just looked and want everything – in fact I’ve asked for a candle snuffer for xmas (for the person who doesn’t need anything !!!) and theirs is divine! x

      Reply
  8. Stephanie Nelson says

    18th December 2017 at 12:36 pm

    Really happy to know about these brands. Great work. We should all do something for those who need a little support.

    Reply

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