Founders of Ourhood Community Mike and Michael were recently interviewed by local paper the South Londoner about why they started the business and what they hope to achieve with Ourhood Community.
In the interview with Editor Holly O'Mahoney, the founders touch on the reception they have had to what they are doing, their hopes for the business over the next five years and the hurdles that they have faced along the way.
You can read the article HERE
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For years the fashion industry has been responsible for the pollution of water sources due to the waste products that come from chemical dyeing of our garments. In a new sustainable and ethical fashion shift, brands are now looking to natural dyeing as a responsible way to bring colour to your wardrobe. The lost art of natural dyeing is having a resurgence and with good reason.
"Natural Dyeing feels like painting an abstract picture. After you decide the colour story, you then began the real process of dyeing." - Porscha Hill, Founder of Bad Habits London
Although the processes involved with natural dyeing is a time consuming persuit, the results are worth every second spent in sourcing materials, colour testings, scouring and mordant and dyeing and re-dyeing.
The great thing about natural dye is that, what would normally be seen as a natural waste product from cooking for example, can produce a huge spectrum of colours. From avocado skins helping to create a pink colour to red onion skins and the resultant deep yellows.
"I wanted to try natural dyes for a while. I love the idea of going back to basics and using what you have in your immediate surroundings." - Sam Russell, Founder of Tens Studio
An important part of dyeing is of course the fabric used. With some being easier than others due to their colourfastness. Protein-based fibres make for the best dyeing fabrics, but with that being said you need not limit yourself. By washing thhe fabric (Scouring) it can improve it's ability to hold colour after the dyeing process.
If you're looking to start your natural dyeing journey then check out this book on the subject, which was the starting point for Sam Russell.
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Seeing fashion move away from it's pollutive and wasteful past. Is a trend that we've seen recently in the automotive sector and one that is arguably just as over due.
Sustainability and circular fashion have become buzzword within fashion in recent years but with good reason. As the world slowed down in 2020 we all saw the signs of pollution and global warming slow down and in some cases reverse very briefly. The fashion industry has been identified as a big part of the problems we face with regards to not only climate change but also environmental pollution. As conscious consumers have begun to make more efforts to spend money with brands that align with their values, we've seen the rise of things such as the Good On You App, that rates and ranks fashion brands based on their ethical and sustainable practices, empowering people to navigate the sometimes murky world of sustainability Greenwashing.
Often when it comes to highlighting brands that are making a difference with their fashion practices there is a lack of diversity in terms of who isgiven air time, so here are some great Black-owned brands right at the forefront of this change including some from the Ourhood Community including Tens Studio, Bad Habits London and Little Sister.
Re-Work
Re-working a garment by adding something to it, dyeing it,or any kind of customisation has always been a great way of making sure that you're not turning up looking the exact same as someone else but beyond that, it also means you might be breathing new life into an otherwise forgotten / retired piece of fashion.
A UK based brand that is doing a lot of amazing things with this in mind is Tens Studio. Tens Studio is a brand centered around creativity and experimentation that takes into account natural resources and traditional craft techniques to create unique one of a kind pieces. Samantha Russel the founder of Tens Studio, used the time created by enforced lockdowns to learn new skills such as natural dying, embroidery and knitting stitches which she has since incorporated into her designs. Elevating vintage Levi's jackets and Swiss Army uniforms with hand embroided Tens Studio logo motifs.
Tens Studio
Over in the US, Brooklyn-based Friends of Ourhood Community, Savant Studios are the masters of Re-working garments into their own distinct style. Working with an array of materials from leather to knitwear to manta cotton, incorporating their slogans such as "Slow Magic" and "Beautiful Boogieman" from their recent collections.
Savant Studios
Re-Use
The fashion re-sale market is due to double in the next 5 years, reaching $77Billion. What's driving this dramatic rise in fortunes for vintage threads?
1.There is the fact that we seem to be recycling trends as much as we are clothes. With Gen Z getting their teenage kicks from paying homage to icons and styles that they've long since missed.
2. There is the thrill of the find. As the internet has made the world a smaller place, it has become harder and harder to have a unique style or fit, without it being a carbon copy of something you can find on fast fashion influencer. The ability to find unique one of pieces that elevate an outfit and that can't be easily replicated is something that has the peacock among us rushing to the vintage rack over all else.
3. Depop. I mean there are plenty of other resale apps such as ebay and newer Gen Z targeted resale platforms. and they are all doing their bit. But Depop (for all it's comic message exchanges with teenagers trying to get cheaper deals) is probably the leader in 2022. These platforms all allow fashion lovers to recoup money from their previous purchases and also contribute to much needed sustainability efforts.
Little Sister
Re-Imagine
Tech and Fashion are two awkward bed-fellows that have been getting closer and closer. In 2022 I think it's safe to finally say that they might finaly be in sync. With apps Like Save Your Wardrobe and Whering helping people to make the most of the clothes that they already have at their disposal.
However, past new ways to discover and use clothing that is already owned. The other way that fashion is being re-imagined is in the techniques used to manafacture clothing. Jeans as an example are thought to be one of the most poluting items of clothing, with their use of chemicals and copius amounts of water in their process. So if you love all the colours of the rainbow, but want to avoid toxic dyes, then the first step is to look to brands that utilise natural dyes such as Bad Habits London. A brand that does what it says on the tin by trying to move away from the bad habits of fashion by using sustainable practices.
All in all there is a lot that we can do in terms of our fashion choices to lessen the impact that the industry has on our world. and if you ever find yourself unsure on what to do, just remember that older brands are pivoting to sustainability, while others are built with it at the very core of their being.
Bad Habits London
]]>It's a universal truth that no matter how much we put into the little spaces that we call home, we will never be done with it. A new plant here, a replacement vase there. It's all part of the fun of being a full grown adult. Giving yourself mini presents and pretending that you need them for your home.
So it's fair to say, there is never a bad time to upgrade your home and so we've taken some time out to collate our top 5 lifestyle brands to help you pick out a little something to keep your home beautiful, at least until you next feel the need to refresh it!
Based in Dalston, Prick is London’s first boutique dedicated to cacti and succulents. It was founded by Gynelle Leon who was first inspired by a visit to Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Marjorelle in Marrakesh. Offering both beautiful plants and artistic pots to house them, Prick has an array of products to transform your living space.
Freya Bramble Carter
Her father Chris Bramble has been a ceramics artist and teacher for over 30 years and added to this Freya Bramble Carter studied fine art at Chelsea College of Arts so it’s safe to say that she has a deep connection to her craft.
Freya creates unique ceramic pieces including plates and bowls with artisan glazes, inspired by the ethos of beauty and nature.
Grain and Knot
Inspired by a love of nature and exploration, Grain and Knot is the brand of Sophie Sellu. Sophie hand crafts functional and decorative woodwork pieces in her home studio, using reclaimed timber. Ebonising and spalting processes enhance the natural features in the wood and create beautiful visual colours and patterns.
La Basketry
La Basketry is an online boutique selling baskets handwoven by skilled artisans in a small village in Senegal. Originally founded by sisters Tabara and Mamy whose parents are from Senegal, the brand celebrates this special Senegalese craftsmanship which still remains a tradition passed down from generation to generation today. These beautifully coloured and patterned baskets will add a bit of joy to your home.
Cremate
Trying to add a little ritual and ceremony back into our lives, Cremate brings us natural incense with tones of cedar wood, cinnamon, lavender, lemongrass and more. Inspired by the earth movement and 70s surf and skate the scents might have you dreaming of a simpler time.
Queen and Slim featuring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, is the 2019 film directed by Melina Matsoukas with screenplay by Lena Waithe. It tells the story of a young Black couple who go on the run after killing a police officer who pulls them over for a "routine" check. That, is just the beginning, there is so much more to the film and they take us on a journey of twists and turns, . still now it is an important story to be told about the difficult circumstances that black men and women in America and globally face with the authorities.
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When did you start Bad Habits?
Bad Habits has been a concept in the making for nearly two years now. Our idea initially was to form a streetwear brand as it's so close to the culture. We evolved it into a sustainable brand and made it gender-neutral as the goal was to deliver products for everyone. From my industry experience, and after seeing the irresponsible ways of the industry, I decided to form my own brand, one that helps the environment. I learned several techniques for natural dyeing during my time at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and decided to share them with the world in a positive way
The experience changes depending on the size of the brands that we've worked with. Working for a more corporate brand with a larger structure helps you to fully understand the process and practices it takes to build a business. It allows one to see the larger picture.
Working for a smaller brand is always much more fun. You are extremely busy, but you have your hands in multiple pots that allow you to have a direct experience. Overall we've learned the process it takes to run a business, starting with the concept till it falls in stores. We've had roles in those necessary departments and were able to see first hand the fundamentals
involved. It's exciting seeing Bad Habits coming to life and being able to implement what we've learned thus far. It's unbelievable because even with the experience, we've learned there's still something new each and every day as we evolve. This is a growing experience, but it's nice to have a little heads up on it all.
What made you choose to start Bad Habits in London rather than back home in America?
London Business School sponsored the brand to start it up in London. It was a fantastic opportunity that we couldn't pass up. Our goal is to grow internationally as America is a part of us.
Please tell us more about the process of natural dyeing and how you learned about it.
Natural Dyeing feels like painting an abstract picture. After you decide the colour story, you then began the real process of dyeing. Depending on the extract chosen, it can take many hours for it to boil and allow the fabric to take the colour. In some incidents, you will need to soak the fabric in a solution that helps it absorb the colour. We are crazy about colour here so we often soak them before to make sure we have the richest hue. After the drying process,
you then have your work of art. It is such a rewarding experience to start off with a blank sheet of fabric and watching it turn into something unimaginable.
What everyday objects that we may not have thought about can produce amazing colours for dyeing?
We can’t live without our stainless steel pots. Without those, we wouldn't be able to brew the dye and make our unique pieces.
A wire is one of our favourites to use as we can wrap it around the clothing and create nice lines and texture during the dyeing process.
Did you always plan for Bad Habits to be unisex?Being gender neutral is a part of our beliefs; we celebrate equality in every single way. This is much to do with our aesthetic as we design silhouettes based on your mood, not your gender; our clothing reflects your emotion. Gender-neutral is the future, and it aids with sustainability because of the multi-use it brings.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own brand?
We would suggest learning the ins and outs of the business before you jump in. There are so many steps involved, and having a little knowledge could go a long way.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a new brand?
The biggest challenge as a new brand is visibility. We are doing our part of providing interesting content that in time will see a bigger audience. Until then it’s apart of the process of never giving up and reaching for the top.
What were your favourite bands growing up?
We love Fubu, Rick Owens and Marc Jacobs. They're all super different designers, but we admire their uniqueness and aspire to reach their level of expertise.
Who were your idols growing up?
Prince is our ultimate idol. We admire his freedom to not have limitations with fashion. It's the confidence for us, and that's what we plan to implement with Bad Habits.
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We are an online retail space, but there is nothing we love more than getting to meet you in person. That's why we are teaming up with the Prince of Peckham to..
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The plan was always to start with an Ourhood website, but fate conspired to make sure that Ourhood Community launched in the Summer of 2021 with a a pop up event in the heart of Peckham instead. It was at this same pop up we had a chance meeting with Clement Obonnaya, the owner of the Prince of Peckham. we soon agreed that bringing the Ourhood Community concept to the patrons of The Prince of Peckham, had to happen. And so we were given the opportunity to test out the concept in South London's finest pub with two pop up in the second half of 2021.
As expected these events were a huge success marrying our vision for Ourhood Community with the those of Clem's for the Prince of Peckham. Now that we are an online retail space, we don't want you to forget that there is nothing we love more than getting to meet you all in person. That's why we have teamed up with London's best community pub, The Prince of Peckham again for the year 2022 and will have a quarterly residency of pop up events there, and it's all down to one man... Clement Obonnaya.
Clem is a man on a mission when it comes to delivering the best entertainment and atmosphere possible, whilst maintaining a community feel. And in the Prince of Peckham, he has managed to condense everything that's great about South London under one roof. With regular themed nights, live music and some of the best food around there are plenty of reasons to love the Prince of Peckham and with our residency there, there just became one more!
We managed to grab some time with Clem for a quick chat about the residency, fashion and life at the Prince of Peckham...
How did you get into the drinks trade?
As cliched as it sounds, its not the drinks trade I was getting in to. It was the business of people and people love food and drink
What would you say your ethos was at Prince of Peckham ?
We are a home from home. Creating a space that represents the under represented, the marginalised and is inclusive to all groups. As an aspirational community pub, it is important we go above and beyond for our community with everything we do, steeped in excellence – I believe this is a journey, not a destination.
What was your first expensive fashion purchase?
When I got to university and received my first student loan installment, I bought a pair of TN’s - £110.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m more concerned with fit and fabric than brand names. I’m very simple, but every now and then, one does like to peacock.
What was the last clothing item you purchased for yourself?
A 6 pack of briefs from Amazon.
What made you want to work with the Ourhood Community team?
I feel our journeys are similar. And you're doing wonderful things.
What is next for you in 2022?
Another pub!
What would be your words of wisdom when it comes to running your own business?
Please, please, please, plan and prepare. Fail to prepare, be prepared to fail.
What is your favourite thing about the Prince of Peckham community?
It's diversity. I have not been to any pub, bar or club that truly reflects its community as much as ours does.
Are there any pubs / clubs / bars you think we should check out other than the Prince of Peckham?
Of course, there are some amazing spots on our doorstep. The White Horse, The Greyhound, Copper Tap, Peckham Cellars, the list goes on...
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