Having worked in the fashion industry for over 12 years, working as a buyer for many high street and designer brands, Esther Knight launched Fanfare Label in October 2018.
Having worked her way up to buyer level, Esther saw first-hand the pressure that fashion companies placed on their suppliers, the exploitation of factory workers and the environmental impacts of the industry. Seeing the need for urgent change, Knight realised she could not contribute to the broken system any longer, rather than leaving the industry she began working on a solution…
Introducing… Fanfare Label
Fanfare Label is an award-winning circular clothing brand changing the way people buy, wear and consume clothing. The exorbitant amount of waste generated in the fashion industry inspired Fanfare Label to represent the circular economy standard; the label is a representative of what fashion could and should look like.
Standing at the forefront of the upcycling movement, the label transforms vintage pieces to unique contemporary designs, combining elements of vintage and surplus clothing by giving existing materials a new life through various textile techniques
Away from Fanfare, Esther has hosted several events including working with Oxfam, The Fashion Revolution and International Justice Mission to raise awareness on sustainability. She also participates in regular speaking engagements, using her industry experience to educate and help reduce the confusion around sustainable fashion.
We caught up with Esther Knight for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
I live in Wimbledon so I am a bit bias, but Wimbledon Village to me has everything, from cute boutiques, independent cafes, restaurants and pubs. I have a dog called Amber and she is a cocker spaniel which means she needs a good run around so being close to Wimbledon Common is perfect for this, it feels like you’ve left London and escaped to the country.
Best coffee in London:
I am not a big coffee drinker, so I’m not the best person to answer this question! But I love the cute little café in Spitalfields that claims to have the best hot chocolate in London – it was excellent.
Favourite gallery or museum:
Exhibitions at the V&A are always well produced and extremely insightful.
Tell us a secret:
Fanfare Label has just won the “One’s to Watch” category at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Conference! We are understandably extremely excited.
Favourite place to shop:
Well I have to say Fanfare Label for clothes of course. But I love the Sustainable Department Store for other sustainable goodies. I love their home and bathroom selections, and everything eco is in one place making it a lot easier to shop sustainably.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
I find inspiration everywhere but I love just walking around London and taking everything in. I particular enjoy Columbia Road Flower Market and Broadway Market – walking these streets and spotting the best street style.
Best London destination for a date:
The Harwood Arms in Fulham, offering award-winning food and wine. I have been here for a few birthdays, and it is my favourite food place. There is set course meal and every time we’ve been I have been impressed.
Favourite park:
I have to say Battersea Park. In the summer me and my friends enjoy getting an Aperol and sitting near the pond.
Favourite food market:
Camden! There is just so much to do there. We love shopping, eating and sitting on the canal in the summer time.
Your sanctuary in the city:
Greenwich! I love walking in Greenwich Park, particularly going to the top where Greenwich Mean Time is – you can see views for miles, and it’s great place to relax. I enjoy going to the pie shop, very traditional and people travel for miles to get the authentic pie experience. It is located in the market where you can also find handmade goodies.
What inspires you?
The V&A. Every time there is a fashion or photography exhibition on I ensure I attend. One of the best things about living in London, and working in fashion is that I think I have visited every fashion exhibition where you can see historical product from incredible designers. It is worth signing up to their newsletter so you can see what is coming up because even non-fashion related events are brilliant. One particular favourite of mine recently was the Tim Walker: Wonderful Things exhibition and it is still on. This will provide abundant levels of inspiration through the immersive journey into the fantastical worlds.
This season I’m loving:
Fanfare Label’s linen co-ords. Perfect for summer they are loose fitting, lightweight and super cool.
