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Say Hello: Pippa Emmett – ThisWorld Clothing

Pippa Emmett ThisWorld clothing-2

Over in Freestone Studios, Pippa Emmett is doing her bit to right the wrongs of the fashion industry. Her brand, ThisWorld, specialises in co-operative clothing production. Pippa launched ThisWorld in 2013, and now has a huge and supportive fan base. We stopped by to hear her story and future plans.

From drawing in sketchbooks as a child, to graduating with a first in Pattern Making and Clothing Design, fashion has always played a central role in Pippa’s life. After interning for a big name in London for six months, Pippa became aware of what happens behind the scenes in the production of high-street clothing.

“I learned how to run a business which was great. But I also became aware of a lot of things I didn’t like. Many of the clothes were made cheaply overseas and then sold in the UK for premium prices.”

Travel introduced Pippa to a side of fashion that she did like.

“The parties and festivals in Goa were full of beautiful clothes. You could enter a clothes shop and see the business owners making their designs right in front of you.”

After six months in India, Pippa returned home feeling inspired. She’d learned business skills from her internship, and ethical practice from her travels and research. She launched ThisWorld from her parents’ attic in 2013, and the business quickly took shape.Pippa Emmett This World clothing

ThisWorld began as a wall hanging business. Pippa then experimented with making skirts from the fabrics, and they were a huge success.

“The more people would order, the more I would be encouraged to move forward. I drew influences from my University study, and added new garments. I found a middle ground where I would combine design with doing things in a conscious way.”

After two years of business, Pippa was in a position to move ThisWorld into a studio. Bristol was the perfect option – halfway between her and her partner’s houses, and with a great alternative music and fashion scene. She relocated to Freestone Studios, which is where you’ll find her today.

All of the materials used in ThisWorld’s designs are organic. The fabrics are made from either hemp, cotton, bamboo, and occasionally silk. They are then dyed using low impact dyes.

“I’m doing the best I can to have a business that’s in line with my personal beliefs. That means doing my bit for the environment and making sure no one is exploited along the way.”

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In the early days of ThisWorld, Pippa worked on a made-to-order basis. Her work is now in such high demand, that she releases monthly collections. Her most popular items sell out within a number of hours.

“Many of my customers have been with me since the beginning. Some have become friends, and all of them are kind.”

Pippa gives her all to ThisWorld. Whether she’s designing, pattern cutting, making, producing, dying, label printing, packing, or photographing – it’s likely she will be working for most of the day. If she wasn’t practicing something from the above, you would find her making clothes for fun. ThisWorld is the perfect combination of business and enjoyment.

Pippa Emmett This World clothing-2

What can we expect in the future? Pippa is already working at maximum capacity to meet her demand, and opening a studio was a huge milestone for her. A little down the line, she expects to employ someone to help cover the admin side of things, and hopes to collaborate with Bristol-based models, photographers and boutiques. She also expects to move from low-impact to no-impact dyes, which will be a completely eco-friendly approach.

Pippa Emmett This World clothing-2

We loved meeting Pippa and hearing about the difference she’s making. You can shop the wonderful designs of ThisWorld on their website. You can also follow ThisWorld on Instagram for sneak previews of upcoming collections.

Keep up with the latest Meanwhile Creative happenings on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, and check out our available studios in Bristol here.

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