City conscious: Covent Garden pop up showcases style and sustainability

NEXTGEN pop-up champions independent designers with ethics at their core.

We Resonate Clothing: Lizzie Clark is a former Alexander McQueen designer who now creates beautiful one-of-a-kind dresses out of rare, vintage silk scarves that are handmade in London.

Lizzie Rivera5 July 2018

There’s a new story being told in Covent Garden and it has nothing to do with theatreland. It's a tale woven by independent fashion designers and it's taking centre-stage for the next three weeks.

Pop-up shop, NEXTGEN, showcases the work of a range of designers, from dresses created from rare vintage silk scarves by Lizzie Clark, the former head of print at McQ Alexander McQueen, to limited edition Pride t-shirts from Christian Dior-trained Sabinna.

But you'll have to get in quick. Each designer is only hawking their wares for a few days before they are replaced with a new one; a revolving system that keeps the space fresh and affordable.

The stylish concept store is set up by Rebecca Morter from experimental womenswear label REIN London, worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, and Stephanie Fleming from House Thirteen jewellery, who are running the store collaboratively with fellow designers.

Recbecca Morter (left) and Stephanie Fleming from the Lone Design Club.

Outwardly, the focus is on style rather than sustainability, however many of the independent designers have ethics at their core.

Gung Ho hides meanings within its prints and donates some of the profits to a charity close to the cause the design champions.

Jewellery designer Linnie Mclarty was one of the first licensees for certified Fairtrade gold.

Artisan & Fox co-creates jewellery with craftsmen in Afghanistan and Kenya, while PALA eyewear donates a pair of prescription glasses to someone in need in Africa for every pair of sunglasses sold.

Jewellery from Artisan & Fox spotlights ethically sourced Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan, prized for its rich hues of blue and vibrant specks of gold.

The pop-up is the brainchild of the Lone Design Club (LDC), founded 18 months ago to disrupt the traditional wholesale model and sell on fairer terms for smaller businesses.

Now on their ninth store, the retail model gives the smaller brands a presence on the high street as well as online. The idea is they are stronger as a collective - 10 brands working together has 10 times the customer base, resources and network.