Because there’s no place quite like the Great British high street – from its niche independents, to seasonal Pop-Ups and those expansive yet elegant department stores – Because Magazine is on a mission to champion the bricks-and-mortar of London in all its glory. Each week, we’ll beeline to the rails of our favourite retailers to scope out the must-have pieces and in-store exclusives that are more than worth making an effort for. This week, we're in Notting Hill to learn more about Riley Studio.

On a mission to change mindsets and make conscious consumerism the norm is the eco-innovative fashion brand Riley Studio. Launching today and running until 2nd November is their very first concept store, where you can expect to see their all-new collection ‘From Waste to Wardrobe’.

With eco-innovation and sustainability at the core of everything they do – their offering comprises gender-neutral elevated wardrobe staples, crafted from pre and post-consumer waste materials including, plastic bottles, recycled cashmere and recycled wool – along with Collection 03, a number of events, panels and workshops will be offered at the pop-up to educate consumers around how to live more sustainably.

We were intrigued about their roots and journey – and so, we spoke to Laura Innes-Hopkins, Sustainability Lead at Riley Studio, to catch wind of three hero products and join them on the road towards sustainability.

Because “style knows no boundaries, and neither should we”...



What… Recycled Cashmere Sweater.

Because… "It’s made of reimposed consumer cashmere waste and the yarn is called “reverso”, so it’s collected in Italy and it’s got exactly the same properties as virgin cashmere but a way smaller carbon footprint. By using one kilogram of reverso-cashmere, you use 92% less water than virgin cashmere. This is part of our latest collection, so we made it in Scotland at a family-run factory. The kind of 'theme' that runs through the latest collection is Scotland, so you’ll see that running through our other pieces.We've also made a candle to reflect the inspirations."



What… Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt.

Because… "We’ve got the Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt which comes in Oat and Sage. These are partly recycled cotton and partly organic cotton, which kind of increases the eco-balance of organic cotton. It’s also helping divert textile waste from landfills. You can save a lot more water by using this mix as opposed to using conventional cotton. And they’re super soft!"



What… Recycled Wool Trouser.

Because… "This also used to be textile waste and it's the same kind of yarn as the cashmere, except it’s a wool version. So it’s the same process and the same people that are behind it. These ones we actually made in London. They’re preconsumable off-cuts and factory scraps and again they’re helping to divert textile waste from landfills. Again, by using one kilogram of reverso-wool you use 96% less CO2 than virgin wool. 

Support bricks-and-mortar: visit Riley Studio at 79-81 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, or shop online via riley.studio.

Unveil more of London's brick-and-mortor:

+ Store Stories: Earl of East

+ Store Stories: Liberty London

+ Store Stories: Belstaff