FASHION

ZARAMIA AVA is Now Available at Trad Collective in Leeds City Centre!

November 21, 2024 in SHOP, NEWS, SUSTAINABLE GIFTS, SUSTAINABLE

We’re thrilled to announce that ZARAMIA AVA has a new home in the heart of Leeds! You can now find our stylish, sustainable designs at Trad Collective, a vibrant and carefully curated space that champions independent brands and ethical fashion.

Located in the bustling Leeds city centre, Trad Collective is more than just a shop—it’s a community hub for those who value creativity, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship. Partnering with Trad Collective aligns perfectly with our mission at ZARAMIA AVA to offer fashion that’s not only stylish but also kind to the planet and its people.

At Trad Collective, you’ll discover a handpicked selection of our most-loved pieces, designed for the fashion conscious with a conscience. Whether you’re searching for unique wardrobe staples or standout statement pieces, you’ll find something truly special.

Why Visit Trad Collective?

• Support a space that prioritizes local, independent brands.

• Explore a curated mix of sustainable fashion, gifts and lifestyle goods.

• Experience the heart of Leeds’ thriving creative and ethical shopping scene.

If you love all things stylish and sustainable, come visit Trad, explore our collection, and experience the vibrant community they’ve built.

Thank you for your continued support in helping ZARAMIA AVA grow and bring sustainable, beautiful fashion to new spaces. 🌿

Visit Us at Trad Collective:
📍 Location: 80 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH
🕒 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10.30-6. Sun: 11-5

Let us know when you visit—tag us in your photos with #ZARAMIAVAXTradCollective!

Gaia – Mother Earth: Fashion Remade Fashion Show

July 02, 2024 in CIRCULAR FASHION, FASHION, EVENTS

We’re very excited to take part in the ‘Gaia – Mother Earth Fashion Re-made’ Show at Kirkstall Abbey on Sunday 21st July.

The sustainable show, featuring 20 creatives and designers celebrates the fact that you don’t have to buy new to look amazing! It will take place in the dramatic setting of Kirkstall Abbey as part of the Kirkstall Art Trail.

The Kirkstall Art Trail organisers set the challenge to create an outfit from a charity shop haul. You know the ZARAMIA AVA offering will have our trademark impact, with loads of style, drape, and a strong silhouette!

You can see all the outfits at the Fashion Show and purchase them afterwards in the Cancer Research Charity shop in Kirkstall Retail Park.

Kirkstall Art Trail takes place on 20-21st July and is a glorious feast of art and creative activities. Dozens of local artists will be showing their work in venues and private homes in the area. If you’re inspired (we challenge you not to be!) you’ll be able to let your creative juices flow at fun workshops in various venues.

An online map will be available to help you navigate the trail.

https://kirkstallarttrail.co.uk/digital-map-2024/

We hope to see you there!

Gaia- Mother Earth Fashion Remade

Kirkstall Abbey

2pm, 21 July

Free entry.

ZARAMIA AVA Showcasing at the Bo Carter Fashion Show

January 15, 2024 in FASHION, SUSTAINABLE, EXHIBITION, EVENTS

ZARAMIA AVA is celebrating a brilliant fashion showcase in Leeds on Friday the 10th of November. We joined Bo Carter and ten other designers on the runway at Bo’s charity Fashion Show. The event was spectacular, with fabulous music, makeup and innovative design. It was exciting to see the work of so many sustainable fashion designers and work with a diverse range of models.

The event at Archive showed local designer Bo Carter’s latest collection and work from ten other designers. Proceeds from raffle and ticket sales went to charity Choose Love which responds to emergency situations partnering with local organisations to provide funding, materials or volunteers to help refugees.

Our collection of ten feminine looks and four masculine outfits featured a striking monochrome palette with rich mustard added into the the mix. Distinctive prints balanced with blocks of black and mustard brought a dynamic feel. Stylish draping, and asymmetry gave dressy womenswear soft lines and flow, while menswear reflected Japanese influences with edgy shapes, layering and timeless silhouettes.

Our stylish midi print dress is perfect for a wedding or other special event. It’s made from a variety panels and is fully lined to sit beautifully on the body. It features our flattering signature drape and is fitted at the waist for a stunning silhouette. Worn by Laura c Brown It’s available made to measure.

Our oversized top stood out on the runway with a bold monochrome print reminiscent of Japanese script. Modelled by TSMRWHK. This item is a limited edition garment made from end-of-roll fabric saved from landfill. There is one available.

Inclusivity is at the core of our brand and we love to create garments that look and feel great on everyone. Show organiser Bo Carter brought together models of different sizes, genders and abilities, some professional, some not. We were thrilled to have a diverse and inclusive group of models walking for us and they did a fantastic job.

We’d like to thank everyone who helped to make our showcase shine: Bo Carter; models, dressers, Archive staff.

Our new collection will be available on our website to buy soon.

Images taken by Ben Cumming Photography

ZARAMIA AVA STALL AT THE LEFT BANK ART & MAKERS MARKET

June 29, 2022 in EVENTS

ZARAMIA AVA at the Left Bank Summer Art & Makers’ Market

Saturday 2nd July, 10am-5pm

Did you know that most of our products are handmade? Our garments are designed and made in house.

We also partner with a local jeweller and crochet artisan.

Our prints and printed t-shirts are all designed in-house and printed in locally.

As it’s summer, there's no better time to browse an amazing Left Bank Makers' Market!

We’d love to see you there!

Entry to the market is free and a great opportunity to buy cool stuff, support local artists and hang out in the beautiful garden. Good vibes all round! Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your pets - everyone is welcome

Summer Makers Market

Sat 2 Jul 2022 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Left Bank Leeds, LS6 1LJ

The makers markets are FREE, so come along and support local talented makers and hang out in the garden.

ZARAMIA AVA STALL AT SMART WORKS LEEDS SUMMER SALE

June 09, 2022 in EVENTS, FASHION, SUSTAINABLE GIFTS

SmartWorks Leeds Summer Sale

We are excited to announce that we’ll be showcasing our sustainable gifts and garments at the SmartWorks Leeds Summer Sale on Friday 24th June.

We’re thrilled to be supporting fantastic charity SmartWorks which helps women to gain employment by providing them with high quality interview outfits and coaching to help them feel their best.

The sale at Corn Exchange, Leeds, is a brilliant opportunity to snap up designer, vintage and one-off sample sale items from some of the most sought after brands.

Come along and see us on Friday and grab a bargain from our samples rail or treat yourself to some of our exquisite handmade sustainable garments. Shop our gorgeous gift range and our circular fashion t-shirts.

We will be donating 20% of our sales to the charity.

Details

Friday 24th between 6.00 - 9.00pm

Leeds Corn Exchange

Call Lane, Leeds

LS1 7BR

Please note that this is a ticketed event. For info and to book, visit :

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/smartworksleeds1/700134

ZARAMIA AVA Stall at Leeds Corn Exchange for Smart Works

October 11, 2021 in EVENTS

ZARAMIA AVA will be at The Smart Works Leeds Fashion Sale
Will will be having a Stall there on
Fri 12 Nov 2021 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM GMT

Leeds Corn Exchange, LS1 7BR

We will be donating 20% of our profits to the Smart Works Charity.

Calling all fashion lovers! The Smart Works Leeds Fashion Sale is here for our Autumn/Winter event to celebrate our 2nd birthday!

Join us on Friday 12 November for an exciting evening of fizz, music and shopping at the beautiful Leeds Corn Exchange in the city centre with all proceeds coming to Smart Works Leeds.

Guests can expect designer, vintage and sample items from the most well known and sought-after brands - we've got your wardrobe sorted, all at incredibly discounted prices. This is guilt-free, sustainable shopping at its best with all proceeds going directly to supporting Smart Works Leeds; a UK charity which gives unemployed women from across Yorkshire the clothing and coaching they need to get the job and transform their lives.

There are 4 shopping slots available: please make a note of the timings when booking as tickets are non-transferable.

Shopping Session 1: £5

Join us from 6pm to 7pm for a straight from work session of shopping and be first in line to grab the treasures on offer.

Shopping Session 2: £5

Join us from 7pm to 8pm for our second shopping slot. Stock is refreshed between sessions.

Shopping Session 3: £5

Join us from 8pm to 9pm for an evening of fizz and shopping. Stock is refreshed between sessions.

Shopping Session 4: £5

Join us from 9pm to 10.30pm for our final shopping session. Don't worry, there will still be plenty to shop as we re-stock between sessions and there might even be a few extra discounts as we close...

Please note: no children under the age of 12 may enter the event. The event is downstairs in the Corn Exchange and accessed via stairs, though a lift will be available for wheelchair use. You will need to show your ticket to access the event space. All tickets are non-refundable.

Link to buy tickets

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/smartworksleeds/585239

About Smart Works

https://leeds.smartworks.org.uk

Smart Works support women from a range of different backgrounds and age groups back into employment by providing coaching so they feel more confident and start believing in their own ability to succeed.

They also provide high-quality interview-appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories (theirs to keep) to wear for their job interview, and high-quality work-appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories when they get the job.

The time their clients spend with us can be transformative. They give women the confidence, the self-belief and the practical tools they require to succeed in securing a job and start a new chapter in their life.

They are a small but passionate team and we’re supported by a brilliant team of skilled volunteers who help deliver the service.

Disobedient Bodies | The Hepworth Gallery

July 13, 2017 in EXHIBITION

Disobedient bodies: JW Anderson curated the Hepworth galley

The human form represented in art and fashion gender played a big role in the pieces throughout the exhibition.

Fashion pieces from some great designers Rei Kawakubo, Commes Des Garçons and Issey Miyake to name a few.

This was a great exhibition

Themes included were:

Gender

Morphing bodies

Shape

Construction

The Balenciaga Exhibition: Shaping Fashion at the V&A

June 10, 2017 in EXHIBITION, FASHION

Balenciaga exhibition: Shaping Fashion was held at the V&A museum in London it was truly amazing.

The exhibition was separated into 2 parts. We started upstairs as it was quiet busy downstairs. The upstairs part of the exhibition showed how Balenciaga shaped the modern fashion industry, and how he influenced fashion designers throughout the years. The layout was very modern and minimalist in a large spacious area.

The exhibition was split up into categories such as cut, minimalism, perfection, volume and drape. Within these categories were large glass boxes which held the modern designers take on the words influenced by Balenciaga.

There was a great video on designers talking about how Balenciaga inspired them and their Collections.

The downstairs section of the exhibition showed the history of Balenciaga. From his loyal clients to his catwalk shows. This part of the exhibition was a contrast to upstairs, shown with more of a historical look.

There was an area where you could try on a cape which was a particular pattern made by balenciaga himself and see how you would wear the garment, as a skirt, dress, cape.

Walking around the exhibition they showed clothing made in toiles then the garment made in delicate fabrics and vivid colours. They also had an X-ray image of the dresses as a background, this was very interesting it gave a modern feel to the exhibition, mixed among the historical artefacts. The X-ray showed the inside of the garments, all the detailing and some even has pins that had been mistakenly left inside.

Mini videos were dotted around the exhibition showing the separate pattern pieces that made up the garment and how they were assembled to the finished garment, these videos where very intriguing, you got lost watching them. Even the simplest of patterns made the most exquisite dresses.

There was a section of the exhibition where you could make your very own one seam coat out of origami, it showed the appeal of zero waste and the simplicity of shape but most of all it showed how much thought went into the designing and pattern cutting process.

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Modern Japanese Design Exhibition & Material World Debate!

March 30, 2017 in TRAVEL, SUSTAINABLE, EVENTS

Modern Japanese Design Exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery!

This was one of the reasons we went to Manchester, I have been looking forward to this exhibition for a while, as I'm very inspired by Japanese culture and their values.

The exhibition was situated at the Manchester Art Gallery. The art gallery was showing room after room of paintings. One modern painting in particular caught my eye.

The painting showed Skulls growing out of a plant, this was painted on reclaimed wood which was a great contrast and an interesting material. The image itself played on the idea of the living & the dead.

Roses 2007

Jai Redman an inspiring artist, an environmental activist with thought provoking art.

We walked up to the Modern Japanese Design exhibition area on the third floor.

The exhibition was in a spacious room. On the right hand side there was this beautiful arrangement of clothing and interior design pieces. The colour scheme was monochrome with hints of bright red, the concept was very pleasing to look at. This exhibition was showing the work of great designers such as Issey Myiake, Rei Kawakubo.

The garments were a mixture of draping and 3D shapes.

I wasn't so keen on the way garments that were placed in the middle, of the room. There was no colour scheme involved, the garments looked like they needed ironed, they just didn't sit well together, which was a shame.

Among the exhibition there were Japanese definitions on the walls, which were great to read.

Among the exhibits there was a variation of clay items that were transformed into geometric shapes, which resembled pleating.

There was also plastic art, made out of recycled PET bottles, they were formed into geometric shapes that could be flat packed and opened out.

Wandered about Chinatown!

Basically a row of Chinese restaurants takaway and gift shops which where very cute, selling all sorts of gifts. The main reason we went was to look at the immense Chinese gate.

Afflecks Palace

A building that's full of creativity. You could spend hours in there getting lost. The best thing was whilst walking up the stairs they had thought provoking words advertising no derogatory labels.

https://www.afflecks.com/

Image credit: http://www.johnmeephotography.com/return-to-afflecks-palace/

Bundobust

We visited bundobust for a quick snack, the restaurant was a lot bigger than the Leeds venue. It was between 12-4pm so we were able to get 2 dishes for £7 they tasted delicious and were quite filling, my favourite dish was the okra fries. They have a great variety of vegan options which is great!

http://www.bundobust.com/manchester/

Material World Panel Debate at Selfridges

Whilst we were walking around the venue we spotted signs on the rails of designers for the Material World campaign. I was slightly disappointed there wasn't a whole concession/area specifically for material World. The talk was on the menswear floor next to the community clothing concession. We were welcomed to the event with a champagne reception also elderflower and raspberry drink for the non drinkers. It was one of the most intriguing and thought provoking events I have attended.

Talking about all things sustainable and what the panellist do to retain a sustainable business. They offered advice on what emerging designers could do to be sustainable.

Read more about Selfridges sustainability policy here:

http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/features/info/sustainability

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The True Cost Documentary

September 11, 2016 in ZERO WASTE, DOCUMENTARIES

Image from https://truecostmovie.com/‘This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the huma… — Image from https://truecostmovie.com/
‘This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?
Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented project that invites us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes’
Extract from https://truecostmovie.com/

Watching this film changed everything, from my personal life to my business. It was shocking to watch! It made me realise how much fashion plays a huge part in ruining the Earth, as well as the lives of people involved within the fashion industry. From people that live near factories, that leak out chemicals into the water supply, slave labour from children, to people working every hour of the day for little to no money, fashion has ruined people lives. Consumers should to be aware of this!

In the documentary it revisits the horror that was the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in 2013, bringing fashion factory workers health and safety to the forefront of the news around the world.

People buy into fast fashion so easily without considering the impact. Designers & brands used to only produce 2 collections a year, now it’s 52, a collection out each week of the year, it just shows how bad fast fashion has got.

Ask yourself a few questions when you next go shopping: How can this t-shirt only cost £5? How was the fabric grown and produced? Where was the the garment produced? Who made the garment? Are they getting paid fairly? What is the carbon footprint of this item? The most important question is Can I make a difference?

After watching the documentary it made me realise that I can make a difference, being a fashion designer. I can make changes for the better. Showing consumers that you can have luxury contemporary fashion that is also ethically made and sustainably produced. I am hoping other businesses realise that they can make a change for the better.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Is it difficult to become a fully sustainable business? Yes it is but it was the best thing we ever did. Everything is a learning curve, we are always trying new ideas and improving to make things better.

We were already using end of roll fabrics, these fabrics would otherwise end up as landfill waste, and we were producing garments in house, but we knew we could do more.

Zero waste is also a move we wanted to do for a while, by using fabric in the most economical way. Also rather then only recycling the fabric waste, we are now recycling everything from patten paper, card, and branding materials. If we are outsourcing a product we make sure the business has the same ethics as us, and rather them then discarding the waste, we ask them to send it to us for us to reuses or recycle, we do this so we are fully knowledgeable of where the waste ends up.

We are aiming to be be a transparent business. What we mean by that is if a customer asks where were their garments produced & where the fabric was made, we want to be able to answer that question confidently. Currently all our organic fabrics are all fully traceable. We at ZARAMIA AVA have also since gone vegan to have the least carbon footprint as we can. Going vegan as a business makes you question everything from the fabrics to the dyes, prints and packaging.

Read our Ethos here www.ZaraMiaAva.com/Ethos

Links:

A film by Andrew Morgan

https://truecostmovie.com/

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