The t-shirt. One of the most fundamental parts of the modern wardrobe. It's become so ubiquitous that it can be worn at almost any event. Dressed up or cooled down, the simplicity of the garment means it's incredibly adaptable.
But the universal appeal comes with an issue. That is, that most t-shirts simply don't fit us properly. Think about it. We're different shapes and sizes. A dazzling variety of trunk length, shoulder width and so on. The notion of 'small, medium or large' simply can't be expected to cover the infinite variety of the human frame. In fact, research suggests that nearly 80% of us can't find t-shirts that fit properly.
The only solution would seem to be going down the custom-made route, which until recently would have been prohibitively expensive. But the phenomenon of crowd-funded companies that are able to cut costs has seen a rise in the availability of luxury products at bargain prices.
The latest of these is Son Of A Tailor, a Copenhagen-based startup that sees a well-fitting t-shirt as the core of a stylish outfit. Using a smart algorithm that can calculate the perfect fit with the need for a mass of measurements, Son Of A Tailor claim that they'll get the fit right first time over 95% of the time. If it isn't, they'll replace the garment for free.
The tees are made from organic cotton, with a built-in shrinkage ratio. So, as opposed to your shop-bought garment getting too tight after a couple of washes, Son Of A Tailor t-shirts will fit perfectly for longer.
With options for customisation including sleeve length and neck width, and a discount if you buy a stack at a time, Son Of A Tailor seems to be a smart way to upgrade your t-shirt game. If an item fits correctly and keeps its shape then you're more likely to wear and keep it for longer. Altogether now with the Sustainability Mantra–Spend More, Buy Less, Choose Wisely.
Son Of A Tailor won't rejuvenate the t-shirt trade overnight, of course. And sometimes you just want a cheap, baggy logo t-shirt to bum around in. But a rethink of a traditional model is always a good plan, and I for one am intrigued to see if these guys can give us a better option for those times when we just want to smarten up a little more.
For more, check out the website: https://www.sonofatailor.com
Showing posts with label t-shirt decisions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label t-shirt decisions. Show all posts
Friday, 26 August 2016
Friday, 19 August 2016
Stella Flies The Flag For TeamGB!
What an Olympics for TeamGB! From the starting pistol everyone at Rio has performed above expectations, staying ahead of the impressive rate of medal winning that we achieved during the London Games. From the champions we knew would deliver like Mo Farah and Sir Bradley, to the surprising number of new faces stepping up to the podium (amazing achievements by the gymnastics team this time around) everyone has performed out of their skins and done their country proud.
As ever, our Olympians have presented a sharp, smart image at the Games, helped by graphic t-shirts and warmdown wear in bold, bright designs. Which is where events enter the remit of this blog, of course, as those garments were designed by a favourite of The View: Stella McCartney.
A standout feature of the new kit is the Olympic Coat Of Arms, designed by Stella in conjunction with the Royal College Of Arms. Featuring lions, the national flowers and a crown of medals, the design is celebratory and unashamedly patriotic. That didn't mean Stella had an easy ride with it, though. She told Vogue:
You can buy Stella's designs, and at least pretend that you're an Olympic athlete. On your marks, get set, go to the TeamGB shop and fly the flag!
As ever, our Olympians have presented a sharp, smart image at the Games, helped by graphic t-shirts and warmdown wear in bold, bright designs. Which is where events enter the remit of this blog, of course, as those garments were designed by a favourite of The View: Stella McCartney.
A standout feature of the new kit is the Olympic Coat Of Arms, designed by Stella in conjunction with the Royal College Of Arms. Featuring lions, the national flowers and a crown of medals, the design is celebratory and unashamedly patriotic. That didn't mean Stella had an easy ride with it, though. She told Vogue:
The boldness of the design, which could be mixed up and reincorporated into other elements, gave Stella the freedom to present a range that was never boring while presenting a unified front. This was important. She explains:"I really fought for the coat of arms. I had to go through so many governing bodies, BOA, BPA, to get approval - and I'm not used to that. It's a bit like being back in school. But I wanted to gift the nation."
The kit is technologically advanced as well, with innovations from team supplier Adidas meaning that the clothes are lighter and more capable of keeping athletes cool during events. It's the perfect balance of style and function, and has helped Team GB to present themselves at their very best."The obvious thing is to work with the Union Flag. But what I wanted to do this time was to have imagery and icons within the treatment that felt individualised. So every single piece of the kit is different - different pieces of the design have been pulled out and blown up - and that meant that we had to style it more, create outfits from different pieces. Whenever I talk to the athletes, they say they want to feel like a team. I wanted them to feel like one."
You can buy Stella's designs, and at least pretend that you're an Olympic athlete. On your marks, get set, go to the TeamGB shop and fly the flag!
Thursday, 11 August 2016
Pack Less This Holiday Season With Unbound Apparel
We're now in peak holiday season. For most of us that means figuring out how much of our lives we can cram into suitcases, hopefully avoiding the weight restrictions.
Now, I could get all preachy and talk about how ethically unsound the whole process of going on holiday is. We buy a load of new clothes, towels and lotions, much of which will be used a couple of times before going back into landfill. We jam onto overloaded planes that use millions of gallons of precious fuel a year, descending on previously unspoilt resorts that are now polluted hellholes of nasty bars and cheap hotels.
I could do that, but it would be uncouth.
Instead, let's talk about a new initiative taking off on IndieGoGo that might just lessen the environmental load a little bit. Unbound Apparel takes the idea of holiday packing, and applies the 'less is more' principle to it in a really innovative way.
Think about how you pack for a fortnight away. Half the weight in your suitcases is down to the two weeks worth of clothes that has to go in there. 14 days-worth of pants, socks and base layers. Reducing that load would go a long way towards dropping the amount you take away with you.
Unbound Apparel has created a simple kit that could shrink that two-week load down to a single set of pants, socks and t-shirt. The garments are made from merino wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking and odour-repellent. In simple terms, clothes made from merino stay fresh, wrinkle-free and wearable for weeks. Unless you accidentally spill moussaka down your top, there's no need to wash them. Even then, merino rinses easily and dries in a flash.
Normally, merino is hideously expensive. Not surprising, really–it's a highly prized fibre, normally used for high-performance active wear. But the team behind Unbound Apparel have done that crowd-fundy thing of cutting out the middleman. This means they can offer a set of undies, socks and t-shirt for $110. That's fifty percent saved on the normal retail price of this sort of item. The t-shirt is simply styled to go with pretty much any outfit. The pants and socks are the best you'll ever wear.
Imagine cutting the usual two-suitcase load for a holiday trip down to a backpack. Imagine being able to blow past the luggage carousel and get straight on with your break. Imagine the savings on fuel if we all did that.
Well-known thinkers and leaders like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg are famous for cutting down on their wardrobe choices, for devising a costume and sticking to it. It's one less thing to think about in the morning. On holiday, we will often buy a ton of new clothes that we'll never wear again. Sometimes, we don't even wear them on the break they were specifically bought for. This summer, why not spend a little more on gear that could be part of your travel wardrobe for years to come?
Pack less. Holiday more. Makes sense, right?
For more, check out Unbound Apparel's IndieGoGo page: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unbound-apparel-the-ultimate-travel-hack--2#/?ref=10.go2.fund&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=10.go2.fund
Now, I could get all preachy and talk about how ethically unsound the whole process of going on holiday is. We buy a load of new clothes, towels and lotions, much of which will be used a couple of times before going back into landfill. We jam onto overloaded planes that use millions of gallons of precious fuel a year, descending on previously unspoilt resorts that are now polluted hellholes of nasty bars and cheap hotels.
I could do that, but it would be uncouth.
Instead, let's talk about a new initiative taking off on IndieGoGo that might just lessen the environmental load a little bit. Unbound Apparel takes the idea of holiday packing, and applies the 'less is more' principle to it in a really innovative way.
Think about how you pack for a fortnight away. Half the weight in your suitcases is down to the two weeks worth of clothes that has to go in there. 14 days-worth of pants, socks and base layers. Reducing that load would go a long way towards dropping the amount you take away with you.
Unbound Apparel has created a simple kit that could shrink that two-week load down to a single set of pants, socks and t-shirt. The garments are made from merino wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking and odour-repellent. In simple terms, clothes made from merino stay fresh, wrinkle-free and wearable for weeks. Unless you accidentally spill moussaka down your top, there's no need to wash them. Even then, merino rinses easily and dries in a flash.
Normally, merino is hideously expensive. Not surprising, really–it's a highly prized fibre, normally used for high-performance active wear. But the team behind Unbound Apparel have done that crowd-fundy thing of cutting out the middleman. This means they can offer a set of undies, socks and t-shirt for $110. That's fifty percent saved on the normal retail price of this sort of item. The t-shirt is simply styled to go with pretty much any outfit. The pants and socks are the best you'll ever wear.
Imagine cutting the usual two-suitcase load for a holiday trip down to a backpack. Imagine being able to blow past the luggage carousel and get straight on with your break. Imagine the savings on fuel if we all did that.
Well-known thinkers and leaders like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg are famous for cutting down on their wardrobe choices, for devising a costume and sticking to it. It's one less thing to think about in the morning. On holiday, we will often buy a ton of new clothes that we'll never wear again. Sometimes, we don't even wear them on the break they were specifically bought for. This summer, why not spend a little more on gear that could be part of your travel wardrobe for years to come?
Pack less. Holiday more. Makes sense, right?
For more, check out Unbound Apparel's IndieGoGo page: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unbound-apparel-the-ultimate-travel-hack--2#/?ref=10.go2.fund&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=10.go2.fund
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
Rob's Been At Docfest
I still feel a bit battered and dazed after my big weekend away. Where was I? Ibiza, raving it up at the super clubs? At the Euros, perhaps, lobbing chairs and chasing Russians?
Try Sheffield. I've been at Dofest, the biggest documentary film festival on the planet, along with over three thousand delegates, film-makers and producers. It's six days of sheer bliss for the movie fan who likes a dose of reality.
I wear many hats creatively speaking (that doesn't mean I wear them at a jaunty angle or on my shoulder... Oh, you get the idea). You know me as a writer, but I also cartoon, podcast and indulge in short film-making. With my partner-in-crime Dominic Wade I have put my name to a heaping handful of documentaries over the last ten years or so.
Our latest magnum opus, Steel Is Real... But Carbon Is Quicker is a film about the grass-roots of British cycling. Team GB has a raft of stars and famous names heading to Rio this summer to grab gold on the track and road–legends like Mark Cavendish, Lizzy Armistead and of course Bradley Wiggins. But there's a culture of cycling that got them to the big time, of people out in all weathers, slogging up hills or in velodromes for the sheer love of the sport.
Steel Is Real aims to celebrate these people, and the pioneers that gave Great Britain a place on the list of strong cycling nations. It might seem as if we came from nowhere. We want to show that simply isn't true, and how it takes a community to make a champion.
So we've been running around, catching some movies and chatting to anyone that would talk to us about Steel Is Real - a highly appropriate title for the Steel City. It's been a fun but hectic time. Highlights? Watching Michael Moore's latest in a premiere with the man himself, after a downpour nearly killed the projection equipment (it was a great weekend for staying indoors). An audience with National Treasure Joanna Lumley. An evening vogueing with a New York crew at The Academy. We packed a lot in. Which means it's early nights, lots of water and salads for me for a while now...
What has all of this to do with ethical fashion or charities? Well, nothing. But as part of the promotional push to raise awareness of our film, we reached out to our sponsors, Pier32, for a little help. They provided us with some rather nifty t-shirts using Gildan stock in a lovely soft organic cotton:
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/gd001-softstyle-tee/.
We couldn't be happier. Look good, don't they?
Would you like to know more about Steel Is Real But Carbon Is Quicker? Then pop over to our Facebook Page where there's pics and updates of our time in Sheffield. It'll be the first place for news about the film as we move into the post-production stage. Do please Like the page as well: it makes a big difference and gives us the ability to shout about the film to more people.
Yes, this has been an unapologetic plug of a post. Back to normal business tomorrow.
Try Sheffield. I've been at Dofest, the biggest documentary film festival on the planet, along with over three thousand delegates, film-makers and producers. It's six days of sheer bliss for the movie fan who likes a dose of reality.
I wear many hats creatively speaking (that doesn't mean I wear them at a jaunty angle or on my shoulder... Oh, you get the idea). You know me as a writer, but I also cartoon, podcast and indulge in short film-making. With my partner-in-crime Dominic Wade I have put my name to a heaping handful of documentaries over the last ten years or so.
Our latest magnum opus, Steel Is Real... But Carbon Is Quicker is a film about the grass-roots of British cycling. Team GB has a raft of stars and famous names heading to Rio this summer to grab gold on the track and road–legends like Mark Cavendish, Lizzy Armistead and of course Bradley Wiggins. But there's a culture of cycling that got them to the big time, of people out in all weathers, slogging up hills or in velodromes for the sheer love of the sport.
Steel Is Real aims to celebrate these people, and the pioneers that gave Great Britain a place on the list of strong cycling nations. It might seem as if we came from nowhere. We want to show that simply isn't true, and how it takes a community to make a champion.
So we've been running around, catching some movies and chatting to anyone that would talk to us about Steel Is Real - a highly appropriate title for the Steel City. It's been a fun but hectic time. Highlights? Watching Michael Moore's latest in a premiere with the man himself, after a downpour nearly killed the projection equipment (it was a great weekend for staying indoors). An audience with National Treasure Joanna Lumley. An evening vogueing with a New York crew at The Academy. We packed a lot in. Which means it's early nights, lots of water and salads for me for a while now...
What has all of this to do with ethical fashion or charities? Well, nothing. But as part of the promotional push to raise awareness of our film, we reached out to our sponsors, Pier32, for a little help. They provided us with some rather nifty t-shirts using Gildan stock in a lovely soft organic cotton:
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/gd001-softstyle-tee/.
We couldn't be happier. Look good, don't they?
 |
| Not pictured: hangover. |
Would you like to know more about Steel Is Real But Carbon Is Quicker? Then pop over to our Facebook Page where there's pics and updates of our time in Sheffield. It'll be the first place for news about the film as we move into the post-production stage. Do please Like the page as well: it makes a big difference and gives us the ability to shout about the film to more people.
Yes, this has been an unapologetic plug of a post. Back to normal business tomorrow.
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
The Long Walk To Delete Blood Cancer
We're happy to support our friends in the charity sector, and Delete Blood Cancer are a cause that is always worth bigging up. Their mission: to get people involved in blood stem cell donations with a simple five minute cheek swab, and help rub out one of the most pernicious forms of cancer.
A couple who are relatively local to the Pier32 compound are taking on a big challenge to raise funds and awareness for the charity. Tom and Mandy Giannandrea, who are from Caterham in Surrey, hope to raise hundreds of pounds for Delete Blood Cancer UK by walking from London to Brighton on the 28th and 29th of May.
A blood stem cell donation is the only chance of survival for many blood cancer patients who will die if a matching donor isn’t found for them. The problem is in finding that donor. If you're not registered, you could potentially be holding the key to saving a life, and yet no-one will know. A matching donor not being found doesn’t mean that there is nobody with a tissue type compatible with the patient. That's why Delete Blood Cancer UK works so hard to increase the numbers of people registered as potential blood stem cell donors.
Mandy tells us the story of why she and Tom decided to burn shoe leather for Delete Blood Cancer:
http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Amanda-giannandrea
Just as importantly, why not consider registering as a potential blood stem cell donor? You can register in five minutes online and request a cheek swab kit. It will enable you to do your own tissue test and get on the database to maybe one day become a blood stem cell donor. Your first stop is the Delete Blood Cancer UK website:
http://www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk
Here at The Pier we wish Tom and Mandy all the best and good luck for the long walk ahead. May the road rise up to meet you.
Pier32 supply Starworld t-shirts and sports vests to Delete Blood Cancer in two different styles:
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/jc007-cool-vest/
A couple who are relatively local to the Pier32 compound are taking on a big challenge to raise funds and awareness for the charity. Tom and Mandy Giannandrea, who are from Caterham in Surrey, hope to raise hundreds of pounds for Delete Blood Cancer UK by walking from London to Brighton on the 28th and 29th of May.
A blood stem cell donation is the only chance of survival for many blood cancer patients who will die if a matching donor isn’t found for them. The problem is in finding that donor. If you're not registered, you could potentially be holding the key to saving a life, and yet no-one will know. A matching donor not being found doesn’t mean that there is nobody with a tissue type compatible with the patient. That's why Delete Blood Cancer UK works so hard to increase the numbers of people registered as potential blood stem cell donors.
Mandy tells us the story of why she and Tom decided to burn shoe leather for Delete Blood Cancer:
Jenny Clegg, Head of Communications at Delete Blood Cancer UK, is full of praise for the plucky couple, saying:“We have been inspired to do this after watching a little girl I used to care for called Evie fight blood cancer. Evie has been fighting leukaemia and myelodysplasia since 2014, and last year she was told that in order to survive she would need a blood stem cell donation. Against all of the odds, a match was found in America and she received her donation. Evie has been through so much at such a young age, but amazingly, through it all she has always had the biggest smile on her face. This image will help us to complete this challenge!”
You can support Tom and Mandy by donating at:“It is fantastic that Tom and Mandy are walking from London to Brighton to help those in need of a blood stem cell donation. We are so grateful to them for fundraising for us. Not only will it raise valuable funds for the charity, it will raise awareness of the importance of registering as a potential blood stem cell donor.”
http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Amanda-giannandrea
Just as importantly, why not consider registering as a potential blood stem cell donor? You can register in five minutes online and request a cheek swab kit. It will enable you to do your own tissue test and get on the database to maybe one day become a blood stem cell donor. Your first stop is the Delete Blood Cancer UK website:
http://www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk
Here at The Pier we wish Tom and Mandy all the best and good luck for the long walk ahead. May the road rise up to meet you.
Pier32 supply Starworld t-shirts and sports vests to Delete Blood Cancer in two different styles:
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/jc007-cool-vest/
Monday, 16 November 2015
Mitzvah Day
Mitzvah Day is almost here! This Sunday, 22nd November, sees one of the biggest inter-faith community events in the country reach out to make a real difference to those in need. Founded in 2005 by Laura Marks, Mitzvah Day is a chance for people to to donate their time and energy to a diverse range of causes that make a tangible difference to those in need around the world.
Acts of kindness are engraved in the Jewish way of life, as individuals give selflessly of their time and of themselves. Every year on Mitzvah Day, over 37,000 participants do just that, through a multitude of projects based on the principle of doing acts of kindness. Although it's now a major part of the UK Jewish calender, the main focus of Mitzvah Day is inclusiveness–everyone is welcome. In fact, the interfaith appeal of the project is part of what has made it so successful.
Mitzvah is the Hebrew biblical term for 'deed' or 'commandment' and has become synonymous with doing good. You could argue, then, that every day is mitzvah day–the desire to do good cannot be confined to one day. They're right of course, so Mitzvah Day's doors are never closed, ensuring many of the projects and partnerships under the umbrella have year-round reach.
The range of these projects is dizzying. From shopping for foodbanks to collections of craft materials, from ground clearance and maintenance to day-care for seniors and children, there's something for everyone. This year, Mitzvah Day is putting a special focus on help for refugees, with donation drives, bakeathons and help with the make-up of care packages all on the menu. And the reach is spreading, with Mitzvah Days also being held this year across Europe and even in Australia!
The point of the event is to give freely and cheerfully of your time, to make a difference through an unselfish contribution. You don't need to be a member of a synagouge or church. All you need is the will to help.
There's still time to get involved! Check out the Mitzvah Day site for available projects, or to see how the organisation can help with your idea.
Pier32 have been involved with Mitzvah Day since 2008. This year, we supplied the organisation with t-shirts, bags, beanies and baby bibs. Maybe we can help with your event. Give us a ring, or get in touch through our QuickQuote service.
Acts of kindness are engraved in the Jewish way of life, as individuals give selflessly of their time and of themselves. Every year on Mitzvah Day, over 37,000 participants do just that, through a multitude of projects based on the principle of doing acts of kindness. Although it's now a major part of the UK Jewish calender, the main focus of Mitzvah Day is inclusiveness–everyone is welcome. In fact, the interfaith appeal of the project is part of what has made it so successful.
Mitzvah is the Hebrew biblical term for 'deed' or 'commandment' and has become synonymous with doing good. You could argue, then, that every day is mitzvah day–the desire to do good cannot be confined to one day. They're right of course, so Mitzvah Day's doors are never closed, ensuring many of the projects and partnerships under the umbrella have year-round reach.
The range of these projects is dizzying. From shopping for foodbanks to collections of craft materials, from ground clearance and maintenance to day-care for seniors and children, there's something for everyone. This year, Mitzvah Day is putting a special focus on help for refugees, with donation drives, bakeathons and help with the make-up of care packages all on the menu. And the reach is spreading, with Mitzvah Days also being held this year across Europe and even in Australia!
The point of the event is to give freely and cheerfully of your time, to make a difference through an unselfish contribution. You don't need to be a member of a synagouge or church. All you need is the will to help.
There's still time to get involved! Check out the Mitzvah Day site for available projects, or to see how the organisation can help with your idea.
Pier32 have been involved with Mitzvah Day since 2008. This year, we supplied the organisation with t-shirts, bags, beanies and baby bibs. Maybe we can help with your event. Give us a ring, or get in touch through our QuickQuote service.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Keeping circuses cruelty-free with Animal Defenders
The circus. A happy place, full of fun, thrills and good clean family entertainment. Unless you're an animal that's part of the show. Then you're more likely to be spending your life in cages that are too small for your needs, subject to cruelty and mistreatment by your owners and handlers.
There's a wide consensus that circuses featuring wild animals are un-necessarily cruel. But it may surprise you to know that they haven't actually been made illegal in the UK. A ban was promised by the government in 2012. In 2013 it published draft legislation to that effect, but it has still to be passed. This is a shame, as across the globe bans are taking shape and being enforced. In Peru and Columbia, lions, tigers and bears are being rescued from their cages and rehabilitated. Although it would be great to release them back into the wild, most circus animals have been declawed and suffer from broken teeth. So they're given a forever home in a sanctuary preferably in their native habitat, or as close as rescue workers can get to that.
A lot of that essential work is being done by groups like Animal Defenders International. Founded in 1990, the charity uses video surveillance and powerful campaigns to get the message across about animal cruelty in all its forms: in entertainment, the illegal harvesting of ivory and the fur trade. It was thanks to ADI that the news first broke on Anne the Elephant and her cruel treatment at the hands of her "owners", Bobby and Moira Roberts. ADI were directly responsible for the ban on wild animals in Bolivian circuses, and continues to work on their rescue and rehabilitation.
In fact, ADI are on hand at most protests, demos and rallies where animal welfare is the primary concern. Which is where Pier32 comes in. If you've seen an Animal Defenders tee or scrub on the news, it's come from us.
We're proud to be associated with a world-wide charity that's doing so much to help animals in need across the globe. Their ongoing project working with rescue circus animals in Peru is fascinating, and shows a real sea-change in the way we view the use of wild creatures in entertainment.
To find out more, visit the website: http://www.ad-international.org
Animal Defenders use our SW350 Cool Tee: http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/
There's a wide consensus that circuses featuring wild animals are un-necessarily cruel. But it may surprise you to know that they haven't actually been made illegal in the UK. A ban was promised by the government in 2012. In 2013 it published draft legislation to that effect, but it has still to be passed. This is a shame, as across the globe bans are taking shape and being enforced. In Peru and Columbia, lions, tigers and bears are being rescued from their cages and rehabilitated. Although it would be great to release them back into the wild, most circus animals have been declawed and suffer from broken teeth. So they're given a forever home in a sanctuary preferably in their native habitat, or as close as rescue workers can get to that.
A lot of that essential work is being done by groups like Animal Defenders International. Founded in 1990, the charity uses video surveillance and powerful campaigns to get the message across about animal cruelty in all its forms: in entertainment, the illegal harvesting of ivory and the fur trade. It was thanks to ADI that the news first broke on Anne the Elephant and her cruel treatment at the hands of her "owners", Bobby and Moira Roberts. ADI were directly responsible for the ban on wild animals in Bolivian circuses, and continues to work on their rescue and rehabilitation.
In fact, ADI are on hand at most protests, demos and rallies where animal welfare is the primary concern. Which is where Pier32 comes in. If you've seen an Animal Defenders tee or scrub on the news, it's come from us.
 |
| Junior, getting help from a dentist after being rescued from a circus in Peru. |
To find out more, visit the website: http://www.ad-international.org
Animal Defenders use our SW350 Cool Tee: http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
T-Shirt Decisions
The t-shirt is, along with the blue jean and the sneaker, a truly iconic piece of 21st century fashion. They are so ubiquitous that we don't even really think of them as fashion items. They're just, well, there. We all have drawers full of the things. Sometimes, it seems like they just appear out of nowhere.
An item as common and everyday as the t-shirt leads us to be complacent about its origins. We simply don't think about where they come from. They're cranked out by machine, right? Wrong. There's more to the humble t-shirt than meets the eye, and a recent pop-up in Leeds showed interested parties just how much work goes into something so simple.
Antiform, a group of activists and makers, teamed up with TRANSFER, an joint initiative set up by the Centre For Sustainable Fashion, the University of Sheffield and the London College of Fashion to build a t-shirt factory. Over the course of a weekend last month, the public were invited in to see the processes involved in getting a t-shirt to the consumer.
People were asked a series of questions, based on their buying habits. These questions formed the basis of a manufacturing docket. At the end of the day, participants could see the garment that they had unwittingly specified created in front of them: not by machine, but through the work of Antiform's skilled artisans. Cranking out four t-shirts an hour, observers were quickly made aware that the modern t-shirt is a complex garment, the end result of a myriad of different processes.
TRANSFER hope that the event, and others like it that they plan to put on over the coming months, will help people to reconnect with the fashion that they buy and wear, and that they'll realise that there are skilled, hard-working craftspeople behind those items. A fascinating idea, and one that really brings some hard truths about the fashion industry home to us.
For more on the Leeds pop-up T-shirt factory, visit the Antiform page: http://www.antiformonline.co.uk/bringing-the-factory-floor-to-your-door-a-pop-up-t-shirt-factory/
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Fawcett Society Update
A twist in the tale of the Fawcett Society scandal regarding the ethical production of their iconic t-shirt. This, from Fawcett deputy CEO Eva Neitzert...
We are pleased to confirm that we have today seen expansive and current evidence from Whistles that the CMT factory in Mauritius they used to produce our ‘This is what a feminist looks like’ T-shirt conforms to ethical standards.Looks like the ball's back in the Mail On Sunday's court on this one...
We have been particularly pleased to receive evidence that:
- 100% of workers are paid above the government-mandated minimum wage and all workers are paid according to their skills and years of service.
- The standard working week is 45 hours, and workers are compensated (at a higher rate of pay) for any overtime worked.
- There is a high retention of staff and employees are offered training and development.
- An audit into the CMT factory was carried out in October 2014 by an independent not-for-profit organisation and this did not reveal any material concerns on the working conditions, the welfare or the health and safety of workers.
- Workers are able to join a union and there is a union presence in the factory.
The evidence we have seen categorically refutes the assertion that the ‘This is what a feminist looks like’ T-shirts produced by Whistles were made in a sweatshop.
Whilst we have confidence in the evidence provided to us, we are currently working closely with an international trade union body to scrutinise it so that we can be absolutely assured of its provenance, authenticity and that all findings are robust and factual.
Further, whilst Fawcett has a UK remit, we are nonetheless acutely concerned with the inequalities women across the globe face. We recognise that investment in developing countries is vital and support this provided decent labour standards are adhered to.
We will continue to work with Elle and Whistles on this project.
Friday, 10 October 2014
Run Through The (Urban) Jungle with The Great Gorilla Run!
I was talking yesterday about how events at this time of year have a tendency to catch up on me unawares. I only realised that this is Wool Week after a timely and unrelated reminder from one of my Twitter followers. But how on Earth did I let this year's Great Gorilla Run pass me by?
For those of you who don't know about this extraordinary event: The Great Gorilla Run is a charity fun-run, which tracks a course through Central London and takes place in late September. Why Gorilla? Well, it's a way of raising funds and awareness for organisations helping to protect the dwindling gorilla population in Africa and beyond--it's estimated that there are only 800 of the hairy beasties left in the wild. But what makes the Great Gorilla Run most noteworthy is the dress code. If you want to take part, you have to be prepared to make the effort and go ape.
This year's run took place on the 20th September, and has to date raised over £70,000 for its chosen charities. The runners took on an 8km course that took in sights like Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral and The Shard... not that I'd imagine they could see that much through the gorilla masks. They were greeted at the finish line by celebrity spoon-bender Uri Geller and all-round Goodie Bill Oddie, a long-time supporter of the event. Uri told the crowd:
“There are only 800 gorillas left on this planet so it is great to see so many of you supporting them in this way. Your mind power is giving the gorillas the energy to survive and my mind power gave you the energy to get through 8km.”
Uri Geller-powered gorillas in running shoes. The mind boggles.
The Pier32 connection to all this? Well, we've been supplying t-shirts for The Great Gorilla Run for years, at the event itself and for their online store. We're happy to be a part of the madness. Who knows, maybe next year we'll embed a reporter on the Run itself. Strictly undercover, of course...
 |
| The Gorilla Run Crew wearing their P32 tees. Looking good! |
Pier32 supplied the Great Gorilla Run with Gildan Ultra Cotton Tees: just the thing to wear over that gorilla suit.
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/gd002-ultra-cotton-tee/Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Neil Young Stands Up For Organic Cotton
His latest move has endeared me to the guy even more. On his last tour of Europe, he gave out free organic-cotton t-shirts to the audience. It seems that was the opening salvo in a green offensive, as he recently outlined on his website. Neil is removing all traditional cotton promotional wear from his merchandising arm, and he's urgng his fans to do the same.
Neil takes time on his post to outline the reasons for the change, citing the heavy use of carcinogenic pesticides and water as major reasons to move away from traditional cotton. He mourns that hemp's not widely available enough to be used as yet. With the increasing relaxation in marijuana legislation, though, who knows?
He also has a few hints and tips for the care of your free t-shirt, noting that 75 to 80 percent of a garment's environmental impact comes from washing, drying and ironing. I've never seen the point of ironing t-shirts, so I'm glad that Neil Young and I think alike.
We shouldn't really be surprised by any of this: Neil Young's stance on the environment is well known. He recently supported a Kickstarter that allows retasked cell-phones to be planted in vulnerable forest areas, acting as an early warning system against illegal logging and poaching. But it's great to see such a major figure taking a radical stand to protect the earth.
Hang on. Pier32 have form with supplying organic cotton tees to bands and festivals. Maybe we should introduce ourselves...
Read Neil Young's post on his website here. You'll need to click through from the opening splash page.
Friday, 1 August 2014
Logo Removal Service
That's where Logo Removal Service comes in. They'll take your old corporate shirts, chop out the printing and stitch in new, colourful fabric. The end result? A one-of-a-kind abstract with edgy, arty appeal. They'll even take out dodgy stains and marks on a well-loved tee and give it a new lease of life.
Yes, OK, you could do all that yourself. But if you're as sadly incompetent with a needle as yr humble author here, then this is a service that's worth considering. I think it's a fine idea, although I'm of course aware of the dichotomy involved in bigging up a company whose purpose is to remove the logos that Pier32 builds its business model on.
But hey, upcycling, eh? It's the future!
Logo Removal Service
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Wildlife Watch
I'm taking a back seat today, and letting Emma Websdale of the Royal Society Of Wildlife Trusts tell us about Wildlife Watch--a great club to get the kids involved in nature and the environment this summer!
Wildlife Watch, the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts, is the UK’s leading environmental action club for kids. With fun and educational groups and activities, Wildlife Watch encourages children to explore and connect with their local nature.
There are more than 150,000 Wildlife Watch members around the UK (and the Isle of Man and Alderney too), many of whom take part in local Watch groups and events. Organised by volunteer leaders who are passionate about their local places and wildlife, our Watch groups and events calendars full of family events motivate children to take part in various practical and environmental activities.
So how are Wildlife Watch and Pier 32 connected?
Whether it’s splashing about in muddy puddles, going on wildlife safaris, pond dipping, bat detecting, tree climbing or camping, our Wildlife Watchers need clothing that can withstand grass and mud stains.
Brightly coloured and comfy to wear, Pier 32 have produced garments for Wildlife Watch since 2010, providing fun and suitable clothing for every Watch group’s activities and adventures: T-shirts and caps for those sunny days spent gardening and campfire cooking and sweatshirts and hoodies for nights spent surveying and star gazing.
Interested in joining Wildlife Watch?
By joining Wildlife Watch you can truly become a nature detective! Not only can you take part in lots of fun and exciting activities, you can also make new friends and really get stuck into local wildlife conservation.
As a member you’ll receive a welcome pack full of goodies plus four brilliant Wildlife Watch magazines containing free posters. There’s also a Wildlife Watch website bursting with games and activity ideas where you can set up your own profile, write in your own nature diary and tick off your wildlife sightings. Visit www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Young people can subscribe to Wildlife Watch as junior members of their local Wildlife Trust. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK.
To join the Trust that matters most to you visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/your-local-trust.
Thanks, Emma. Wildlife Watch use Pier32's range of kidswear by Gildan--sturdy enough to deal with anything your little animals throw at them!
http://www.pier32.co.uk/range/gildan-kids/
There are more than 150,000 Wildlife Watch members around the UK (and the Isle of Man and Alderney too), many of whom take part in local Watch groups and events. Organised by volunteer leaders who are passionate about their local places and wildlife, our Watch groups and events calendars full of family events motivate children to take part in various practical and environmental activities.
So how are Wildlife Watch and Pier 32 connected?
Whether it’s splashing about in muddy puddles, going on wildlife safaris, pond dipping, bat detecting, tree climbing or camping, our Wildlife Watchers need clothing that can withstand grass and mud stains.
Brightly coloured and comfy to wear, Pier 32 have produced garments for Wildlife Watch since 2010, providing fun and suitable clothing for every Watch group’s activities and adventures: T-shirts and caps for those sunny days spent gardening and campfire cooking and sweatshirts and hoodies for nights spent surveying and star gazing.
Interested in joining Wildlife Watch?
By joining Wildlife Watch you can truly become a nature detective! Not only can you take part in lots of fun and exciting activities, you can also make new friends and really get stuck into local wildlife conservation.
As a member you’ll receive a welcome pack full of goodies plus four brilliant Wildlife Watch magazines containing free posters. There’s also a Wildlife Watch website bursting with games and activity ideas where you can set up your own profile, write in your own nature diary and tick off your wildlife sightings. Visit www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Young people can subscribe to Wildlife Watch as junior members of their local Wildlife Trust. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK.
To join the Trust that matters most to you visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/your-local-trust.
Thanks, Emma. Wildlife Watch use Pier32's range of kidswear by Gildan--sturdy enough to deal with anything your little animals throw at them!
http://www.pier32.co.uk/range/gildan-kids/
Friday, 11 April 2014
Pier32 and Spider-man: a swinging combination!
Kid's City is a charity that supports and supplies safe after-school play spaces for kids in the inner city. But even they couldn't have foreseen that their site in Brixton would get a little extra protection this week... from The Amazing Spider-man!
Keep an eye on the Graham Norton show tonight, as there's a chance that the Kid's City Kids could make it onto the telly box. Now, if Andrew or Emma Stone need ethically-produced custom t-shirts in a rush, here's hoping they know who to call...
The Amazing Spider-man 2 is released in the UK on April 16th.
Actor Andrew Garfield, in town for last night's premiere of the superhero sequel, dropped in on South London to say hi to the kids and volunteers of Kid's City. His visit included a fast-paced game of basketball in full web-slinging get-up, and a slap-up pizza lunch.
The Pier32 connection to all this excitement? Well, we've been working with Kid's City since 2007, and when they found out with only a few days notice that Spidey would be swinging by, it was our turn to make a superhuman effort getting a fresh batch of their signature yellow t-shirts out to the charity on the tightest of turnarounds. The work paid off, and it was great to see the guys from Kid's City rocking their shirts on the red carpet!
The Amazing Spider-man 2 is released in the UK on April 16th.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Client Week: MARINE CONSERVATION RESEARCH
This week, we're focussing on some of our lovely clients: the people who keep us in business and able to big up the cause of ethical clothing in the promotional industry. Today, we're all at sea, with our friends at Marine Conservation Research.
Marine Conservation Research International is a unique not-for-profit organisation based in the UK. They conduct practical, conservation focused projects internationally on threatened whales, dolphins and their habitats. To do this they have their own ship, the research vessel Song Of The Whale.
The Song Of The Whale is purpose-built and unique. It's one of the quietest marine vessels in the world, thanks to smart design features like a five-bladed propellor and vibration-damping materials on the engine block. It's designed to stay offshore for weeks at a time, and can generate its own power through solar and wind turbine technology. Her crew is experienced, dedicated and adaptable to the challenges that research in the world's oceans can throw at them.
The research season just passed has led the MCR team to make some amazing discoveries, including the detection of beaked whales and harbour porpoises in the Eastern Mediterranean: regions where they hadn't been seen before. It's this kind of work that makes the MCR and The Song Of The Whale such a valuable asset to marine biologists the world over.
If you're interested in meeting the guys at MCR and chatting about their work, they'll be at Whalefest in Brighton on the 14th-16th of March. Look out for the highly attractive t-shirts, based on Hanes Organics tees--supplied by Pier32, of course!
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/h7031-organic-crew-tee/
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/h7131-ladies-organic-crew-tee/
Marine Conservation Research International is a unique not-for-profit organisation based in the UK. They conduct practical, conservation focused projects internationally on threatened whales, dolphins and their habitats. To do this they have their own ship, the research vessel Song Of The Whale.
The Song Of The Whale is purpose-built and unique. It's one of the quietest marine vessels in the world, thanks to smart design features like a five-bladed propellor and vibration-damping materials on the engine block. It's designed to stay offshore for weeks at a time, and can generate its own power through solar and wind turbine technology. Her crew is experienced, dedicated and adaptable to the challenges that research in the world's oceans can throw at them.
The research season just passed has led the MCR team to make some amazing discoveries, including the detection of beaked whales and harbour porpoises in the Eastern Mediterranean: regions where they hadn't been seen before. It's this kind of work that makes the MCR and The Song Of The Whale such a valuable asset to marine biologists the world over.
If you're interested in meeting the guys at MCR and chatting about their work, they'll be at Whalefest in Brighton on the 14th-16th of March. Look out for the highly attractive t-shirts, based on Hanes Organics tees--supplied by Pier32, of course!
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/h7031-organic-crew-tee/
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/h7131-ladies-organic-crew-tee/
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
There's Nothing Simple About A T-Shirt
There's nothing more straightforward than the good old-fashioned t-shirt, right? Just grab one out of the clothes drawer and go. Three for a tenner. No brainer.
Well, of course, things aren't that simple. NPR's Planet Money strand set out to find just how complex the task of getting a T-shirt from field to wardrobe has become by setting themselves a simple task: making their own. Over the course of six short videos, which I have oh so helpfully embedded below, the enormity of the task becomes clear. The business of global fashion, even when it comes to something as simple as a T-shirt, is a bewildering mix of processes: agriculture, manufacturing and logistics combining to put the cheapest and most disposable item of clothing on the shelves of a store near you.
Check the full story out below. A quiet and compelling lesson in how we take a mind-bogglingly complicated supply chain as utterly commonplace and barely worthy of notice.
Well, of course, things aren't that simple. NPR's Planet Money strand set out to find just how complex the task of getting a T-shirt from field to wardrobe has become by setting themselves a simple task: making their own. Over the course of six short videos, which I have oh so helpfully embedded below, the enormity of the task becomes clear. The business of global fashion, even when it comes to something as simple as a T-shirt, is a bewildering mix of processes: agriculture, manufacturing and logistics combining to put the cheapest and most disposable item of clothing on the shelves of a store near you.
Check the full story out below. A quiet and compelling lesson in how we take a mind-bogglingly complicated supply chain as utterly commonplace and barely worthy of notice.
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
The News Wrap
WRAP are an independent, objective, non-profit team of global social compliance experts, dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing. Their education programmes are second to none, and WRAP accreditation is a sure sign that you're dealing with an ethical business. Pier32, for example, regularly use WRAP-certified garments.
WRAP have offices and influence across the globe, and a presence in all the areas where the future of fashion manufacturing is being worked out. Not, in the most case, by executives in the penthouse office of a western skyscraper, but by the workers on the factory floor, one strike at a time.
You quickly start to realise when reading about global manufacturing that it's a messy, turbulent business filled with unexpected pitfalls. For example, the newsletter notes that several garment manufacturers in Bangladesh have either closed their doors or cut back on production amid violence spurred by the recent elections. At least 18 people were confirmed dead after police clashed with a group of opposition activists, who have also been accused of torching over 100 polling places in the country.
Bangladesh is the place to watch at the moment. Following the Rana Plaza collapse, all eyes are on the garment factories to see what will happen next. Those of us that hoped the BFSA would put an end to workplace tragedies have, thus far, been sadly mistaken. Following a fire at the Aswad Composite Mills factory in October that killed at least 8 people, it's emerged that the owners were reportedly warned by government officials about the imminent fire danger at their facility just one week before the incident occurred. Government inspectors say that the facility was given a formal notification that the building was unsafe for work and posed significant danger to human life. The report noted that the facility's fire safety equipment was not properly maintained and that several additions to the structure had been made without approval.
Things are no better in Cambodia, for different reasons. Leaders of local garment worker unions say they will push on with demonstrations for higher wages after a recent crackdown on them by the Cambodian government turned deadly. At least 4 people were killed in the New Year after police reportedly used AK-47 rifles to break up a demonstration in what is being described as some of the worst violence against Cambodian civilians in 15 years. Workers from over 500 factories across the country have been on strike demanding that the minimum wage be increased to US$160 per month--that's just under £100. This crackdown has been urged on by South Korean investors with interests in the area, reportedly using their embassy's Facebook page.
In India, there's agitation by handloom workers who see their livelihood disappearing as power looms take over. Weavers are striking both against mechanisation, and products that are advertised as handwoven when they have clearly been made by a machine. Meanwhile, a new weaving institute is being set up in the Andhra Pradesh region at a cost of $5.6 million. This makes the point that, from the government point of view, handwoven goods and the skilled workers that produce them still have a place in modern India.
Finally, an incentive in the United States to compel military retailers to give preferential treatment to factories signed up to the BFSA has been quietly dropped. Military-spec clothing is a juicy contract to win, and it's worth noting that pressure to drop the provision came primarily from the American based Alliance on Building and Fire Safety, the rival, watered down accord started by Gap and Walmart. They claimed that the initiative would have impacted on their own efforts to improve workplace safety in the area. Any mention of likely impacts to their profits is, of course, churlish, and this blog would not stoop so low.
WRAP's unique position and access to the front line of global fashion makes it the go-to organisation for breaking news on the subject. As workers push for better wages and working conditions, we're seeing a lot of pushback from vested interests who are frequently on the other side of the globe. Things are changing quickly, and it's thanks to organisations like WRAP that we can stay informed about the war that's going on around the clothes in our wardrobe.
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
Funky Moves For The New Year
Welcome back. I'd like to kick off our 2014 posting schedule with a nod to a friend of Pier32, who are taking the inevitable promise to be a bit more active in the New Year more seriously than most.
Funky Moves offer street dance classes for kids aged between 4 - 14 in various locations around South West London. Their teachers are all professional dancers who mix up a fun and funky attitude with a wealth of dance experience. They teach all the latest dance moves and techniques to a soundtrack of the hottest beats, fusing street and commercial dance with tons of enthusiasm!
Later this month, Funky Moves are having an open day at their new Balham studio where you can watch a performance, meet the team and maybe pick up a couple of moves yourself! If you think you have a little Ashley Banjo in the making (or if you reckon you've got what it takes to be the next king or queen of the street dance scene), why not pop along and take a look? Admission is free, and it promises to be a great day.
Here's the schedule.
Funky Moves OPEN DAY ON 22ND JANUARY.
16:30 – 17:15 5-8 yrs
17:20 – 18:20 7-10 yrs
18:25 – 19:25 11-15 yrs
19:30 – 20:30 16 yrs – Adults
If you want to know more, contact Funky Moves through their website or Facebook page, or chat to Alice on 07810 431101.
http://www.funkymovesdance.com/
http://www.facebook.com/FunkyMovesDance
Funky Moves use Starworld Cool Tee t-shirts from Pier32:
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw850-kids-tee/
Thursday, 19 December 2013
2013: A year at The Pier
In January, we were lucky enough to join our pals at Kartforce at the NEC in Birmingham of a day of high-octane action on the track: Getting The Need For Speed With Kartforce.
On a gentler note, we joined forces with everyone's favourite Peruvian marmalade-loving bear, Paddington: Follow The Bear.
February saw Pier32 announce their range of American Apparel wear, and we examined the gleeful way they court controversy: Sex Sells And We're Buying!
On a less saucy tip, we took to the streets with charity clients Saŋk●tuary, who apply the parable of the Good Samaritan to the streets of Telford every Saturday night: Street Life.
In March, we braved the Zombie apocalypse with the brave souls who run the real-life game 2.8 Hours Later.
We also looked at the way 3D printing could be on the verge of changing the face of fashion for ever: Your Style, Your Way.
April was, of course dominated by the dreadful news of the Rana Plaza collapse, a news story that has brought the abuse of third-world workers in the fashion industry well and truly onto the front page. The tragedy would eventually claim over a thousand lives, and the repercussions continue to this day: The Rana Plaza Collapse.
May saw a post on the recycle path of an old rock t-shirt become one of our most popular articles of the year. Who knew there were so many Ned's Atomic Dustbin fans out there? What To Do With An Old Ned's Atomic Dustbin T-shirt?
Pier32 also showed their support for the IF Campaign, lobbying the G8 summit in June to ensure that everyone has enough to eat: There's Enough Food For Everyone If...
June, and the weather finally started to warm up. Gerry, the voice of Pier32, shared a summer track from his personal DJ box: Here Comes The Sun?
Meanwhile, Guru Ian's trip to Barcelona came up trumps as he discovered Vaho recycled vinyl bags: Vinyl Addiction.
A hot July saw us admiring Pier Crush Vivienne Westwood's new closed-loop designs for Virgin Atlantic: Fly The Ethical Skies.
Our exploration of the Future Threads Project showed just how important social media and the web are to ethical fashion, helping to rewrite the business paradigms from the inside out: Connecting The Threads.
A thirsty August led to our celebration of Common Grounds, an award-winning Fairtrade cafe in Belfast: Common Grounds: an uncommonly good cafe!
We also looked at the difficult position any charity that wants to expand can find themselves in, and how we need to rethink the relationship between charity and donor: Uncharitable Behaviour.
Ah, September. As we start to mellow into autumn, I had a look at how far the notion of ethical fashion has come in the last few years: Keep Up The Good Work.
We highlighted Gift Your Gear, a charity helping to recycle outdoor gear for charities helping to get underprivileged kids into the great outdoors: Gift Your Gear And Make A Difference!
In October, we joined writers worldwide for Blog Action Day, talking about human rights. My piece on the Rana Plaza garnered a Special Recommendation from UK ethical fashion star Ms. Wanda's Wardrobe - a real bright spot in the year for me. Beyond Rana Plaza: The Future Of Human Rights In Fashion.
Pier32 also moved into ethical lighting, and I put together a short promo video for the new venture, exercising both my skills with a Promarker and my powers of voice-over... Pier32 Eco-Lights
November, and as the weather closed in, Pier32 onesies and customisable sledges became the products that everyone wants this winter: The Pier In Winter 2: This Time It's Onesies (and Sledges)!
We also took a look at The House Of Wandering Silk, and the wonderful things that they can do with waste silk.
And all of a sudden, it's December. We celebrated the Ethical Fashion Forum's Source Awards, even if our predictions of the winners were a bit off. The Source Awards: Everyone's A Winner!
Meanwhile, the big news story is the ongoing controversy over Chinese angora, and the particularly cruel way it's harvested. That one will rumble into 2014, I'm sure.
So, Christmas is hardly any sleeps away, and Pier32 is running down the shutters. We're giving our ethically-treated elves plenty of time off for the festive season. The production line and offices will be closed from lunchtime on the 20th December, and we'll reopen for business on Monday 6th January, although both Ian and Gerry will be keeping an eye on emails.
As for me, I'll be closing down the eyrie, filling up my coracle with gifts and paddling off to spend Christmas with my beloved, a glass or two of ruby ale, a very large figgy pudding and a festive jumper made from the very finest British wool. What more could an ethical fashion writer want?
Merry Christmas, everyone.
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