Born out of a love of travel and strict ethical principles Komodo aspires not only to be a clothing label but rather a lifestyle brand fulfilling the needs of a well-travelled but ethically aware clientèle. This is a brand committed fair trade; a clothing company that strives to provide good conditions and a living wage for its workers and that also tries to make environmentally friendly choices. All this is laudable but Komodo know that fashion is a business and with that in mind the brand focuses on creating good quality clothes first and on being eco-warriors second. The result is stylish, modern clothing that looks good but that is, courtesy of the brand’s ethical ideals, completely guilt free. Inspired by its founder’s backpacking days Komodo’s clothes are ideal for international adventures but their pieces are also fit for day to day life. at home too. Unrestricted, fuss free and functional this is clothing for the free spirited but practical modern day bohemian.

Adanala Dress by Komodo

Komodo has a distinctly relaxed aesthetic and their current womenswear collection continues in this vein. Komodo uses not only the most ethical fabric but also the most tactile giving their garments a unique look and feel. Simple but chic Komodo’s pieces are feminine and up to date but also straightforward and easy to wear. This is clothing that can be easily layered up or styled for a variety of different situations. A Komodo dress could be worn to the office or on the weekend. The brand’s designs have a laid back organic feel and yet are not too twee or ‘alternative’; these are clothes that would not look out of place in many a contemporary wardrobe.  Yet unlike much of clothing on the high street Komodo’s clothes are refreshingly free of trends making them an excellent choice for those tired of cheap, fast, fashion. In short Komodo is not just a brand of eco-warriors and ethical fashion fans; rather it is simply a brand that creates stylish, relaxed clothing for everyone.

Codia Dress by Komodo

–Hannah Balsdon

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Founded by entrepreneur Anna Moody British Brazilian is a womenswear brand dedicated to creating fuss free, no-nonsense tailored clothing. Born out of Moody’s own desire for clothing that met her own personal needs, British Brazilian has grown into a brand that creates clothing that women just love to wear. The brand focuses on creating beautiful, effortlessly stylish clothes that do not go out of fashion. This is clothing for strong, confident working women who need garments that fit their busy lifestyle. This is perfectly formed, smart, professional office and work wear. British Brazilian’s pieces may be made for the boardroom but they are also designed to flatter the wearer and enhance the female form; this is, in essence, clothing that looks good and makes you look great.

Grey Fitted Jacket by British Brazilian

British Brazilian’s signature aesthetic is unmistakably businesslike; this is clothing for busy, professional women and it does not attempt to hide that fact. Smart tailored separates and feminine but functional dresses all make for a collection ideal for any office environment. British Brazilian seems to be committed to providing dynamic women with the perfect work wardrobe. The brand’s pieces are straightforward and free of over the top detailing yet they are also designed to subtly accentuate the female form. This is not formless, androgynous clothing but elegant, refined womenswear. British Brazilian do not set out to empower the wearer by making them look masculine rather their clothes make the female form appear strong and dynamic in its own right.

Grey Pin Up Dress by British Brazilian

Smart, dynamic and stylish British Brazilian’s clothes are ideal for rofessional women of all shapes, sizes and even ages. Many women view clothing as a sort of armour protecting them from the trials and tribulations of modern life. With this in mind, British Brazilian creates impenetrable armour that empowers women in their daily working lives.

–Hannah Balsdon

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Founded by designers Angie Bradley and Estelle Bloomfield HW2 is a womenswear brand that creates fluid, easy to wear garments. Often made using pre-shrunk viscose HW2’S pieces are not only comfortable and practical but also stylish and mature.  This is fuss free straightforward clothing that is, nevertheless, designed to make the wearer look fantastic. Elegant and classic HW2’s clothes are ideal for women of all shapes and sizes; this is, in essence, breezy, cosy clothing that many a woman could wear with ease. In short if you are looking for functional but stylish clothing to see you through autumn HW2 could just be the brand for you.

Stone Frill Tunic by HW2

HW2 have a distinctly laid back aesthetic; their silhouettes are flowing rather than fitted and the brand’s choice of materials further adds to the unrestricted feel of their pieces. This laid back relaxed clothing with an elegant edge; HW2 aims for paired down luxury rather than all out cosiness. Comfortable their clothes may be but HW2’s designs are still a world away from the baggy sweat pants and Ugg boots that dominate the high street today. This is clothing that could be worn around the house but that also could be styled up for the office. HW2’s pieces are designed to be layered up making them ideal for autumn dressing. These are flexible garments that, with a little creative styling, could be worn all year round. Whilst not exactly wardrobe staples HW2’s clothes could easily become go-to favourites for their owners.

Petrol Crepe Trapeze Dress by HW2

HW2’s uncomplicated clothing is ideal for women with a relaxed but elegant and mature style; these are clothes that require little or no effort and yet manage to be undeniably stylish.  Many brands try to design clothes that women want to wear but HW2 seem committed to designing clothes that women actually can wear, and wear, with pride.

–Hannah Balsdon

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Founded way back in 1890 by Sarak Bergman Marshall Bergman has long been a name synonymous with stylish, functional leather goods. Drawing on decades of leather expertise the brand has, in recent years, turned its attention to creating bags that are designed to protect today’s fragile technological devices, be they phones, tablets or laptops. In 2011 Marshall Bergman began an exclusive collaboration with Apple which has established them as pioneers in premium, practical bags. The brand’s almost unrivalled combination of luxury leather expertise and functional modern design makes their products must-haves for the tech savvy but aesthetically aware. These are bags for those who appreciate opulent, stylish handbags and yet also require a bag that can cope with today’s technology dependent world. A Marshall Bergman bag is perfectly equipped to carry all the paraphernalia of modern life but it carries it in style.

Envelope Patent Black Clutch by Marshall Bergman

All crafted from premium quality Italian leather Marshall Bergman’s bags stick to simple classic designs; satchels, totes and clutches all look just as stylish as many a office appropriate bag. The differences between Marshall Bergman and other brands, however, become apparent when you open the bags up. The interior of each Marshall Bergman bag is definitely designed with the contemporary user in mind with the brand including clever compartments or spaces for everything from iPhones to laptops. With a Marshall Bergman bag you do not need to worry about the safety of your favourite device; you do not have to root around your bag looking for your phone or question your bags ability to carry your laptop or tablet. If you are after a bag that both looks the part and fits your daily lifestyle Marshall Bergman is the brand for you. These are, in essence, bags designed to fit the requirements and, perhaps even dreams, of the busy modern professional.

Alyssa Black Bag by Marshall Bergman

–Hannah Balsdon

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Lux Fix-What inspired the next season’s collection?

Sophie-My main inspiration tends to be what’s going on in my life at the time. Next season our ‘Underwater Gems’ Spring / Summer 15 collection has been inspired by getting married to my husband in Goa last February. I hope buyers like hearts as we have quite a few prints to mark the occasion!

 

Lux Fix-Name your favorite piece from the collection this coming season?

Sophie- My favourite piece is the Arrow Slip – it’s really flattering on, and can also be worn as a top after your holidays are over.

Sophie_Jimmy hires (315 of 785)

 

Lux Fix- Explain the concept behind the collection from Beach Candy?

Sophie- As always it’s about creating beautiful, flattering beachwear that’s vibrant and colorful. Living between Goa and Mumbai inspired me to create a label that is perfect for the beach, the pool, or just floating around on hot summer days.

 

Lux Fix-How have e-commerce platforms such as Lux Fix increased brand awareness for the collections?

Sophie- They have been brilliant in creating brand awareness – So much shopping is now online and by offering special discounts to their customer base it’s a great way to spread the word and engage people.

 

 

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Lux Fix- Describe the Beach Candy image for next season in three words?

Sophie- Eye-catching, Bold, Fun!

 

Interview conducted by Naomi Bennett

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