Showing posts with label ethical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ethical. Show all posts

Sunday 3 November 2019

Shop Unique - 10 Questions With Our New Brand - Hurd & Co





Shop Unique  - Spotlight on Hurd & Co





Madia & Matilda curated selection of brands, SHop UNique features our independent designers and brand who share our passion and ethos for ethical fashion, jewellery and products. We interviewed Dawn Hurd founder & designer of Hurd & Co 



1. Can you tell us a little more about the brand?  



Hurd & Co started by complete accident. I had made myself a chunkyscarf, a friend popped in for a cuppa, as a jewellery designer she had been commissioned to accessorise a fashion show. Upon seeing the scarf she asked me to make 15 which she intended to embellish with brooches… all 15 scarves sold out. 

From the beginning I knew I wanted to distinguish the difference between homemade and handmade, therefore branding was a huge element to me right from the start. I wanted to bridge the price gap between high end brands and quality products.  I had every faith in my ability to produce a garment which was of a high standard and to present it in beautiful packaging but it was important to me for this to be an affordable option for people.

This amazing journey has taken me from knitting at my kitchen table with acrylic, selling at local school events right through to changing my entire business model in accordance with the United Nations Global Goals and being featured on their 2019 installation at the Pure London Fashion Show at Olympia.
I have come to realise that running a business brings with it certain responsibilities.  I am now in a position to be able to give a little something back by donating 10% of all sales to the mental health charity MIND.  I am also currently exploring local Sit & Knit groups where I can invite elderly people living in rural communities who are at risk of isolation, depression and loneliness to gather together to Sit & Knit, drink tea, eat cake and to share laughter and worries whilst we listen to Vera Lynn.  Having a transparent production line and knowing the origin of my materials is hugely important to me, knowing that I am not making money at the cost of other people or the planet.



2.How do you make your Products? 





I make all of my products by hand following my own designs



3.What is the products made from? Components? 

I only use 100% wool either a British Blue Faced Leicester or a New Zealand merino. Where possible using natural dyes.
The branded tags which are attached to each garment are a natural cork leather which are laser printed to avoid the need for ink.





4.What inspires you? 

Problem solving has been a strong influence for me.  Having un-diagnosed Coeliac Disease for many years has caused me to suffer from elements of malnutrition as a result. I have always  struggled to find a high boot which didn’t leave a huge gap around my calf and so the boot topper was designed to hide the fact that my legs were so small. Likewise I was fed up of being so clumsy when wearing gloves trying to use my phone or pick things up so I designed the wrist warmers. They are longer than a standard glove to provide more warmth and also fingerless to free your hands.
I also have to mention that I cannot help but be inspired by the beautiful county where I live. Surrounded by the most breath taking ever changing woodlands is a constant inspiration for colour and textural elements of my designs.




5.Where do you make the product and what does sustainability or making a quality British product mean to you?

Everything is made from my home in Somerset. I have sole responsibility over quality control and strive for the highest of standards from each garment. The wool is sourced from a family run mill in Yorkshire, this is important to me as I know I am supporting British farming and the British Wool industry 






7.Favourite place to relax? 



A short walk from my home and I am surrounded by woodland, my favourite place to be. I like to see the changing seasons and collect reminders to display at home.





























I believe to encourage longevity from fashion we need to design garments based on timeless style rather than trend.  My products were born from a need for practicality and versatility ideal to wearworking outdoors or when out for a long country walk needing to feel both comfortable and warm. Alternatively I feel they are just as suitable in the city as more of a style element rather than for practical use.  I like to keep things simple therefore sewing the scarves in place requiring no styling just pop it on and off you go.  When people wear one of my garments I want them to be transported back to being a child feelings of being comforted and warm, reminded of wearing something their grandmother may have hand knitted for them, its all about hygge.


8. In the future what styles do you plan to make next?


I would love to expand my children’s range incorporating woollen tweeds.

9. What do you think about sustainability and how does it impact your business?

The business started as a hobby. In the early days my priority was to keep my over heads down I started off selling acrylic. The growth of the business was very quick and I became increasingly aware of my responsibility to not only understand the production chain but also the environmental effects of my purchasing decisions. Watching the Stacey Dooley documentary Fashions Dirty Secrets was a game changer for me. I’m not in business just to make money, this was an opportunity to encourage change. I researched the United Nations Global Goals to see how I could comply, I changed from acrylic to wool, from leather tags to cork, ensured all of my packaging was made from recycled material and was recyclable. Every effort is made to ensure ethical and sustainable production.

I feel I have the ability to influence consumers to use the power of their £ and become more conscience when spending.



10. What do you like about collaborating with Madia & Matilda? 

The main thing that attracted me was the tag line Sustainable British Fashion, a cohesive message which totally compliments my brand and what I am trying to achieve.


To shop now, you can find Hurd & Co on our Shop Unique selection or under accessories on madiamatilda.co.uk .


Sincerely Madia & Matilda




Wednesday 6 March 2019

International Women's Day 2019 - Women We Love


For International Women's Day, this year we have compiled a list of influential women that we love. 

Emma Watson 



British actor Emma Watson was appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in July 2014. Watson dedicates her efforts towards the empowerment of young women and girls, and will serve as an advocate for the UN Women’s "HeForShe" campaign in promoting gender equality.



Stacey Dooley


Since 2009, Dooley has made social-issue-themed television documentaries for BBC Three concerning child labour and women in developing countries. Dooley has produce many documentaries and TV shows highlighting the impacts of ‘fast fashion’ and investigating the working conditions people endure in foreign countries to produce garments for companies such as H&M.


Clara Amfo


Clara is a regular presenter on the Radio 1 weekday schedule, she has interviewed the biggest names in the music industry, and presented from some of the most prestigious music festivals and awards ceremonies. Amfo aims to help women have the confidence to break through into the media industry as she was influenced by Lauryn Hill from a young age, a rare example at the time of a dark-skinned black woman whose talent was able to reach a large audience.

Lucy Siegle


Ethical living journalist, Lucy Siegle currently writes for the Guardian covering a range of topics from fashion and the environment to finance and food. Siegle has also recently published a book titled ‘Turning the tide on plastic’, that hopes to end the plastic pandemic and provide tips for long-lasting action.


Helen Clarkson


CEO of The Climate Group, Helen Clarkson, works internationally with leading businesses, states and regions to deliver a world of net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Experienced in the marketing and business industry, she ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of business strategies worldwide.


Kate Brandt


Kate Brandt is the current Google Sustainability Officer, leading Google’s worldwide operations, products and supply chain. Sustainability and cyclical economy are key to Brandt’s work, with her efforts being recognised by Obama in 2014 when he appointed her to serve as the Federal Environmental Executive. 


Susan McPherson


Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, Susan consults and invests in businesses and start-ups that have social good at their core. With 25+ years of experience in marketing, PR and sustainability communications industry, McPherson ensures that corporations and growing non-profits on how best to partner, build advocacy and drive visibility for their causes and initiatives.


Anita Roddick


Founding member of the Women’s Environmental Network and The Body Shop, Anita Roddick has been an environmental ambassador since the early 80’s. In total The Body Shop had over 700 branches, and Roddick was awarded the 1991 World Vision Award for Development Initiative. 


Dr Shakardokht Jafari


Originating from Afghanistan, Shakar is the Founder and CTO of Trueinvivo Limited, which with support from Innovate UK has developed a radiation detection system for cancer care that aims to save lives, money and offer a better quality of life to patients. In January 2018 Shakar received a prestigious Women’s award from the Afghanistan government and a recent meeting with a director could lead to a film biopic.













Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Tuesday 10 April 2018

QUIZ! Finding Your Personal Style



Simple As ABC? 

A few people out there have it all figured out: career, culinary prowess and crazy good dress sense. But what if you don't have a built-in clothing compass? What if you're still in the land of 'Can I wear black and navy together?' Take our quiz to find out which core pieces you should invest in as building blocks to your wardrobe.

Jasmine jumpsuit... Fresh out of the studio for Spring!

Felicity  -  V-Neck Shift Dress
Our Felicity dress... Cute and Summery!


Send us a message on our website to let us know what you think of our quiz
we'd love to hear your results!



Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Friday 3 March 2017

AREA CODE - Dreaming of Durham

Following the success of our little excursion to Chelsea last month, we will be heading to the lovely town of Durham shortly and wanted to give you guys some ideas of what you can get up to in Durham when the shows finished!

Go Stargazing at Hamsterley Forest


Why not join local amateur astronomer Neill Sanders, former volunteer at Kielder Observatory and member of the Go Stargazing team, between 28th March until 30th March for an evening of fun for all the family stargazing at Hamsterley Forest through large telescopes.

Open Treasure - Beasts


Who needs a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral exists?! This is an exhibition of the weird and wonderful beasts and monsters which have fascinated people from earliest times and is sure to amaze any HP fans in your life, big or small!

Available now until 10th June with various opening times (see website for more details).

Durham Castle: Family Fun Tour


Bring the whole family to Durham Castle Tours on 31st March and enjoy a family-focused tour around Durham Castle, with activities for children throughout the tour.

Please note that charges do apply for this.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival



For the foodie's, Bishop Auckland Food Festival taking place 1st April to 2nd April is the obvious choice. Not only is it the region’s biggest food event, growing year on year hosting a whole programme of events and activities including celebrity chefs, cookery demo’s, street entertainment and a demonstration kitchen, it is also hosted in Auckland Castle - stunning food, stunning venue, what more could you possibly want?!




For something a little more romantic, join experienced astronomer Graham Relf on 7th April (Open 19:00 - 22:00) at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Ireshopeburn where he will lead a talk about the planet Jupiter, and if the skies are clear you may be lucky enough to see it yourself through a telescope!


After a giggle? Why not hit The Gala Theatre on Friday 14th April for their Funny Bones Comedy Club! A monthly dose of funnies with a mix of seasoned stand-ups and new comedic talents ready to have you laughing your socks off.


Beamish Museum





Throughout the year, Beamish hosts lots of interesting events for all the family to enjoy, including The Great North Festival of Transport, a Georgian Fair, The Great North Festival of Agriculture and much more. They even host a whole season of events just for Christmas!





Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, and discover what life was like in North East England in the 1820s,1910s and 1940s .

Why we love it at Madia & Matilda: Beamish is a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall.

You are also able to experience first-hand how the Industrial Revolution transformed agricultural life in the region as the buildings you see at Beamish are not replicas, but have been brought, brick by brick, from around the region and rebuilt to give visitors a real sense of history.

Also note: Tickets to Beamish are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase for an unlimited number of daytime visits to the Museum. Visit the website for full details.

Events at Beamish Museum March-April:

Great North Festival of Transport



This hugely popular festival gets bigger and better every year. Therefore, we think it is a must for enthusiasts and  a fantastic family activity for all to get involved in!

29th March – 23rd April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Old Kind Coal


This five-day celebration of the rich mining heritage of North East England is a definite must-have for any history buffs you may have joining you. Not only can you join in in the banner parades, but also have the chance to enjoy performances by local brass bands.

29 March to 2 April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Great North Steam Fair


This is an annual steam fair with an amazing line-up of visiting vehicles and Beamish Transport, in action and on view for all to see! Please the little ones or the boys that refuse to grow up with the likes of motorcycles, lorries and much more.

6th – 9th April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Horses at Work


More into animals? No worries! See magnificent horses at work around Beamish museum throughout April, including ponies, carriage horses and heavy horses. We also recommend staying to watch the incredible cavalry display.

22nd - 23rd April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Whatever you get up to in Durham, make sure to pop along to our event! Further details to be released later this week.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda