Magpie Accessories

Last logged in...05-08-2010 17:17:40

Address:

Studio 9, Kenilworth Works, South Yorkshire, S2 4QL

Website:

http://www.magpieaccessories.com

Email:

info@magpieaccessories.com

Telephone:

+44 78 33 75 49 97

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Profile Biography

About the Designer:  Experience and Qualifications

Kathryn Sillince studied at the world-famous London College of Fashion- Cordwainers,  and during her time in London gained much varied experience working alongside well known and established designers as a design assistant.  It was at such placements as Matthew Williamson, Chloe, Hanna Hammarberg and Paul Seville that Kathryn gained much insider knowledge about the industry, the practical skills for the products, and the day-to-day rudiments of business.

At such placements at Selfridges- Visual Merchandising, and working at Links of London, No.5 members club as an events organiser and designer boutique Matches in the West End, she gained insight and experience in the various other areas of the Industry. 

Through working in voluntary projects such as modelling at shows for friends and photographers, and assisting backstage at catwalk shows such as the Matthew Williamson Moet and Chandon Tribute as part of the London Fashion Week February 2005, she has gained many contacts of people in the industry that will play their part in various aspects of the business in the coming seasons of her own accessory label.

Magpie Accessories

In 2008 Kathryn was awarded an Arts Council Grant & Princes Trust Loan to help springboard the business.

Kathryn Sillince designs and manufactures unique high-end ethical accessories for women and men, highlighting the benefits and beauty of eco-design along the way. 

She only uses ethically tanned chrome-free, sustainable leather, organic fair trade cotton and water based printing techniques. Ranges comprise of large weekender totes and unisex messenger bags to small clutch purses and belts. Each is unique due to their handmade nature.

What is Ethical Leather?

There is no recognised one way of categorising leather for either carbon footprint or ‘organic-ness’

However, there are groups of people throughout the world working for sustainability & reduction of leathers’ environmental impact, involving constant research. 

At present customers of leather products can only examine the credentials, values & results of people that are selling them.  It will be a gradual process because of the infrastructure that has developed, but we will get there.

Ethical Statement

All our leather at Magpie Accessories is produced in tanneries with an explicit policy to continually reduce their environmental impact.

All the leathers used in our ranges come from animals humanely raised and organically fed, are by-products of the meat industry and sourced from local farms around the UK.  Water based eco-dyes & finishes are used, as well as ethical glue.   Linings are made of certified organic, fair-trade cotton.  All aspects of the business are ethical, right down to the paper we print on.