Tagged with business

Manufacturing Files 2: Pattern Pending

Here is the second article of a series dedicated to the wonderful production team who makes Antithesis’ clothing. Today we would like to introduce you to Olga and Dymphna, the founders of Pattern Pending.

Founded in January 2013, Pattern Pending is brand new self-funded pattern cutting service company located within the hub of Stock Newington. Between them, Olga D’Arcy and Dymphna Harrison have over twenty years experience and they are already working alongside a good range of designers and other start-up businesses. They specialise in pattern cutting and  sample-making but they occasionally take on small production runs.

The duo met when studying their Masters in Pattern Design and Garment Technology last year at the London College of Fashion. Setting up a pattern cutting business was not part of either of their plans but they fancied working for themselves and the freedom that comes along with being self-employed. Et voilà – Pattern Pending was born! But don’t be mistaken: starting and self-funding a business is a challenge for everybody.

When asked if things ever get too busy or overwhelming, they laughed and responded “sometimes we wish we had tens hands and feel as though we need assistants, but more so in our personal lives.” Luckily they will shortly have an intern starting a placement with them, which they are very excited about!

To keep up to date with Pattern Pending’s latest news, visit their Facebook page.

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The Ultimate Travel Bag Goes to Paris

Last week, we took advantage of our bi-annual trip to the world-renowned textile tradeshow Première Vision in Paris to test one of our favourite products: the Ultimate Travel Bag! Designed by Charlie Goldthorpe for our first edition of the Antithesis Collective, it transforms from a carry-on suitcase into a shoulder bag or rucksack and comes with a detachable pouch. Here is Renée’s experience:

“The suitcase is the perfect size for a trip of less than a week: I managed to fit in six days-worth of clothes, 2 pairs of shoes, my huge beauty case, a few notebooks and a handful of snacks. I normally travel with a backpack so it was a relief not to have all the weight on my shoulders, plus it looks much more stylish! The detachable pouch and strap came in very handy to carry valuables such as my travel tickets, passport, wallet, phone and keys.

Once in Paris, I removed the Design Go trolley and folded the bag into an oversized tote in which I put my work files, business cards, lunch and the pouch containing my personal items. A women’s day bag can never be too big! Before going out at night, I simply dropped the bag into my room and wore the pouch as a chic evening clutch.

Overall I am very pleased by the versatility of the bag. Day or night, work or leisure, city or countryside: whatever your look or activity, the bag adapts to you. I definitely recommend it to all of you nomadic cosmopolitan females out there!”

Available now at our online store.

Excited to be in Paris! Travelling with the bag as a suitcase and wearing the Anti-Blazer

Ready for PV wearing the bag as tote, our Two-Piece Blouse and High-Waisted Trouser

Going out with the pouch, our Little Navy Dress, Fringe Attachment and Reversible Overpiece

Saturday Market shopping with the pouch & strap wearing our Reversible Overpiece

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Behind the Seams

We thought we would tell you a little bit about us, the team behind Antithesis. Renée Lacroix and Zahra Ash-Harper met just over a year ago during an event, How to Start-Up in Fashion, organised by University of the Arts London. After realising how much we had in common business-wise, we decided to partner up for our final MA project. Our ideas gradually evolved into a brand and, upon graduating, we decided to follow our dreams: launching our own label.

While we had the same business idea, offering versatile and multi-functional womenswear, our vision unfolded from two distinct paths. As a designer concerned by over-consumption and its environmental impacts, Renée’s interests are primarily linked to sustainability. With a philosophy degree under her belt, Zahra’s motivations are driven by the idea of empowering female consumers by providing choice, facilitating individuality and co-creation in fashion garments.

With a career background in project management and communications, Zahra is responsible for overarching business strategy, day-to-day management of the business, marketing and communications. Trained as a womenswear designer, Renée is responsible for art direction, developing the brand image and product management from research to design and production.

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