How to champion sustainability without compromising on quality

The dangers of fast fashion are at the forefront of everyone’s minds but many consumers are not ready to give up that ‘brand new’ euphoria just yet. Offering a solution that aims to ease label lovers into the idea of secondhand fashion, The Wardrobe Workshop and Natural x Lab have opened a pop-up that places equal value on the old and new.

The Wardrobe Workshop is a two-way fashion platform that focuses on showcasing unique independent brands and reviving pre-loved items, whilst Natural X Lab is a lifestyle store, which sells sustainable eco-friendly products. As complementary businesses that specialise in different industries but hold the same environmental values, the two brands have joined forces to open a new store in Angel. Charlotte, Founder of Wardrobe Workshop, considers the collaboration a huge success: “The fashion industry needs to recognise sustainability as a key part of its future. It is amazing to work with a partner who shares the same values.”

Natural x Lab work with a mixture of different British brands that are environmentally and ethically aware, such as Guy Morgan and By Sarah, as well as producing a small range of its own products. The Wardrobe Workshop stocks vintage pieces by well-known designers, such as Anya Hindmarch and Alexander McQueen, as well as new pieces from emerging designers, such as Phoebe Grace and Florence Bridge.

The Wardrobe Workshop also encourages users to use the online platform to sell their own forgotten clothes. Customers can upload a description of the items then The Wardrobe Workshop will collect, photograph and sell them at a 25% commission. Any items that do not meet the resell standards are donated to TRAID.

As for the new space, the pink neon visible in the front entices passers-by from Upper Street into the store. Within, you’ll find a treasure trove of vintage goods. Rather than overwhelming guests with a disarray of products (often seen in secondhand shops) Charlotte has spaced out her selection delicately. The careful curation differentiates The Wardrobe Workshop from charity shop chaff. Clothes are arranged by colour for easy browsing and a garden offers a place to chill. Pretty ceramics are presented on wooden furniture with tasteful plants and paintings decorating the walls. The upcoming events aim to educate customers with the space too. Examples include: meditation, yoga, crystal workshops, terrarium workshops, workouts, facials, speaker panels with key industry figures and meet-and-greets with designers.

The old model of fast, expendable retail simply does not fit with the changing attitudes of today. By focussing on quality designers and promoting ‘preloved’ pieces in fantastic condition, The Wardrobe Workshop pop-up proves that choosing environmentally friendly does not mean compromising on quality. It’s time to consider the global impact of every purchase - whether that’s investing in premium clothes that will last a lifetime or giving a vintage piece a new home.

Friday 23rd August - 15th September
Book this space: The Grey Boutique, Upper Street, Islington.