WHERE

WHERE is a fashion accessories brand with a difference.

Our hand made designer footwear and accessories are sourced from small producers & artisan communities around the globe. Everyone involved receives a fair wage and is treated with respect. Just the way it should be.

By working with these producer groups we aim to improve the lives of people living in developing communities as well as disadvantaged urban areas around the world. But it’s about being good to the planet as well as the people. That’s why we do our best to use natural and environmentally-friendly materials in all of our products and packaging.

Unlike many ethical brands we combine traditional workmanship with leading designer know-how. The result is a fabulously stylish range where the number one must-have accessory is a social conscience!

Our designer – Laura

The unique product styling associated with WHERE is due to our designer, Laura Villasenin.

Laura graduated from the London’s renowned school, Cordwainers, with a first class degree in Product design and development for the fashion Industry. While at University she interned for Aquasqutum, Audley and Terra Plana.

Lawrence met Laura at her graduation show, where she was presenting her graduation project about ethical fashion. In her final year she spent time in South Africa putting together her collection in a small size factory and collaborating with artist Peet Pienaar. One of her major features of her debut collection was the application of new sustainable materials to footwear and accessories, and the application of Peet Pienaar’s graphic look to her shoes and bags.

She then spent time designing for major footwear brands before pursuing her passion of designing for the ethical brand WHERE.

She is now an integral part of WHERE & it’s product identity.

WHERE is the brainchild of Industry specialist Lawrence Warren.

He explains what motivated him to set up the WHERE brand.

“I have worked for UK companies supplying high street retailers with mass produced fashion accessories from China & South East Asia for more than 20 years.

“I became passionate about doing something other than just recycling my home waste for the benefit of the environment.

I realised that I could use my sourcing & manufacturing experience to set up a network of  small producers around the world who could make hand made fashion goods to my design specifications”.

“UK retailers became very interested in what we were doing; especially when they saw the designs that were possible on a commercially viable scale”.

“If we can offer consumers well designed, hand made products using locally produced componentry from sustainable sources wherever possible then I think they are prepared to pay a small premium for that”.

“By placing business with artisans in small communities as well as small producers in disadvantaged areas of towns & cities then we allow them to maintain an economically viable community that can retain its traditional skills & lifestyle”