Founded in 2005 by Italian fashionista, Cristina Cisilino, Made creates stunning designer accessories that are 100% fair-trade. Made’s products are designed by influential designers as well as guest celebrities. The products are handcrafted within Made’s Nairobi workshop and following the principles of fair-trade, Made trains local artisans in new skills, providing fair wages and support at every level. Via this ‘trade not aid’ ethos, Made is helping to break the cycle of poverty and empower the people who make its products.
Lawfully Chic talks to Rahab Lenaiyai - an artisan employed by Made
Name: Rahab Lenaiyai
Age: 24
Description of working day:
I get up at 6am and take the Matatu (small bus) to the workshop. The journey takes 1 1/2 hrs. I start my work at 8am. First I gather together all the materials I need from the storeroom and I begin my work. I work in production on many projects. I do lots of beading work. Beaded necklaces and bangles are my favourite things to make. I also make a lot of friendship bracelets out of cord, leather and beads so I have to plait and weave too. I can make a simple friendship bracelet in one minute! Sometimes I also help with stitching in the leather department. At 9.30 I have a break for my chai tea. I eat cake or bread which I make at home. I then continue with my work and then have lunch at 12am when I rest for an hour. I eat on the tables outside the workshop with my friends. I usually have rice and meat – beef is my favourite! At 1pm I continue working and then I have another break for Chai tea at 3pm. I finish my work at 5.30pm and take the matatu home.
How has the job changed your life?
Before I came to Made I was working at the Maasai Market in town. I made Maasai clothes and jewellery such as bracelets and earrings with beads. I would sell my clothes and jewellery there. The problem was that sales were very slow so my income could not be guaranteed. I much prefer working at Made as it has changed my life for the better. I now have a regular income that I can rely on. It means that I can always pay my rent and I can pay for my daughter’s school fees.
What does the job mean to you?
It means a lot to me. It means that I can be independent which is important. It also means that I have the opportunity to always be learning new skills. I like working on new projects that are challenging or involve new techniques like the Mimco and Stefanel projects as this means that I can learn more.
Made have collaborated with an array of high-profile brands including Louis Vuitton, Matches, Whistles, Nicole Farhi, Stefanel, Urban Outfitters, Kate Moss for Topshop and John Lewis. In addition, highly successful celebrity collaborations have included Alexa Chung, Laura Bailey, Livia Firth and Peaches Geldoff and top designer collaborations have included Pippa Small, Bex Rox, Natalie Dissel and Hattie Rickards.
Following another whirlwind six days of fabulous fashion, celebs and parties, London Fashion Week AW11 has now drawn to a close. Which means it’s time to sit back and reflect on the gorgeous clothes, talented London designers and the upcoming AW11 trends that we will be rocking next season…
The Fearnhurst girls were lucky enough to be invited to a couple of the LFW shows. There’s nothing quite like being reunited with the cobbles to Somerset House and experiencing that overwhelming sense of excitement as you walk up to the Fashion Week tent, wondering what new trends the designers have in store for us next…
Our first show was Turkish designer, Bora Asku. With a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ inspired ethos, Asku’s collection featured a range of juxtaposed textures, with a smoky colour palette of greys and blacks peppered with emerald green. Tailoring was a key theme within the collection, visible in everything from white plastic trousers to jacket sleeves featuring exaggerated shoulders – we loved the deconstructed jackets – but flirty embellished cocktail dresses also made an appearance. Our front row spotter clocked Twiggy, a very demure looking Nicola Roberts, Marina Diamandis and Jodie Harsh, and if the roar of the crowd at the end of the show was anything to go by, the collection definitely wowed in all the right places.
Ashley Isham was the next designer on our schedule, and having shown at LFW for 7 years, we knew his show was not going to disappoint. The collection featured an array of floral prints, velvet fabrics and a palette of greens and turquoise, with amazing Asian inspired floral headpieces which we’re sure we spotted front row-er and hat aficionado Paloma Faith checking out. The collection was high on glamour, with plenty of floor skimming full length gowns – from Grecian inspired draped pieces with delicate detailing and beaded shoulders, to warrior style steel satin dresses with dramatic trains. Also on the front row was Kimberley Walsh, and having seen her out and about in Ashley Isham regularly before, we know it won’t be long until we spot her rocking one of the catwalk pieces on the red carpet.
Our best of the rest includes Giles, who made a return to elegance with his AW collection featuring a more serious (and seriously luxe) line than we saw last season. House of Holland once again exceeded expectations with grown up collection that managed to retain its signature fun twist. Young designer Holly Fulton also made her mark, with tweed classics reworked in bright canary yellows which gradually evolved into swinging coats, fitted mini dresses, tailored jackets and gorgeous painted and printed silk pieces – Vogue called it triumphant and we definitely agree.
London this season was definitely at its best (as appearances from a certain Miss Wintour will attest), and looking back through all the show pictures, we have a feeling our bank balances may be a little stretched this Autumn…
Lawfully Chic was pleased to be invited to Somerset House for LFW’s Esthetica brunch, sponsored by Monsoon. Stuffed full of eco sustainable designs and brimming with lavishly dressed buyers, journalists and stylists chomping on smoked salmon bagels and swilling down champagne, it was a grand event..
All Esthetica designers adhere to at least one of the three principles of fair trade, ethical practices and organic and recycled materials, though this hardly curtails creativity with a huge variety of designs on display. At the classic end of the scale was The North Circular, whose organic British wool and cashmere collection provides the essence of guilt-free warmth and luxury. Harder to imagine oneself wearing, though equally brilliant and perhaps more suited to treading through rainy wintry London, were From Somewhere’s startling selection of swimdresses, made in collaboration with Speedo.
Other exhibitors included Antonella, Joanna Cave, Monsoon (of course) and Tracey Neuls, whose fabulous footwear, much admired by the likes of Keira Knightley and Alison Goldfrapp, was lovingly placed in pairs on table mats between a knife and fork, suggesting perhaps, their ability to sustain even the greediest of appetites for shoes. But nothing combined simplicity, style and sustainability more than Jacob James’s fabulous range of rustic hats, each up-cycled from old water bottles and (yes, you guessed it) stinging nettles. At last, a positive use for such aggressive weeds!
The unstoppable fashion force that is Alexander Wang will be making a personal appearance with LOVE magazine at Liberty this evening from 5-7PM. Here at Lawfully Chic we’re not normally one to follow the crowd but this has to be considered an exception…
I first heard about Soles4Souls around a month ago when a good friend of mine sent out an email saying she was going to Haiti and that she was collecting shoes to give to the people there.
As a shoe designer who relishes in those few moments of holiday bliss where we can wander beaches barefoot and never thought much more about it, this immediately caught my attention.
The reality of life in many developing nations is that many people don’t have shoes, a lot of them growing up without ever having owned a pair.
Shoes help prevent the spread of parasitic diseases that plague over 1.4 billion people worldwide. They are a basic human need. Puncture wounds and cuts can lead to serious infections, amputations and even death. Considering the contaminated conditions these people are living in the risk is tremendous and children are especially vulnerable to hookworm – an infection 60 times more common in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Soles4Souls is a charity that was set up by American footwear industry exec Wayne Elsey who, in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, was haunted by the image of a single shoe washed up on the beach. Through his contacts in the industry Elsey collected over a quarter of a million shoes to be donated to people who had lost everything.
Following the Katrina disaster that hit a year later, he collected well over a million pairs.
Today, Soles4Souls have distributed around 12 million pairs of shoes in 125 countries. Yet there are still over 300 million children who today don’t have shoes, while in the US alone over 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away each year.
By giving to Soles4Souls we’re not only helping people in need, we’re reducing our carbon footprint: it takes all sorts of chemical processes to make the different parts in a shoe and when thrown away into land fills these chemicals contribute to poisoning our atmosphere and even our water supplies.
At Mechante we end up with lots of samples in various sizes that are worn for press, meaning they can’t be sold. This month we’ll be sending all of these samples to Soles4Souls.
Whether you believe it makes the world go round, or you’re one of the Don Draper school (believing ‘love was invented by guys like [him], to sell nylons), it’s impossible to avoid the annual build up to the day that is Valentine’s.
Adverts and shop windows overflow with clichéd red hearts and ribbon-tied chocolate boxes, cruelly reminding the heartbroken of their loss and the lonesome of their cafetière for one while the luckier-in-lovers wonder how to avoid the tackier displays of consumer-led romance…
Fortunately, The School of Life has a meaningful solution for us all. Join them at the super-stylish Suka at the Sanderson Hotel for a heart-warming Conversation Dinner, uncovering the secrets that ‘make love last’ while engaging in the art of conversation and learning the flirtation and pillow talk tips amongst fellow ‘pupils’.
Take your partner, a friend, or arrive solo. Regardless, you’re ‘Cupid bound’ to have a night to remember.
The event marks the first of a series of talks, which form part of the collaboration between the School of Life and the Morgans Hotel Group. The mission of this newly launched global partnership is to enrich hotel experiences for guests by encouraging self-reflection and pampering for the soul.
Some of the biggest fashion brands on the planet have united to raise environmental awareness (‘finally!’ I hear you gasp) with the pioneering Runway to Green initiative. The likes of Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Marchesa, Marni, Oscar de la Renta and Pringle of Scotland have joined forces to raise funds and awareness for leading environmental organisations, including Alliance for Climate Protection and the United Nations Environment Programme’s Billion Tree Campaign.
Each designer will dedicate or create one fashion item for the collection, which will be launched with a Runway to Green (RTG) fashion show on March 29th in partnership with Christie’s International, at the Bid to Save the Earth event in New York.
The collection will be sold on NET-A-PORTER, the exclusive online retailer for the launch, giving every eco-conscious fashionista the chance to purchase the green must-haves before they’re sold in the contributing brand’s own shops and selected retail stores internationally.
It’s more than just each brand contributing one item to the cause too: the RTG show means that each designer brand is expressing their commitment to the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Clean by Design educational programme, in a move towards more environmentally-friendly production processes.
“By having the participation of 24 brands in this fund-raising initiative, we feel it sends a strong message that the fashion community is prepared to mobilise on behalf of an important environmental cause, raise awareness and contribute funds to support some of its champions,” said Natalie Massenet, Chairman and Founder of NET-A-PORTER.COM.
Come back soon for a report on the Bid to Save the Earth event being held in March and in association with Vogue magazine. This prestigious event will be hosted by François-Henri Pinault (CEO of PPR), and his wife and star in her own right Salma Hayek. It will also be carbon-neutral, thanks to support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. A collection of high profile types, including philanthropists, art collectors, celebrities and designers, will be present for this forward-thinking fundraiser which will include a live fantasy green auction by Christie’s. The companion silent auction means anyone, anywhere can bid for the once-in-a-lifetime lots by logging on via the Bid to Save the Earth website… Happy bidding, Lawfully Chic people!
So now that the completely unrealistic NY resolutions have been dismissed for another 12 months, it’s time for some wardrobe scrutiny…
As I go through my ‘only worn once’ clothing, it’s plain to see just how often impulse buys and quick fix garments seem to come back and bite me on the bum. A fairly brutal yet therapeutic clear-out results in reams of rejected fabric. Thankfully, I’m reminded that lots of hip help is at hand to restore and reinvigorate these ailing garments. Here are just a few:
Upcycle Your Style
The internationally acclaimed designers behind Junky Styling turn second-hand clothes into seriously cool one-offs. You arrive for a consultation with your bag of ‘junk’, the team works its magic and in a matter of days you’re leaving their Brick Lane HQ with something beautifully bespoke, innovatively tailored and sustainably stylish.
Kate Moss became a fan years ago and they’ve recently dressed Livia Firth (yes, we’re mentioning her again but we like her a lot!) for the red carpet as part of the global promotion for The King’s Speech (Lawfully Chic had the pleasure of attending a preview of this brilliant British film and we HIGHLY recommend it.)
Guys ‘n’ gals: you are warmly welcomed to witness the wardrobe wizardry for yourselves.
In need of ‘Wardrobe Surgery’? Call the Junky team on: +44 (0) 207 247 1883
Make Do & Mend With A Friend
While half the fashion industry may be celebrating technological advances with virtual fitting rooms and 3-D glasses, the other half is backing the ‘Make do and Mend’ trend with a return to traditional craftsmanship and adding new life to old clothes.
Hollywood superstars such as Eva Mendes are promoting this kind of recycling, reassuring the world that we can be both fashionable and ethical: see Eva’s recent Vogue interview on style.com.
If you’re lacking time and a sewing machine, befriend your local dressmaker/tailor. I discovered my local dry cleaner was hiding a super-skilled seamstress to whom, following a series of alterations and customisations, I am forever indebted. (My all-time favourite jeans were recently and mercifully ‘saved’ from extinction. Who needs the trying-on-new-jeans stress in their life?!)
Rags To Riches
Fierce shopping guru Mary Portas has put charity shops on the fashion map and every year millions of pounds are generated from wardrobe rejects.
Giftaid your clothing donations and the likes of the British Heart Foundation will write to you to tell you how much your unwanted garments generated for the cause – heartwarming.
In a similar fashion recycling vein, the fun and fabulous ‘Buy My Wardrobe’ is back on Saturday 29th Jan 2011, when Adam Street private members club becomes a pop-up boutique for one day only. Some of fashion’s finest will be selling the contents of their wardrobes at hugely discounted prices, alongside style consultations and a vintage remake workshop being hosted by Home Made London. We’re looking forward to an afternoon of couture treats starting with the VIP Champagne preview at noon. Hope to see you there!
… for the post to arrive. That is, providing those “dreaded adverse weather conditions” don’t get in the way… This year, at Lawfully Chic, in order to sidestep the garish monstrosity of Oxford Street in December, we’re utilising the wonder that is online shopping and choosing gifts with a lasting feel-good factor. Here are some of our favourites from the world of e-commerce:
Stella Styling
The recently launched Stella McCartney Kids collection has a focus on organic cotton and a certain playfulness. The website hosts fun interactive functions and an iPhone application for the digitally minded youngster. A percentage of online sales from the organic Leo fox-print sweatshirt will go to ‘Meat Free Monday’, a campaign supported by Stella, herself a lifelong vegetarian.
Stella launched her fashion label as a joint venture with Gucci Group in 2001 and continues to provide solutions for eco-conscious stylistas. The brand’s new website has recently been re-launched complete with electronic ‘private wardrobing’ service and a comprehensive ‘Green Me’ section with tips and advice from Ms McCartney.
Eco-Age, the brainchild of multi-talented siblings Nicola and Livia Firth (actor Colin’s wife), has become a honeypot for ethically minded celebrities. Offering approximately 1,700 stylish and intelligent products ranging from innovative luxury furniture and ‘up-cycled’ fashion must-haves to handmade recycled decorations and gift wrapping paper, it’s a great place to find some eco-treats for Christmas: http://www.eco-age.com/shop/
If you want to make your home or office ‘greener’ in 2011, you can also speak to the Eco Age Consultancy team. The sustainability experts, who work with corporate powerhouses and global retail brands as well as private residences, can help you to become more sustainably stylish in your work and home life.
Peachy Presents
After five generations of cultivating land at their farm in the Kent countryside, the Mitchell family has created a new brand of highly sought-after luxury bath and body products. The team behind Mitchell and Peach uses the finest natural ingredients, including essential oils from the family’s fields, which are hand-blended with more lovely stuff such as honey from nearby hives and botanical extractions. Free from inorganic nasties and not tested on animals, there is something very special about these products from ‘the garden of England’.
Handmade from recycled drink can ring pulls in Salvador, Brazil, these clever Bottletop clutches are not only versatile and durable: they directly benefit the local community. Proceeds help to finance Bottletop’s educational programmes, empowering young people through fashion and music.
These made-to-treasure limited editions also come in gold. The rarity of gold ring pulls means there will only ever be a small number of the gold Luciana clutch available. Hurry to Bottletop’s new online shop to ensure delivery while stocks last: http://bottletop.myshopify.com/
Mind-altering gift vouchers
Founded in 2008 by a group of artists, academics, philosophers and writers including Alain de Botton, The School of Life has been described as a ‘chemist for the mind’.
Based in Bloomsbury, this pioneering organisation offers a range of eye-opening and inspirational evening classes, weekend courses, events and services. ‘Students’ are encouraged to re-evaluate their lives, consider thought processes and shrug off cloaks of self-doubt, for good.
This collective of great minds combines wit and wisdom in sessions such as ‘How to make a difference’ and ‘How to be Cool’. The Sunday ‘sermons’, in particular, border on the evangelical! Past speakers include Ruby Wax on Loving Your Ego and Sam Roddick on Seduction.
Gift vouchers can be used as payment towards any classes or services offered by The School of Life. With an enticing 2011 schedule, it’s worth recommending that your lucky loved one books online as soon as possible.
If you’re in search of a party venue that’s overflowing with Christmas spirit, The House of St Barnabas, in the heart of Soho, is a unique choice.
Since 2009 this Grade I listed house has been home to Quintessentially Soho, a members’ club. Having provided refuge and accommodation to homeless people for 160 years, the House of St Barnabas charity was the perfect partner for Quintessentially’s philanthropic arm.
The house and gardens (said to be the imagined venue of Dickens’ characters in ‘A Tale of Two Cities’) provide a sophisticated ambience where guests can enjoy the notable artwork (including a ‘loaned’ Gilbert & George) while sampling largely organic and locally-sourced delights from the restaurant and bar. Revenue generated from membership, events, the lounge, bars and restaurant, finances the charity in its mission to help displaced individuals to find lasting employment and independence. The operation as a whole forms a pioneering support structure with resource for training and work experience: ‘stigmatisation is left at the door’.
Members of the global concierge company have raised £450,000 for the House in the last 12 months and have supported 50 people through the Life Skills and Employment Programme, all the while maintaining its impressive Georgian home.
Due to close on 22 December, Quintessentially have applied to Westminster Council to extend their planning application, and here at Lawfully Chic we’re rooting for their success.
On a related note, Mishcon de Reya has teamed up with the luxury lifestyle firm Quintessentially to launch a new 24-hour concierge service for high net worth clients: the first partnership of its kind for a law firm in the UK. This will enable Mishcon’s clients to benefit from unlimited access to a package of privileges, preferential rates and bespoke services. Find out more here
Exhibited artwork at Quintessentially Soho has included Alice Instone’s portraits of celebrities in the guise of iconic women in history.
