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AN ETHICAL fashion store has opened in Crowthorne, with lots of items not found on the high street, including clothes and accessories, jewellery, home wares, and gifts.
Local designer and owner of Byzantium Boutique, Joanna Day, said: “Ever since I was at the London College of Fashion I have wanted a boutique full of beautiful and detailed collections called Byzantium.”
Following more than 10 years in the fashion Industry, she is now able to bring her dream to life.
Ms Day’s enthusiasm for fashion began at a young age.
“When other children were deciding what they wanted to be when they grew up, I knew for certain that I wanted to work in fashion,” she said.
“I dressed my Barbie dolls when I was little, and later, when friends were playing computer games, I was using paint packages to create computer generated designs.”
After incorporating fashion into her A level art projects at Kings Academy Easthampstead Park school in Bracknell, Ms Day graduated to the London College of Fashion, where her work was included in The Louvre.
She was employed within a range of fashion jobs, including at luxury department stores Harvey Nichols, and Fenwick.
“I gained experience in designing, buying, styling and sourcing,” she explained.
“And then, later, when I had my family, I decided I wanted to work for myself.
“I started selling my own creations of lounge wear during lockdown, that were made in Italy.”
Ms Day is very particular about where her collections are made.
“I am not at all keen on fast fashion,” she said.
“I won’t work with sweat shops, or factories where the sewers are under age, or have to sleep on the workshop floor, or where the business is causing pollution.
“I want people who make my collections to be paid a proper wage.”
Ms Day is passionate about fair and sustainable fashion, and about promoting body positivity.
A fashion show she held in Binfield modelled garments for sizes six to 20.
The proceeds of the event went to BEAT, an eating disorder charity.
And in February this year she showed her collection during London Fashion Week, with London Represents, a fashion showcase of up and coming designers.
The organisation celebrates diversity, and one of Ms Day’s designs was displayed by a model wearing a prosthetic.
In store, Ms Day has three collections: Ready to Wear, Vintage Pre-loved, and Made To Order.
The vintage and made to orders are designed with the environment in mind.
“Made for Me is carbon free fashion,” she said.
“I create a one off item using sustainable materials with a design tailored to the customer.
“It can be for a wedding, or special event, and will provide the wearer with a unique piece of couture.
“Or customers can bring in an item from their wardrobe that they no longer love, that never worked, or that doesn’t feel quite right, but which they are unwilling to throw away.
“I will completely re~ design it and upcycle it to produce a beautiful one off piece that is environmentally friendly.”
Ms Day says that people have been very friendly and supportive of her new business.
“People want shops to be sustainable,” she said.
“We all need to do our bit.”
Everything in Byzantium Boutique has been ethically produced, including the decorations, all of which were re-purposed or upcycled.
“It has all been thrifted or gifted, and my husband and I papered the studio ourselves,” Ms Day added.
Ms Day’s husband co-incidentally works in the next door outlet, where he operates a tech repair business.
“We share an office, too, where he carries out data recovery and rescues laptops, and I have my sewing machines.
“We’re both keen to do our bit for the environment, and we’re setting an example for our kids.
“And we’re showing them that if you want to do something, or have a dream, if you stick at it and work hard, you can succeed.
“You don’t have to live in London to be a fashion designer.”
Visitors to Byzantium Boutique can view ready to wear pieces on two days each week, and can also book individual fashion consultations.
“Some people don’t feel body confident,” she said.
“Others don’t know what suits them, they may want a dress, or a complete wardrobe overhaul.
“They might have a special event coming up, or they may want me to transform a piece of clothing or jewellery.
“I offer relaxed and friendly coffee and advice, with no pressure or obligation to buy anything.”
The fashion boutique can be found 1st Floor, Preston House, Crowthorne High St.
It’s open for people to walk in on Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 1pm, and for appointments during the week.
For more information and for one to one fashion advice, visit: www.byzantiumboutique.co.uk
