The Junction Boutique's Video!

How exciting! This is our first advert for The Junction Boutique! We encourage any feedback!

New Designer on The Junction Boutique!

MKT Design is a unique fashion brand that creates one of a kind bags and accessories handmade in England. 

MKT Design was founded in 2009 with the muff-bag collection (a bag that doubled as a handwarmer).

From that point their aim is to create a unique and multipurpose bags and accessories. 

Each product is individually handled from design, prototype and then to a final product. 

MKT Design can be seen on: http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/mkt-design-m-37.html.

The Junction Boutique has been featured once again!

Emma Harold, a trendy blogger wrote in her blog (http://www.the-daisychain.com/2011/04/junction-boutique.html):

The Junction Boutique was founded in 2010, in London, United Kingdom and provides an online fashion store for talented new designers to showcase their sustainable products. As a social enterprise, our mission at the Junction Boutique is to support local talent to market and sell sustainable fashion products to a wider audience of fashionably intelligent customers. The Junction acts as part promoter, part broker for designers, helping them achieve their goals in the world of fashion. In return, our customers get the opportunity to buy innovative, refreshing, and sustainable fashion designs that challenge the mainstream fashion brands and high street stores. - http://www.thejunctionboutique.co.uk/

I love the contrast of the gold and the colourful beads. 

I also love that is made of 95% recycled and fair trade materials. 

I adore anything with shells and pearls!
Love!

 I love that this necklace is made from wellington boots.

I like the vintage style and the bright pink lining.

I've only just started to wear headbands again,
can't get much better than one with a huge flower!

Like I said, anything with pearls...

I simply like the look of this bracelet,
and it's in the sale!

Everyone need a good scarf!
This one looks so warm and comfy and I love the colour!

I live in baggy tops. This one is in a beautiful gold colour!
Perfect teamed with some denim shorts and gladiator sandels.

New Designer on The Junction Boutique!

Frilly By Lily's products can be seen on: http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/frilly-lily-m-36.html

The Junction Boutique is welcoming a new original designer: Frilly By Lily!

Finding frilly bits that make up frillybylily jewellery takes time; frilly bits are rare and can only be found by practiced searching methods that take years to learn. This is why most frillybylily jewellery is one off, so no one else will ever have the same as you!

Ethical sourcing and manufacturing is fundamental in frilly work, in fact it defines the business as it makes it much more challeging.

  

Anne Wiggins's interview on brittlintner.com!

This interview can be found on: http://brittlintner.com/realwomen/17/.

Anne Wiggins is a big mind with a big heart.  Armed with a PhD from the London School of Economics, she went on to consult for a number of UN and international organisations.  She recently founded her own ethical silk loungewear label.   

Who are you?

Whilst working in museums and galleries in New York, Sydney and London, I completed my undergraduate degree in History & Medieval Studies at the University of Sydney, a masters degree in Computer Applications for the History of Art at Birkbeck, and pursued further post-graduate studies in medieval history at the University of New England.

Whilst studying for my masters, I founded a London-based internet design and online strategy consulting company. Its main clients were museums, galleries, design agencies and luxury goods companies. In parallel, I completed a doctorate at the London School of Economics, researching e-business and innovation policies for entrepreneurs and SMEs. My PhD research resulted in a number of publications, culminating in my recent book and a separate consulting and academic career, for UNCTAD (the United Nations trade and development policy thinktank), the International Labour Organization and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

However, throughout this period, I was increasingly drawn back to my passion for design: from childhood onwards, I have designed my clothes, and either made them myself or had them tailored to my specifications. I am now winding down my other commitments in order to concentrate on building my ethical silk nightwear and loungewear label, Anne Wiggins London. Free from the obligation to produce in large quantities, I painstakingly sourced the very finest raw materials and the best craftsman using traditional artisan techniques that cannot be replicated in mass-produced garments. All without compromising my beliefs. Of course, at no stage in the production process are people exploited, but it was also very important to me that even the silkworms not suffer. The fabric in my garments is not coated in softeners, elastomers, synthetic resins, nor has it been subject to chemical treatments that are toxic and contain suspected carcinogens. I insist on quality controls greater than the ISO standards and those set by the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments.

Quality is crucial to every choice I make. I feel that producing objects of a high quality that will last for many years amounts to a fundamental contribution to the environment: to manufacture clothing that will be disposed of after a few years of use – no matter how green the process of their manufacture and disposal – misses the point. Ethics and quality should go hand-in-hand... I believe that this issue is essential to our future.

How do you keep it real?

I am fortunate to have a solid base of wonderful, amazing friends, some of whom have been in my life since childhood. I speak with a core of them every day, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I think there’s something so beautiful and magical about friendship: people coming into your life andchoosing to love and support you. I’ve had my share of heartache, injury and loss, and my family – of course – and friends have enabled me to come out the other side. I never forget how precious the gift of their presence in my life is. I also love hiking and cooking for the people I love.

What's the most memorable occasion on which you've been wearing a Britt Lintner dress?

Last November, I flew from Geneva to Nice for what was to be a day of meetings in Monaco. That evening, Geneva airport was snowed in, and I was stranded. As even trains back to Geneva from Nice weren’t getting through, the next night I flew to Paris, caught the train back to Geneva the following morning, and went straight to another meeting. By that stage, I had been wearing the same dress for three straight days! However, because of its quality and beautiful cut, it looked pristine, and I appeared unruffled… I can’t think of any clothes in my wardrobe other than Britt’s that would have held up under such pressure – high praise indeed! 

Do you have any fun fashion tips?

I think underwear and sleepwear are incredibly important, even if no-one else sees them. Beauty, quality and luxury - even in the smallest details of our lives - have the ability to calm, reassure, uplift and inspire us.

Third New Designer of the Day for The Junction Boutique!

Anne Wiggins's products can be seen on http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/short-gown-p-315.html.

The Junction Boutique is welcoming the third new designer of the day: Anne Wiggins. She shares her insights on her new brand:

Beauty, quality and luxury - even in the smallest details of our lives - have the ability to calm, reassure, uplift and inspire us.

Believing that women should feel elegant and effortlessly stylish during their downtime, and that seduction is all about discretion and subtlety for those with discerning, confident taste, Anne's unwavering attention to detail has resulted in the creation of this luxuriously relaxed, understated, glamorous, and contemporary - yet timeless - collection.

This limited edition collection of silk nightwear and loungewear is made to an exceptionally high standard.

Free from the obligation to produce in large quantities, Anne has painstakingly sourced the very finest raw materials and the best craftsman using traditional artisan techniques that cannot be replicated in mass-produced garments. All without compromising her ethical beliefs:

• As a Buddhist for over twenty years, it is vital to Anne that the silk worms not suffer. She insists on the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). Traditional silk farmers boil the cocoons to kill the moths and harvest their cocoons. However, Anne favours the rarer and much more expensive – but infinitely more humane – approach whereby moths are allowed to mature and emerge unscathed from their cocoons. 

  
  

  In this process, because the one continuous silk fibre woven by the silkworm has been broken into many smaller strands by the emerging moth, the cocoon is degummed to remove the sericin and then spun like other fibres – such as cotton or hemp – rather than being reeled onto spools in one continuous silk strand. As a result of being spun as a fibre rather than being reeled as a thread, the fabric produced is warmer and softer, yet paradoxically can often be rougher to the touch. However, Anne painstakingly sourced a small factory in Japan that spins bespoke orders of the very finest quality, softest silk from these fibres. 

  
  
• The fabric in Anne’s garments is not coated in softeners, elastomers, synthetic resins, nor has it been subject to chemical treatments that are toxic and contain suspected carcinogens.

  
  
• At no stage in the production process are people exploited. Anne works with the factory inspection company SGS to do ongoing spot-checks to ensure that everyone working on her garments: is over 17 years old, works no more than 50 hours a week, has consistent access to natural light and unpolluted air throughout their working day, and is paid a fair wage.

  
  
• Anne insists on quality controls greater than the ISO standards and those set by the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments.

  
  
• Anne considers quality as being crucial to every choice she makes regarding these garments. She feels that producing objects of a high quality that will last for many years amounts to a fundamental contribution to the environment: to manufacture clothing that will be disposed of after a few years of use – no matter how green the process of their manufacture and disposal – misses the point. Ethics and quality should go hand-in-hand... Anne believes that the right approach to this issue is essential to our future.

These elegant pieces will take you from play to the boudoir and beyond - flirty camisoles, dreamy sleepwear, sexy slips and luxurious robes - all constructed from the finest quality silk in a flattering Champagne colour...

Second New Designer of the Day for The Junction Boutique!

Bridget Harvey's products can be seen on http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/yellow-triangle-earings-p-314.html.

The Junction Boutique is welcoming the second new designer of the day: Bridget Harvey. 

Bridget Harvey is a freelance designer-maker working from a studio in East London. She hands-made wooden jewellery inspired by worn paintwork and colourful scenery. 

Each piece is a hand-made one-off, with detailed finishes and beautiful surfaces applied to create tactile and intriguing jewellery.  She hand dyes and embellishes her work using sustainable techniques and eco-friendly dyes.  All her materials are sourced as ethically as possible, using mainly reclaimed wood.

New Designer on The Junction Boutique!

Boutique Ethique's Products can be seen on http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/boutiqueethique-m-33.html.

The Junction Boutique is welcoming a new designer: Boutique Ethique. Linda Row, the founder of Boutique Ethique expresses her ethos for her new brand:

‘Ethical consumerism has always been the driving force behind my work and although the ethical landscape has changed since 1997 when I created the label Clothworks, the power of the consumer to place their hard earned cash in the right place has never been greater.

My label Boutique Ethique offers an antidote to high street homogenisation of style, offering women a unique range of clothes made in a sustainable fashion.

‘Evolutionary design pays homage to the excellence that has come before and avoids the trashing of old things before their time is up.’

Designed for adventurous women, who have an appreciation for quality and craftsmanship

and are not afraid to stand out and be individual. Boutique Ethique’s collections, evolving from one season to the next are made in the UK by a team trained in couture.

These timeless pieces for are made from silk and are printed in the UK with eco friendly dyes.

And now a feature for Cloth Magpie!

Cloth Magpie's Bags can be found on http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/cloth-magpie-m-27.html.

In her popular blog called www.smeef.blogspot.com, Smeeeff expresses her enthusiasm towards Cloth Magpie's New Collection!

Here is her article:

This week I discovered Cloth Magpie, have you heard of them?

Cloth Magpie was launched in 2009 and is the brain child of Sam Cross, and I've got to admit I'm in love. Sam has taken vintage fabrics and created a limited edition handbags that were inspired by vanity cases and old school glamour (the best type of glamour). All of the fabrics were printed in the UK and the bags completely made in the UK too so Cloth Magpie is proud to be British too! I've been staring at the Spring/Summer collection for hours trying to pick my favourites and it was so super, hard because I love them all! But here are the two I've settled on:

So do you all understand why I'm so in love with Cloth Magpie now?

Her article can be found on: http://smeeeff.blogspot.com/2011/04/magpie-ing-marvelous.html.

  

Another Feature for Carmen Woods!

Carmen Woods's collection can be seen on http://thejunctionboutique.co.uk/carmen-woods-m-24.html

One of our favourite designer, Carmen Woods, has been once again featured on a very popular blog called Deep City (see: http://www.deepcity.co.uk/fashion/deep-city-carmen-woods)! The Junction Boutique is very excited to take part in the successful journey of such a talented handbags designer!

Deep City's article: 

The exciting new diffusion range from accessories designer Carmen Woods extends her creative hand to affordable luxury. With a clutch bag starting at £75 through to a large roomy shopper at £215 Carmen Woods demonstrates that long lasting great designs are attainable at a lower price.

Despite the new price points, Carmen Woods has refused to compromise on quality concerning design or materials. She continues to use the finest Italian leather including striking metallics such as silver and gold, alongside berry shades, earthy browns and classic black.

Carmen has continued her interest with patchwork and artisan techniques by evolving her linear sketches into an interesting appliqué technique. The results are both bold and feminine, whilst creating a fresh look at the 'modern classic'. CW by Carmen Woods shows that long lasting style really can prevail, as each unique handbag only improves with time.

Video of the Weekend

Because it is the weekend and you are tired of reading my articles, I will then be posting a short video on sustainability or fashion 

each Saturday and Sunday! Feel free to comment it!

Just came back from beautiful Paris so this is just a quick reminder of what to wear from the Fashion exquisite capital... 

Eco Nudes discussed by Rosie Webber!

Rosie Webber, a fashion blogger and future student in journalism will share her insights on the latest trends for The Junction Boutique. This article can also be viewed on http://rosiewebber.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/and-talking-of-nudes/.

Why not save the planet while you’re at it? It’s time to forget about all your previous misconceptions of unstylish, uninspiring eco-fashion, because sustainable fashion is receiving a jaw-droppingly chic overhaul.

I’m sure you don’t need to be told that our environment is something which needs to be nurtured and preserved more than ever before, what with all the damage we’re causing it in our modern world. But now you can enjoy fashion at its finest without the use of harsh chemicals or pesticides in the growth of cotton.

Camilla Kennedy, a Fashion Design graduate who has worked with the late Alexander McQueen, has released her debut collection with dresses all in shades of nude, showcasing the beautiful aesthetic quality of organic cotton. The collection evolved from her final year collection produced whilst studying at Birmingham City University. It was entitled ‘The Run of the Mill’ and was inspired by the use of child labour, cotton pickers and factory workers.

One of the dresses was spotted on the front row of Graduate Fashion Week, which in an interview, Camilla admits to feeling ‘very excited about’. The dress in question is a brown and cream coloured number with a double layer skirt  made from a combination of organic and upcycled cotton. Even the lining is made of 100% upcycled silk! Now that is one environmentally-friendly dress.

If you want to get your green fingers on this dress or any of Camilla Kennedy’s creations you can visit online fashion store, The Junction Boutique.(www.thejunctionboutique.co.uk) The business is set up and run by Marine Tanguy, a Warwick University History of Art student, and her business partner.

‘Our mission at the Junction Boutique is to support local talent to market and sell sustainable fashion products to a wider audience of fashionably intelligent customer’ 

So unleash your inner eco-warrior and let sustainable fashion become part of your wardrobe this season. Not only will you be taking a grand stride in the direction of saving our planet but you’ll be supporting fair wages and fair working conditions too.

Some content sourced from: www.dare2mag.com and www.knockonthedooronline.com

Designer, Carmen Woods, features in 'Boutique' magazine

The Olea Trapezium silver handbag by Carmen Woods has recently featured in the Boutique magazine. 

Check out more Carmen Woods products!

Article on The Junction Boutique by Rachel Eliza Guthrie!

Rachel Eliza Guthrie, an ambitious blogger and future successful journalist wrote an article on The Junction Boutique. This can be seen on her exciting blog: http://rachelelizaguthrietwo.blogspot.com/.

Marine Tanguy is twenty-one, and alongside her partner Mark Whitman, has in the last year established The JunctionBoutique – an eco-fashion business. I met up with her in early March to discuss all things related.

Sat beside me is this neatly dressed French gentlewoman. Her elegance is to be expected and undisputed, and in conversation, I am charmed by the same elegance of The Junction Boutique…

RG: So Marine, we’ve just had go-green week, so tell me…what IS eco-fashion? Isn’t it just bin-bag dresses?

MT: (She laughs as a sign of embrace) Far from.

Items described as eco have been produced using materials or methods that result in less impact on the environment than conventional fashion items such as Top Shop’s or Primark’s. Products from high street brands can be bought on a cheaper budget, but then are thrown away two months later with disastrous impacts for the environment.

The Junction Boutique pieces are termed as socially and environmentally sustainable. This includes organic, fair-traded, reused (bin bags!), reclaimed or up-cycled materials. We source local designers and local materials.

RG: I definitely approve!

Is your hope that sustainable fashion will appeal to the masses?

MT: Well, realistically we know that sustainable fashion will remain a niche concept – certainly in the short term. However Stella McCartney and other top designers are beginning to convert their clothes to sustainable. Due to the quality required and cost, it is only able to infiltrate the high-end fashion market at the moment.

RG: Describe The Junction Boutique look.

MT: It’s: simplicity, classic, elegance, good quality clothing and young designers.

I smile, Marine embodies just this. Now that she is settled, I can see that beneath her chic winter coat is a loose-fitting black and white dappled chiffon dress, a large mixed-size beaded red necklace, some high denier black tights, and a pair of chunky dark leather heels.

RG: Can you introduce me verbally to one of your fashion designers and their work, which you represent?

Who would you dress and/or accessorize me in?

MT: ‘Cloth Magpie’ – very British, launched in 2009 with a range of limited edition vintage handbags…would definitely suit you. I love them already; it is very difficult to resist buying everything when you do this type of business!

RG: I can understand that! (We both laugh knowingly)

Is this your first venture into the entrepreneurial?

MT: Yes but I always wanted to be my own boss – same for my business partner, Mark Whitman.

RG: Your website went live earlier this month. How long has it taken you to get this far?

MT: It’s been around 6 months to finalise the business model and build the website.

RG: Starting your own fashion business involves more than a good eye…what’s your top tip?

MT: My top tip to anyone thinking about starting a fashion business or indeed any business is to think about what excites you in a way that you are happy to get out of bed everyday to do just that. Once you know where your passion is all you need to do is set a vision and then leverage your strengths to consistently deliver on it.

RG: How would you suggest I snazz up my seminar assemblages?

MT: I think the idea of simplicity with little details…red lipsticks, a nice piece of jewellery…that kind of thing.

RG: Is there such a thing as being too glamorous for Warwick University? Heels for lectures, yay or nay?

MT: Think practically I say…I can’t understand this about England – the weather and how girls can go out dressed in the evening as they do. If you can wear heels to lectures well, wear them!

RG: And finally, would you ever go on Dragon’s Den?

MT: (She doesn’t appear enamoured by the idea, but barters…) At this stage no. There may however come a time when we are looking to expand would seek funding. I don’t see why Dragon’s Den wouldn’t be an option…

But it does seem quite artificial…

And there is a very fitting to end our discussion on the future of natural fashion.

I thank her, and leave feeling inspired.

The business can be found at http://www.thejunctionboutique.co.uk/