We are proud to announce a recent collaboration with Bishopston Trading, one of the oldest most reputable Fairtrade companies in the clothing industry. Our own specially designed capsule collection is guaranteed to be the talking point of your wardrobe for seasons to come and proof that we offer design-led, ethical alternatives to the high street. Where it differs however, is in its classic twists and ethical production; this isn’t fast fashion. These designs fit well, flatter and are made from 100% Fairtrade certified organic cotton.
Bishopston Trading Company was set up as a trading company in 1985 by Carolyn Whitwell to assist the development of K.V.Kuppam, a village in southern India. Carolyn was inspired by the one of the village leader’s idea that it was not charity they needed but work and she decided that a trading company might be able to make this a reality. Bishopston would provide the design, marketing skills and the capital investment in the form of forward payments. K.V.Kuppam would provide weaving, tailoring skills and the raw materials.
Bishopston is a workers’ co-operative and their main objectives, written into their constitution, are to “Promote the social welfare of our producers” and “Importing directly from rural India with the sole aim of fair trading”.
Their greatest triumph along the way is the funding of the building of a beautiful architect-designed factory surrounded by trees in K.V.Kuppam for their producer partners. The founders themselves attended the opening in January 2006 in what was a powerful example of Fairtrade in action.