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’ve dropped into The Shop at Bluebird’s flagship store in Covent Garden to learn about the vibrant pieces that have taken up residency in its six week-long Pop-Up, ‘BETWEEN US’.

With over twenty designers who represent the dynamic facets of African design and community, the Pop-Up arrives as a celebration of traditional African handcraft design, local production and collaboration. Here, the curators behind it introduce us to their favourite pieces.



Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week

What… I’ve picked a waistcoat from Iamisigo’s SS19 collection.

Because… I love the colours, texture and simplicity of the design – even though you have all of the colours and everything else. I particularly love it because the textiles have been produced in collaboration with artisans from Northern Nigeria, meaning it also tells a story. Every single thread tells a story of where this has been – of every single hand that has touched this to be able to bring it to life. It’s really special. I'm wearing it with a Jewel by Lisa beaded clutch – I’m obsessed with these bags... Each bead has been strung together by a community of women that has been empowered by the company.



Claire Miles, Buying Director at Shop at Bluebird

What…  A jewel by Lisa jacket from Lisa Folawiyo’s collection.

Because… I’ve chosen this for its beautiful embellishment. The colours are absolutely stunning; I love the mix of patterns, and it just feels really special to wear.



Katrina Macpherson, Brand Consultant 

What…  A blazer from Lukhanyo Mdingi, which is exclusive to The Shop at Bluebird.

Because…  I’ve picked this blazer because it’s been created by a South African designer – and I’m partly based in Cape Town these days so I like to represent. I love that he’s very much about being a ‘made in Africa’ designer: fabrics are sourced locally in Africa and all production is there. Usually his collections are much more muted and neutral, but given that it was summer he wanted to celebrate the vibrancy of Africa, and so for this project he went all out with his colour palette – sourcing fabrics from mainly Kenya and Tanzania – to create this capsule where each jacket is completely one-of-a-kind. Not only is it sort of exclusive to the capsule, each one is different for the wearer. The hard part is knowing which one to favour because there are so many cool colours!

Support bricks and mortar: BETWEEN US runs at Carriage Hall, 29 Floral St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DP until 14 May 2019.

Also on Because Magazine:

+ Missing London Fashion Week? Relive the poetry of AW19's runways...

+ Jeanne Damas and Lauren Bastide give their style guide to the City of Love.

+ Where do palmer//harding get their fabled shirt dry cleaned? Wouldn't you like to know!