Profile: Lowie, Fashion for the Future

In a small office space, cluttered with boxes of fabric and drawers labelled: ‘small buttons,’ and ‘big buttons’ you will find Bronwyn Lowenthal. The Australian native, with a long history of working in Fashion, noticed a gap in the market in 2002 and went on to start her own business in ethical and sustainable fashion. 

 

“We started out by making simple, handmade products using traditional craft so either knitting or crochet. I like the handmade element because you don’t need any electricity and it’s simple; It takes it back to the basics.” Bronwyn sits comfortably on a tatty green sofa in a small corner of her office, dressed head to toe in her own hand-made Lowie designs. She’s notably short, with wild ginger hair and a warm, welcoming aura. 

 

Annabel, a cockapoo puppy, has free rein of the office and has littered chew toys all over the floors. The two other employees, one a co-designer and the other an intern, are dressed casually in jeans and baggy jumpers. The office itself doesn’t feel like an ‘office’. The atmosphere is casual and down to earth, something that translates well with Bronwyn’s view on her brand:

 

“The people who buy our clothing aren’t ostentatious. They don’t do glitz and glamour. They want good quality products that aren’t produced at a detriment to our environment.” 

 

Despite her lack of consideration of ‘glitz and glamour,’ the success of the brand is evident; her designs have been worn by numerous ‘big names’ including Lily Cole and Fearne Cotton. Bronwyn has two ‘Lowie’ shops – one in Herne Hill and one in Crystal Palace but doesn’t plan on expanding- just yet. Along with her own Lowie designs, she stocks other ethical designers in her shops because she believes in that the concept – of ethical fashion- outweighs the tit-for-tat of competition.

 

“Some of the brands we stock use recycled elements, like recycled polyester and others focus on organic elements. Not all of the brands are technically 100% sustainable yet but designers are making progress.” She adds: “Considering the environmental impact is becoming more normal now.” 

 

Prior to the creation of ‘Lowie,’ her experience in the Fashion industry was vast; completing a degree in Fashion Marketing and Retail Management, she then went onto work for big names such as Westfield’s and Ben Sherman. The designer was then offered the directorship for a new youth clothing brand, turning it down in favour of pursuing her dream; of combining her knowledge of the industry with her passion for sustaining the environment. 

 

“The people who aren’t taking the ethics of fashion into consideration, need to start,” she says, rather abruptly. “In the long run, you need to think about people, planet and profit as a whole. Without the planet we wouldn’t have people or profit!” she adds, with a warm laugh that sends the creases of her smile from ear to ear.

 

But It’s not just the production process that Bronwyn aims to make as: “ethically friendly as we can.” Lowie also has a ‘repairs for life’ policy which enables customers to return any torn or damaged item they purchase and have it repaired free of charge. Of this, she explains: “It encourages people to increase the longevity of the product, so it’s not just a throw-away garment. It’s like, repair rather than replace. That’s the philosophy.” 

 

Bronwyn’s colourful designs are extremely intricate, it’s no wonder she encourages customers to ‘recycle’ their clothes. The vibrant blue knit jumper she’s wearing is just one of the many designs proving popular with customers, showing that successful fashion doesn’t have to exploit our environment. Bronwyn’s prices range from £28 to £295 for some of her ethically made designs, showing you don’t have to spend a lot when adding a touch of sustainability to your wardrobe.  

 

For the business owner, the initial extra cost in sourcing organic materials or producing clothing by hand isn’t great enough to stop her-or other businesses- from putting ethics first. “If brands aren’t attempting to be more sustainable, it’s because they don’t have a focus on it, it’s not important to them. I think that’s the main issue, rather than the cost.”

 

Annabel yaps at her owner for attention and Bronwyn scoops her up onto her lap, ruffling her tummy as she ponders the future of sustainable fashion: “It’s becoming trendier now to source materials in a more ethical way. It’s only really happened in the last few seasons but I’m seeing it more and more. I think businesses are also realising that there are also profitable solutions to being sustainable too. If they use less packaging, then they are saving not only money but also the environment at the same time!” 

 

As I go to leave, Annabel gnaws at my tights and her owner has to shake her off, “stop it,” she exclaims. Inwardly, I laugh; at least I know that, rather than throwing the tights away, Bronwyn and her team will be here to sustain them for me.