Appear Here recently launched a competition to discover the best new start-up’s in the country. The prize was a coveted two rent free weeks in a space in a top London destination, coverage from The Evening Standard, mentoring from three of the best design agencies and a tech package from EE.
Now, the launch week is finally upon us and it is looking more exciting than we had ever imagined. Each of the three winners Porterlight Bicycles, Run & Fell and WonderLuk and our wild card winner, The Mini Edit, have collaborated with some of the best retail design agencies to bring their ideas to life. Let's take a quick look at what’s on offer;
The Possibility Shop by Porterlight Bicycles - 12 Floral Street, Covent Garden
Back in 2014, Lawrence Brand founded a custom cargo bike manufacturing brand based in London called Porterlight Bicycles. He test drove his cycling prototype during a three month, 5000km expedition from Romania to Kazakhstan. It was on his return that he decided to create and sell his flagship Bringley bike aimed at the modern city dweller and designed to fit into a domestic elevator or stored in a hallway.
The Possibility Shop will be located in Covent Garden, one of the busiest shopping destinations in the city. Beverley Churchill , Creative Director of Capital and Counties commented on the arrival of The Possibility Shop in Covent Garden; “Over 40 million people visit Covent Garden every year looking for new innovative brands and concepts. I think they are going to love The Possibility Shop and I am proud that we are supporting an innovative London business creating products which are designed to make modern city living more fun and convenient.”
Run & Fell- 340 King’s Road, Chelsea
All the way from Manchester comes Run & Fell. This North West brand stays true to their creative threads, manufacturing an ethical range of clothes named after the hard-wearing “run and fell” seam stitch. This store will showcase their beautiful garments and demonstrate their process of production. You’ll find Run & Fell on the iconic King’s Road in Chelsea.
Hannah Grievson from Sloane and Stanley, the landlord’s of 340 King’s Road, shared her thoughts on Run & Fell’s new residency; “Run&Fell is a new and exciting business that we are delighted to welcome to the King’s Road. We love their focus on ethical fashion and British manufacturing, and feel the concept store will certainly appeal to the King's Road shopper. Brands like this keep the retail offer fresh and highlights the King's Road as a great shopping and lifestyle destination for international visitors and Londoners alike.”
WonderLuk- 26 BOXPARK, Shoreditch
Based in Shoreditch, Andre Schober and Roberta Lucca’s accessories start-up, WonderLuk, offers personalised jewellery and fashion pieces. WonderLuk’s aim is to create accessories that are ultra-contemporary and bespoke. This expression of personal style can be made to order in two weeks so you can show off your individuality in no time. WonderLuk will be setting up shop in BOXPARK Shoreditch.
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A pioneer of temporary retail, Roger Wade, the founder of BOXPARK, commented on their collaboration with the competition; "Boxpark is proud to support the Space for Ideas initiative. Pop up retailers are the future breeding ground for the next generation of Independent retailers!”
The Mini Edit- 19 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge
Beverley and Jessica King launched their multi-brand childrenswear retail concept in July of this year. This mother and daughter partnership wanted to offer fashion conscious parents the opportunity to purchase exceptional products in a definitive edit of the best in contemporary kids fashion, toys and gifting. Think of it like a Dover Street Market for kids.
The Mini Edit can be found at 19 Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge, Hannah Hill, Accounts Manager at 19 Beauchamp Place, shared her excitement on them moving into the area; "We're really thrilled to be hosting The Mini Edit at 19 Beauchamp Place. Knightsbridge is home to many prestigious brands and this is a great opportunity to inject some truly exciting, innovative and inspirational kids fashion into this fantastic shopping district."
With the shop launches taking place from Tuesday 11th-Thursday 13th August, the following fortnight is packed full of talks, raves, DJ sets and unique events. Here are some of the exciting events that our winners have planned over the next two weeks.
Tuesday 11th
Chillax Baby Massage
Eva Levinson, a Royal College of Midwives expert will be running an intimate hour of soft massage for your baby so you can both experience a great bonding session.
19 Beauchamp Place/ 9am
Wednesday 12th August
Run & Fell’s launch party
From 6pm-9pm, the brand will be playing host to an in-store DJ and customers will also be treated to 10% off The Collection.
King’s Road, Chelsea/ 6pm-9pm
Wednesday 12th August
“Mum on the Run” blow dry masterclass.
It’s hard work being a mother, so Anita Lawrence’s creative director Sian Evans, shows us how to look great in the morning without the price tag. 19 Beauchamp Place/ 6:30pm
Thursday 20th
Evening of Cycling Talks
Featuring GB rower Anna Mcnuff, avid cycler Jeremy Reed and cycling projects manager Stewart Dring this is an evening devoted to all things cycling
Floral Street, Covent Garden/ 7pm
Thursday 20th
Stylists and Fashion Bloggers Party
Exchange ideas and advice with those who share a love and passion for the fashion industry and all things unique
BOXPARK Shoreditch/ 6pm-9pm
Saturday 22nd
Evening of Adventure Talks
For those budding expeditioners this evening features talks from Danny Brent, Hannah Englekamp and Colin Pyle who have all undertaken truly inspirational extreme adventures around the world.
Floral Street, Covent Garden/ 7pm
It’s going to be a packed two weeks for our competition winners with lots of unique things to do, see and purchase. We at Appear Here are both proud and excited to see all of these winners finally make their ideas happen around the City of London.