I don’t know about you, but I love packing for my summer holiday and picking out which bikini’s to take, how many to take? This year Beach to Boudoir’s new luxury holiday range took up a large space in my suitcase, I really fell for the 50’s inspired swimwear, bold graphic prints, but also the ethics of the company who seek to support vulnerable communities in Bali.
Denise is the brains behind Beach to Boudoir, a print textile designer previously she’s run her own fashion business and worked with some of the biggest names on the high street Top shop, Miss Selfridge and Next to name a few. She has combined forces with friend and swimwear designer Angela to launch this luxury new fashion label. Through Denise’s years of working in the fashion industry she began to question some of the ethical practises occurring, which inspired her to start this latest venture, I caught up with her to find out more:
Q: What problems did you see happening in the fashion industry?
I ran my own company Iona Print, and luckily I could oversee the production regularly as I was mostly working in Turkey. But through research in China and other countries I knew that the factories could not produce the quantities in the timelines set, so the orders would be sent elsewhere. As the fashion industry is being pushed further and further for profit, many garment manufacturers were giving orders over to middle men to get the best price….they did not know who was making their clothes, or what standards these factories operated in. This was something I was lucky not to practice in my role but I could see it happening across the industry, and it scared me.
Q: Why did you start Beach to Boudoir?
About 8 years ago I took a sabbatical and travelled around the world. During my year travelling I was aware that most of the clothes in my suitcase were impractical for the weather of hot counties, I ended up wearing the same silk and cotton items that were easily washable and light to wear, were easy to accessories, glam up or keep casual. I was also aware that I wanted to do more with my life, I wanted to give back but was not sure how to go about it. On that trip I had my staple few items for each scenario, be it my dress I could wear out to dinner or one to look laid back on the beach, I knew this was my idea for the concept…the perfect holiday wardrobe. Beach to Boudoir was beginning to happen!
Q: How did you end up in Bali?
During this time, I became a volunteer (through the Ethical Fashion Forum) with The Safe Childhood Foundation in Bali. This charity works to prevent and protect children from child abuse, support their recovery
and strengthen child protection systems. When my husband and I arrived in Bali it was breathtaking, full of luxury villas, 5 star hotels, stunning beaches and a bustling ex pat community; but it also has its hidden poverty and corruption…life is tough for most Balinese and Indonesian’s working here.
Q: What was important about how you ran your business?
We had already decided the fabrics needed to be natural fabrics so biodegradable, as we wanted to leave a green footprint. I also wanted it to be an ethical fashion line but where quality and design were still at the forefront. By paying a living wage and being fair to the people making the clothes, also to get to know them and help them in areas they were struggling, give training where possible so they can develop into a sustainable and productive business. I didn’t want to give aid, as I believe if you give the tools to help somebody grow they will appreciate that they did it on their own and that will give them the confidence to go further. We have all had help somewhere, be it a mentor, a family member or getting a grant to go to college. Everybody deserves a chance to grow.
Denise has also been collaborating with the Bali Life foundation through their Senang workshop; here they school children and also teach their parents skills to build a livelihood for themselves. The parents have classes in reading, writing and arithmetic as well as sewing and business skills such as selling and negotiation. At this workshop they are paid above the minimum wage to make it worth their while to not go begging on the streets. Many young design labels producing in Bali are now giving paid work to the workers.
Q: How are you using the Senang Workshop as part of Beach to Boudoir?
I have specifically designed a laundry bag where all the profit from the sale goes to the Safe Childhood Foundation. This bag will protect our delicately beaded items. So both charities will be earning from the production and sale of the bag. This will be an ongoing bag for each season as it has our logo colours and it will be a main feature in our branding. So we will be able to give regular orders and production for the workshop.
5 Things N4 Mummy Loves
- Ethically Made
- Zero wastage! All fabric cut offs in production are used by charities in training, e.g. quilting projects or making children’s stuffed toys.
- Hand Printed Silks
- Great Prices, Bikini Top £30, Bottoms £35, Silk Crepe Kaftan £120
- 50’s Style Swimwear
- Bold Graphic Prints
Shop online at www.beachtoboudoir.com.