N16Life Winter 2017

made in
HACKNEY
Love Local
Hackney is not just rich in culture.
The borough has produced some
unique businesses and brands and in
each issue N16 Life magazine charts
some of the best of them.
Season of the stitch
Wool and The Gang
D
alston-based
WOOL AND
THE GANG is a
global fashion brand
powered by the maker
movement, with a
unique Fashion In a Kit
offering that has gained
them thousands of loyal
fans worldwide. The
founders, designers
Aurelie Popper and Jade
Harwood, met while
studying textile design
at Central Saint Martins
in London. After school
they gained experience
together at Alexander
McQueen and Balmain in
Paris. That's when they
were discovered by former model, world traveller
and yarn lover Elisabeth Sabrier. Together they
founded Wool and the Gang.
Wool and the Gang has collaborated with Giles
Deacon for his LFW show, the British Fashion
Council, Mini, Veuve Clicquot, Christopher
Raeburn, Whistles, Soludos and & Other Stories
to date. woolandthegang.com
Ceramics from Dalston
Scented candles from Walthamstow
Sugar, spice, everything nice
Know & Love
N
16 based online store, Know
& Love, is enjoying growing
recognition as a reliable
source of locally hand-crafted gifts
and homewares.
Owner Karen Sims, a St Martin’s
graduate who has worked in London,
New York and Toronto in graphics,
interiors and photoshoots, had
the idea for the business while
discussing how many talented
makers they both knew with
husband Tim Leahy, a branding
consultant.
The result is a celebration of
the places Sims loves, with artisan
chocolate from Bethnal Green,
scented candles from Walthamstow,
crochet baskets from Clapton, hand
carved wooden pieces from Dalston
and ceramics from Hackney. There
is also a smattering of items from
abroad: ceramics from Lisbon and
Digoin, baskets from Kenya and
lighting from Holland made by
groups helping locals get into skilled
work. Every piece has an anecdote
and a personal connection for Sims
who has been a Hackney resident
since 1987.
The first anniversary will be
marked with a pop up shop and craft
workshops in Stoke Newington.
During the autumn Know & Love
will also be appearing at West Elm
on Tottenham Court Road and 55
Bishopsgate.
knowandlove.co.uk
Green inside and out
Cushn Company
S
toke Newington-based Cushn Company
combines style, functionality and ethical
sustainability to create beautiful objects
for your home. Their ethos is to live, work and
create with an ethically sustainable approach.
From the inside out, products are made using
recycled and responsibly sourced fabrics,
meaning that every item is truly original and
makes a low impact on the environment.
Studio 146 Columbia Road Flower Market,
London E2 7RG. cushn.co
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