London Made Me 2023

Brought together by the Mayor of London, London Made Me is one shop and home to 12 vibrant creatives this December.

This unique boutique not only showcases a series of imaginative and tailor-made gifts but also features talented makers and artists from the Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones.

The London Made Me retail training and shop program brings together these creatives to learn the ropes of high street retail before building and trading in their own collective retail store.

The aim is to give Londoners living or working in one of the city’s 12 zones the skills, knowledge and real-life practical experience needed to establish and launch a successful shop, gallery, exhibition or pop-up space in their own high streets and local areas.

London Made Me opened in Carnaby Street on the 2nd December, coinciding with Small Business Saturday. It will trade throughout the festive season until 30th December 2023, showcasing a unique collection of limited-edition artworks, homeware, clothing, ceramics, accessories, and gifts.

The shop will also offer both local and international visitors the chance to get creative, with an exceptional program of interactive workshops and events. This includes in-store live art murals, creative artist nail salons, artist portrait sessions, screen-printing workshops, live podcasts, and much more.

The London Made Me retail training and shop program for 2023 is delivered in partnership with Creative United, Alice Mayor, and media partner Visit London.

Meet The 2023 Creatives

DastnHand

DastnHand, born from the creative minds of textile and fashion designer Johanna Hehemannis and womenswear designer Latifa Neyazi in the Made By Tottenham zone, crafts garments from deadstock calico, dyed in their garden.

Their creations, exploring serendipitous shapes and colours, are hand-embroidered by Afghan women in East London, each piece embodying a unique narrative shaped by many hands.

Profits go to Durkhanum: Kabul Sewing Circle, supporting women in Kabul with tools and skills in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover.

Follow their journey on IG: @dastnhand.

Fashion Meets Music

Fashion Meets Music, a community interest company in Croydon Creatives, transforms unused spaces into engaging retail experiences.

Led by sisters Lizzy Lambie and Dennica Abdo, they blend runway shows, live music, art, pop-up vendors, and networking to showcase emerging creativity. Providing end-to-end support, they're currently in Centrale Croydon, Westfield Stratford City, and London South Bank University.

Featured brands include Ruffina Designs, Flakies Fashion, Lohi, Clovis, Aso, RANT, and Blacknificent.

Follow and stay in the loop: @fashionmeetsmusic.

Hangers & Macrame

Mina, the founder, is a self-taught macrame artist based in Ealing Road and Alperton. She discovered macrame during lockdown as a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to create intricate plant hangers and fiber art.

Since launching in 2021, Mina sells her unique creations at markets and shops, aiming to adorn homes, shops, businesses, and empty spaces with her art, one hanger at a time.

Find her on IG: @hangersandmacrame.

Hannah Wild

Hannah Wild, a designer and maker in Hackney Wick and Fish Island, repurposes discarded materials to craft unique homeware, accessories, jewelry, and garments.

Her creative and conscious design ethos, inspired by the "waste not, want not" mantra, results in one-of-a-kind pieces made from diverse sources, such as ex-display advertising banners, deflated balloons, and deadstock fabrics.

Each handmade item in her studio tells a distinctive story, appealing to individuals who appreciate products outside mainstream trends. Hannah prioritises minimal waste, incorporating repurposed packaging and water-soluble labels.

Connect with her on IG: @HannahWildLondon.

Joke Amusan

Joke Amusan, a German-Nigerian textile artist in Ealing Road and Alperton, advocates for the voices and stories of Black women.

Her hand-stitched, text-based artworks, featuring bright red yarn on straw-coloured hessian fabric, aim to make a practical impact. Joke not only creates art for supporters of fair treatment for Black women but also conducts inspiring workshops to foster collaboration, community, and breaking down barriers—one seam at a time.

Follow her on IG: @ibijoke.img.

Matchbox Collective

The Matchbox, based in Islington, serves as a hub for discovering creative matches.

Whether you're a brand, community, or individual seeking artistic collaboration or simply exploring new art, this collective provides a no-nonsense platform for artists and clients to connect.

Founded by professional muralists, sign-writers, street artists, and visual artists, The Matchbox emphasises collaborative and co-creative approaches.

The members, who met on mural sites, aim to address challenges in the industry and uplift others by fostering a supportive environment.

Explore featured products by various artists on IG: @the_matchbox_collective.

OMNISS

OMNISS, an ethical fashion and lifestyle brand located in the Fashion District of Hackney Wick and Fish Island, is driven by character and focused storytelling.

Founded by Asya Ter-Hovakimyan and Francisco Zhou in 2016 during their design studies at London College of Fashion, OMNISS champions transparency in the supply chain, local manufacturing, and collaboration with women-led enterprises and craftsmen in Armenia.

The brand, showcased at London Fashion Week and featured in Forbes and Drapers, designs for a spirit and mindset rather than a specific gender or demographic.

Their products tell stories beyond the seams for dreamers, zeitgeists, and visionaries.

Explore more on IG: @omniss.

RE:SHA

RE:SHA, short for 'RE-thinking: Streetwear, Headwear, and Accessories,' is a streetwear brand in the Hackney Wick and Fish Island zone.

They believe that streetwear, once a canvas for expression, has shifted towards couture fashion, losing its original meaning.

RE:SHA aims to bring back the essence of streetwear culture in a new form, reclaiming its role within the community.

Their OEKO-TEX, Fairwear, and GOTS-certified garments prioritise quality, consciousness, and authenticity.

Follow them on IG: @reshaworldwide.

ShëIk Wear

Shëlk Wear transcends fashion by creating timeless and emotionally resonant childrenswear.

Their inclusive color palette and "expandable" design, inspired by the magic of childhood, allow the garments, like dungarees, to grow with the child. Sustainability is integral, with a family-owned boutique in Hackney Wick and Fish Island and a manufacturing facility in Uzbekistan.

The founder's Uzbekistan roots led to establishing a local workshop near Tashkent, providing opportunities for the community. Shëlk Wear prioritises GOTS-certified cotton from specialised suppliers, aligning with their commitment to ethical production.

Explore their creations on IG: @shelkwear.

The Motleys

The Motleys, based in Ealing Road and Alperton, celebrates human cultural diversity through interactive wooden characters.

Their mission is to represent diverse real-world identities, acting as a positive bridge for education and celebration.

Embracing the idea that we are all "motleys," the brand focuses on showcasing iconic identities worldwide, highlighting both differences and shared similarities.

Committed to environmental responsibility, each Motley is designed for longevity with minimal impact.

They plant five trees for every Motley sold, totaling 8,000 trees so far.

Explore their collection on IG: @the.motleys.collection.

The Republic of Park Royal

The Republic of Park Royal, a provider of affordable creative studios in the Acton and Park Royal zone, introduces their new warehouse shop, "Supermegahyperdupermarket Metroexpress," opening in January 2024.

The shop aims to showcase artists and makers from the neighborhood, connecting London directly with the creative community in Park Royal.

The name is inspired by a found sign, reflecting their fun and playful approach while emphasising their commitment to reuse and recycling.

Featured products in-store include works by various artists and makers.

Explore more on IG: @therepublicofparkroyal.

Women of the Wick

Women of the Wick (WOW) is a feminist multimedia platform in the Hackney Wick and Fish Island zone, dedicated to amplifying diverse storytellers.

Their mission is to elevate the voices, work, and visibility of women and marginalised genders, democratising media spaces through storytelling.

WOW conducts storytelling workshops, produces a monthly podcast titled "Girl Get A Real Job," and publishes WOWZINE, an annual independent print magazine.

The latest WOWZINE issue features over 15 personal stories exploring pleasure, desire, and joy across various realms.

Founded by Sara Kärpänen, a London-based multidisciplinary artist, writer, author, and poet, WOW showcases featured products by various artists on IG: @womenofthewick.