José Hendo will open the doors to her Studio 'José Original' whilst fundraising for the Ugandan children’s charity Bridging The Gap. The event is free and held at her studio located in Carbery Enterprise Park, Unit 9, 36 White Hart Lane, Tottenham, London N17 8DP with doors open from 3:30p.m. to 7:30p.m.
In February 2011, José launched her new eco label: ‘José Hendo’ with the ‘Memories’ Collection, during ‘London Fashion Week’. This collection will be available for viewing on the day.
Public, press and bloggers are welcome to enjoy a day of fashion in an informal and relaxed setting and a performance by Nottingham Songwriter Sam Beeton. Sam has been writing and recording songs since he was just 15. His first single “What You Look For” was Record of the Week for both Radio One’s Jo Whiley and Scott Mills and he toured nationwide with James Morrison and The Script. For further information visit: www.sambeeton.com.
There will be refreshments, prizes to be won and goody bags. Prizes include: a wardrobe makeover session, a makeup makeover session by celebrity make-up artist Karen Salandy, a hair-styling session, a meal for two at a local restaurant and more.
José Hendo’s Couture Conscience
A fresh approach to contemporary fashion design, challenging the obsolescence nature of fashion and throw away culture of the world around us. Inspired by our rich cultural heritage, sculpture and nature to create timeless pieces.
We create unique one-off pieces using eco-friendly materials like organic bark cloth, cotton, used garments such as suits, denim and wedding dresses. Our mission is to promote the use of organic untreated raw and recycled materials that support ethical trading, fair working conditions and to raise awareness about environmental issues related to the fashion industry.
Sustainable fashion is the way forward. The three R’s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - are our cornerstone. From material choice, to clever efficient cutting and simplified production process, we take pride in quality and environmentally-friendly design.
Bespoke garments are for any occasion. Existing garments can also be reworked (re-vamped) to give the customer a different or fresh look. The studio also manufactures on behalf of other designers.
All garments are produces at a design studio in London, set up by José Hendo (Josephine Kyomuhendo), a graduate of the London College of Fashion. José’s keen eye and attention to detail are evident in the quality of work produced.
Barkcloth has been used for over 600 yrs and is one of the oldest fabrics in Africa.
It is sustainable, biodegradable and hence environmentally friendly and still widely in use today. In Uganda it is made from the bark of the Natal Fig (Ficus natalensis), locally called Mutuba, which regenerates new bark after a while. The bark is pounded using different wooden mallets giving it a fine, soft, even texture and a natural terracotta colour. The challenge was to create an eco-friendly, contemporary and timeless collection using this fabric that is not conventionally used in garment production.
Bridge A Gap Community InitiativeBridge
A Gap Community Initiative (BAGCI) was launched in 2005, as a response to the HIV epidemic in Uganda and the growing number of children made vulnerable and orphaned by the virus. It is an organisation made up of ordinary community members living in the village of Kajjansi and surrounding villages. The aim of the organisation is to provide a better quality of life for people living in the village especially the most vulnerable e.g. people living with HIV and children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV.
