Can online shopping ever be considered truly thoughtful?
A designer who refuses to follow the usual fashion seasons, opting instead to wear her heart on her sleeve.
When we spoke to Elliot Warren (Founder at Sellers With A Story), we found that they had surveyed over 200 female shoppers, with the vast majority suggesting that online shopping lacked a “genuine story” behind each purchase. Timed just as one of the most unfortunate pandemics in our living memory began to unfold, suddenly the people behind what we buy became more crucial than ever. We wanted to share this article and celebrate three fascinating – and thoughtful – stories that sit behind stunning product design, style, and durability.
These are Kensington Mum’s top picks from the fantastic initiative we have seen over at Sellers With A Story. Put simply, the platform has become the one location, made exclusively, to find a touching story behind every item.
Gung Ho London
As the world woke up to the challenges we face for future generations, and our planet, Sophie Dunster (Founder at Gung Ho) chose to be a leader in this movement. Standing by the principle that it is unrealistic to tell people they cannot buy new items, Sophie wanted people to become more considerate of what it was they were buying, and the negative effect it might be having.
We discovered Sophie’s story having first been drawn in by the beautiful and high-quality print. The colours, style and quality reflected a new era of “sustainable fashion”. And, when we dug a little deeper, we found that it was her father, a zero-carbon architect, who had put the message of sustainability into Sophie from an early age.
Matched with her skill and experience in fashion, Gung Ho designs their entire range to convey a walking ‘talking point’. This way, someone’s first impression of you, is not just how good you look (trust us, you will!) but how you showcase your values too.
Every year, a different social issue is selected that needs attention, from Plastic Oceans and Precious Insects, to the new and incredibly popular range, Climate Change.
All of the issues are explored within the print and design on the garments, or through embroidery in the case of their statement sweatshirts. That way, the next time someone compliments you on what you are wearing, you will have a lot more to say than just ‘thanks’.
The movement has been coined “wear your heart on your sleeve” (for obvious reasons) and the print is designed in Gloucestershire, with the range hand made in London.
2. Pure Earth Collection
A core belief held by all is that children should be nurtured in a natural and non-toxic 
environment. Yet, to this day, you would be shocked just how many baby and children products do not fulfil this absolute necessity.
So, when we partnered with Emma Bianco (Founder at Pure Earth Collection) we were more than impressed by her efforts to design a range of products using natural, sustainable and biodegradable materials.
Emma had always suffered with allergies, so she opted for a much more natural and organic lifestyle. And, since the birth of her first baby in 2016, she decided to apply her very own research efforts to the baby – and subsequently children’s – market.
Pure Earth Collection’s mission is to keep the “cuteness” at the heart of everything they design, whilst addressing how susceptible our youngest are to environmental toxins. And, to this day, even though more companies are becoming more aware of these dangers, there remain a number of items which do not meet the standard which Pure Earth Collection hoped to see for babies and the planet.
Today, some of the most popular items feature Emma’s signature bamboo alternative. This ensures that quality and comfort remain at the centre, whilst reducing the risk of overheating, and offering a baby product perfect for sensitive skin. What’s more, the bamboo kun (bamboo’s unique bio-agent), makes the fabric antibacterial and odourless, keeping your baby’s bedding fresher for longer.
3. Elvis and Kresse
To this day, how we use “sustainable” materials, whilst maintaining the quality we 
otherwise see on the high street, has been a difficult one to match up. So, where can you go to find sustainable and luxury in the same place? And, when all is said and done, do they really go hand in hand?
Well, we are proud to showcase a unique British brand that does not just compete with the high street, it knocks it out of the park.
Shown: The Crossbody Lifestyle Bag made from genuine decommissioned London fire-hose
In 2005, Elvis and Kresse had a chance encounter with the London Fire Brigade. It was hear that they learned that (London’s) damaged decommissioned fire hoses were headed to the landfill. Yet, London fire hose is one of the most durable and high-quality materials out there? Otherwise, how could it sustain the service it was meant for. So, the team set out to save it.
But that was only the start. For over a decade none of London’s fire-hose has gone to landfill, and over 200 tons of material has been reclaimed. In 2017 the Burberry Foundation partnered with Elvis & Kresse to tackle the even more significant global problem of leather waste. This five-year partnership will see at least 120 tonnes of leather off-cuts from Burberry re crafted into new luxury items, designed, and sold by Elvis & Kresse.
Furthermore, London fire hose and Burberry leather are matched with the likes of
military-grade parachute silk. Essentially, a new lease of life is now available to materials that should never have gone to landfill.
So, as long as the craftsmanship is unrivalled, Elvis and Kresse saw a real opportunity to make this work. And, today, with coverage from the BBC, and other notable global outlets, the fire-hose pieces are more than just a collection. It has come to represent a whole new kind of luxury. One that proves that sustainable, ethical, transparent, generous, and kind is possible.
Sellers With A Story
As mentioned at the top of the article, Sellers With A Story launched with the goal to showcase British emerging brands, artisans and rare local designers. These are understandably hard to find and they require, what Elliot suggests is “an unfair level of research to uncover the truly hidden gems”.
So, if you are tired of the lack of thoughtfulness online, feel free to visit Sellers With A Story. And, with Christmas around the corner, you can find gifts that have an authentic story behind their very existence.
For more information. Website: www.sellerswithastory.com Email: elliot@sellerswithastory.com
