In the midst of ongoing challenges, including the impact of Covid-19 and the complexities of Brexit, the British fashion industry is experiencing a transformative shift, thanks to the resilience and adaptability of fashion businesses. As global disruptions create space for younger, more agile, and socially-conscious brands, we explore five innovative UK startups making waves in the industry during this month’s London Fashion Week.
Rapanui: Shaping Sustainable Fashion & Tech on the Isle of Wight (Est. 2009)
Rapanui, once a humble venture in an Isle of Wight garden shed, has evolved into an award-winning sustainable fashion brand. Focused on disrupting the clothing industry, Rapanui utilizes organic cotton and renewable energy in its production process. With a commitment to reducing landfill waste, the company employs a circular economy model, allowing customers to return old garments for recycling. From packaging to manufacturing, Rapanui emphasizes eco-friendly practices.
Lylie’s: Crafting Eco-Friendly Jewellery from Salvaged Electronics (Est. 2017)
Founded by Eliza Walter in 2017, Lylie’s revolutionizes jewellery crafting by repurposing discarded technology and dental waste. Through innovative ‘e-mining,’ the business extracts precious metals from unwanted tech devices, producing eco-friendly jewellery. Lylie’s commitment extends to using recycled diamonds, man-made stones, and partnering with The Woodland Trust for carbon offsetting. Each piece carries a Salvaged Hallmark, ensuring independent testing and recognition of recycled materials.
Snap Fashion: Transforming Fashion Search with Virtual Tools (Est. 2011)
Tech visionary Jenny Griffiths introduced Snap Fashion, an image-driven shopping tool that scans items from over 250 retailers based on user-submitted images. Recognized for its uniqueness, the app allows users to find aesthetically and economically matching items. With partnerships ranging from high-street retailers to e-commerce giants, Snap Fashion brings a visual approach to online shopping, combining fashion and technology seamlessly.
Lucy & Yak: Ethical Dungarees Leading Circular Fashion (Est. 2017)
Lucy & Yak, founded by Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick, embodies a commitment to circular fashion. Beginning with a small run of dungarees that quickly sold out, the brand prioritizes organic, recycled, and long-lasting products in sustainable packaging. The brand’s dedication extends to fair living wages within the supply chain. Lucy & Yak’s success story showcases the demand for ethical and circular fashion practices.
TTYA London: Revolutionizing Inclusive Fashion for Tall Women (Est. 2013)
Founded by British-Nigerian designer Irene Agbontaen, TTYA London addresses the challenges faced by tall women in the fashion industry. Offering accessible, functional, and contemporary designs, the brand gained recognition as the first tall-specific clothing line at major retailers. With a strong commitment to size inclusivity, TTYA London has garnered attention from celebrities and fashion publications, emphasizing style without compromise.
These UK startups exemplify the dynamic evolution of the British fashion landscape, embracing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in response to the shifting demands of the industry.
