apparently one of Daffyd's best kept secrets is the Portman Village Christmas Shop.
Situated at 14 New Quebec Street, London W1, the Portman Village Christmas Shop is an emporium of fantastic gifts from La Masseria, The Ritual Rooms and of course Potassium.
Sumptuous hampers filled with the finest foods from Italy, exquisite body care from Paris, and the chicest decorations to deck your halls this season. An amalgamation of the best of the best in the village!
Opens Wednesday 5 December 2007 to Sunday 23 December 2007. Daily 11:00 am to late.
Sorry Daffyd, we may have just outed you!
Tuesday 4 December 2007
love to you on your journey...
inspired by the oceans and her creatures, these oracle cards are embedded with affirmations and advice to improve your personal and environmental health. using colour therapy original artwork influenced by celtic heritage, the mercarina oracle cards appeal to your mind body and spirit. designed and printed on recycled papers with toxic-free inks, in britain, the cards combine the work of celebrity holistic beauty therapist carina coen and artist and designer isabelle bricknall.
potassium will be launching the mercarina oracle cards on friday 14 december 2007 from 18:00 to 20:00 at potassium marble arch. RSVP at vip@potassiumstore.co.uk
carina coen will be offering complimentary oracle card readings in the evening, alongside an exhibition of original artwork by isabelle bricknall.
each pack of 33 cards including the fabric compass rose map are gift packaged priced at £23.99. a donation from the sale of each pack will be made to http://www.marineconnection.org/
potassium will be launching the mercarina oracle cards on friday 14 december 2007 from 18:00 to 20:00 at potassium marble arch. RSVP at vip@potassiumstore.co.uk
carina coen will be offering complimentary oracle card readings in the evening, alongside an exhibition of original artwork by isabelle bricknall.
each pack of 33 cards including the fabric compass rose map are gift packaged priced at £23.99. a donation from the sale of each pack will be made to http://www.marineconnection.org/
Thursday 1 November 2007
pure desire...
PURE DESIRE
Casal de Rey rings have been sighted, and sought after, in Paris, Milan and Ibiza but their launch in the UK by ToBeTupi is the first time a specially designed and branded collection has hit the European market.
ToBeTupi is launching an exclusive collection of rings in the UK. Created by renowned Brazilian fashion designer Roberto Casal de Rey each ring has a unique style and personality.
Casal de Rey rings represent a fusion of eco-chic with top quality modern design. Inspired by a ‘salvage ethos’ Roberto collects buttons, beads, pearls, steel wire and semi-precious stones and transforms them into shining objects of desire. To see a collection of Casal de Rey rings is like stepping into an attic where each abandoned item has been turned into a jewel.
Well-known to Brazilian actors Roberto spent several years creating and selling clothes and accessories for the cast of soap operas and various other programmes produced by TV Globo, Latin America’s largest television channel. He also honed his talents by designing carnival sets, a role which allowed him to be both creator and interpreter of modern Brazilian culture.
Casal de Rey’s Preview Collection for Spring-Summer 2008 is available at Potassium http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/
Casal de Rey rings represent individual vision in a world of the mass-produced. Innovative use of materials often rejected as ‘scrap’ give each ring a complexity which speaks to customers on a personal level. Faced with an intricate, woven topknot of multi-coloured stones and beads do you see the neon lights of Rio or the iridescent shell of a rainforest beetle? Visit Potassium and decide for yourself but be warned – to see is to desire. Brigitte Istim
Pure Envy Launch Event
Wednesday, 21 Nov, 6-8pm
Potassium
2 Seymour Place
Marble Arch
London, W1H 7NA
Tel.: 020 7723 7800
http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/
RSVP: vip@potassiumstore.co.uk
Play list: Arnaldo Baptista’s solo work (former leader of Os Mutantes) +
20 minutes of the best 1980’s Brazilian rock & pop & punk +
Cool Brazilian music
Selection by Sonia Maia – ToBeTupi’s founder.
For more information about Casal de Rey Rings and ToBeTupi, please contact Sonia Maia at:
Tel.: 07910 550 173
tobetupi@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.tobetupi.com/
Images available by request
For more information about Potassium
Karim Ladak
079 7727 0755
END
Casal de Rey rings have been sighted, and sought after, in Paris, Milan and Ibiza but their launch in the UK by ToBeTupi is the first time a specially designed and branded collection has hit the European market.
ToBeTupi is launching an exclusive collection of rings in the UK. Created by renowned Brazilian fashion designer Roberto Casal de Rey each ring has a unique style and personality.
Casal de Rey rings represent a fusion of eco-chic with top quality modern design. Inspired by a ‘salvage ethos’ Roberto collects buttons, beads, pearls, steel wire and semi-precious stones and transforms them into shining objects of desire. To see a collection of Casal de Rey rings is like stepping into an attic where each abandoned item has been turned into a jewel.
Well-known to Brazilian actors Roberto spent several years creating and selling clothes and accessories for the cast of soap operas and various other programmes produced by TV Globo, Latin America’s largest television channel. He also honed his talents by designing carnival sets, a role which allowed him to be both creator and interpreter of modern Brazilian culture.
Casal de Rey’s Preview Collection for Spring-Summer 2008 is available at Potassium http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/
Casal de Rey rings represent individual vision in a world of the mass-produced. Innovative use of materials often rejected as ‘scrap’ give each ring a complexity which speaks to customers on a personal level. Faced with an intricate, woven topknot of multi-coloured stones and beads do you see the neon lights of Rio or the iridescent shell of a rainforest beetle? Visit Potassium and decide for yourself but be warned – to see is to desire. Brigitte Istim
Pure Envy Launch Event
Wednesday, 21 Nov, 6-8pm
Potassium
2 Seymour Place
Marble Arch
London, W1H 7NA
Tel.: 020 7723 7800
http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/
RSVP: vip@potassiumstore.co.uk
Play list: Arnaldo Baptista’s solo work (former leader of Os Mutantes) +
20 minutes of the best 1980’s Brazilian rock & pop & punk +
Cool Brazilian music
Selection by Sonia Maia – ToBeTupi’s founder.
For more information about Casal de Rey Rings and ToBeTupi, please contact Sonia Maia at:
Tel.: 07910 550 173
tobetupi@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.tobetupi.com/
Images available by request
For more information about Potassium
Karim Ladak
079 7727 0755
END
Saturday 20 October 2007
new.est press release...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, October 2007
An elegant wall-mounted cocktail bar forms part of a showcase of compact “apartment furniture” to be featured at central London concept store Potassium next month. Sitting on the wall with a fascia of sculptural steel curves, the Wall Bar is part of the New.Est collection by London-based designer Leonhard Pfeifer.
Known for coming up with “big ideas for small spaces” Pfeifer has integrated innovative storage methods with functional designs to ensure that each piece in the collection is well suited for everyday compact living. This attention to detail is matched by the manufacture, combining organic waves of metal that contrast against the warmth of the timber.
The Wall Bar draws on these elements to create stunning wall-mounted art that conceals a storage space perfectly sized for bottles and glassware, as the bar-lid folds forward to create a serving shelf. An essential piece for dinner parties and entertaining, the Wall Bar is complimentary to the Wall Table and provides an ideal solution for small living spaces.
Suited to a modern lifestyle, the New.Est collection was inspired by the natural landscape of Pfeifer’s homeland of New Zealand. The range includes an occasional table that also stores on the wall; as well as a coffee table with a hidden storage compartment.
The entire New.Est collection is on display at the Potassium flagship store, Marble Arch. A VIP reception will be held on Wednesday 7 November, from 6pm until 8pm. Please contact Karim at Potassium to confirm attendance - karim@potassiumstore.co.uk
Potassium Store, 2 Seymour Place, London, W1H 7NA, Tel. +44 (0) 20 7723 7800
www.potassiumstore.co.uk
For more information, images or samples of the New.Est collection, please contact Karla Thompson on +44 (0) 7904 196 327 or karla@leonhardpfeifer.com. The range can also be viewed at www.newestfurniture.com
for
London, October 2007
An elegant wall-mounted cocktail bar forms part of a showcase of compact “apartment furniture” to be featured at central London concept store Potassium next month. Sitting on the wall with a fascia of sculptural steel curves, the Wall Bar is part of the New.Est collection by London-based designer Leonhard Pfeifer.
Known for coming up with “big ideas for small spaces” Pfeifer has integrated innovative storage methods with functional designs to ensure that each piece in the collection is well suited for everyday compact living. This attention to detail is matched by the manufacture, combining organic waves of metal that contrast against the warmth of the timber.
The Wall Bar draws on these elements to create stunning wall-mounted art that conceals a storage space perfectly sized for bottles and glassware, as the bar-lid folds forward to create a serving shelf. An essential piece for dinner parties and entertaining, the Wall Bar is complimentary to the Wall Table and provides an ideal solution for small living spaces.
Suited to a modern lifestyle, the New.Est collection was inspired by the natural landscape of Pfeifer’s homeland of New Zealand. The range includes an occasional table that also stores on the wall; as well as a coffee table with a hidden storage compartment.
The entire New.Est collection is on display at the Potassium flagship store, Marble Arch. A VIP reception will be held on Wednesday 7 November, from 6pm until 8pm. Please contact Karim at Potassium to confirm attendance - karim@potassiumstore.co.uk
Potassium Store, 2 Seymour Place, London, W1H 7NA, Tel. +44 (0) 20 7723 7800
www.potassiumstore.co.uk
For more information, images or samples of the New.Est collection, please contact Karla Thompson on +44 (0) 7904 196 327 or karla@leonhardpfeifer.com. The range can also be viewed at www.newestfurniture.com
for
Tuesday 16 October 2007
101 things to buy before you die...
“Potassium organic cotton t-shirt: the classic t-shirt wins our seal of approval for several reasons: its simple wearable shape is neither too boxy nor too tight. It’s made from organic cotton that helps reduce the need for insecticides (harmful to both humans and the environment); and it is available in almost any shade you can dream of from cornflower blue to fire engine red as well as classic black and white.” 101 things to buy before you die. October 2007.
The potassium organic cotton t-shirt is available in limited quantities for men and women in store and on-line...
Friday 5 October 2007
the mermaid, the devil & the poet...
After a few weeks of hard work, Isabelle and Gary got to work. The result? "Best shop on the block..."
Friday 28 September 2007
potassium free art fair
As part of our think global act local philosophy, Potassium will be exhibiting a selection of works by Isabelle Bricknall and Gary Porter from 8th to 14th October as part of the Free Art Fair on Seymour Place. To close the exhibition, Aidan Andrew Dun will perform from his epic poem “Vale Royal”
The Free Art Fair is an art fair where work is given away at the end. People will have the chance to own a piece of art by artists from the Saatchi Collection or who have exhibited at the Tate. For once instead of art going to the highest bidder or those who can afford it, someone who really loves an artwork will be able to have it for free.
"I thought we should do something different from what everyone else is doing at this time of year and non-commercial, and something that excites people and values art not selling. This gives anyone the chance to own a serious piece of art." (Jasper Joffe, founder The Free Art Fair)
ISABELLE BRICKNALL is an artist, designer and adventurer in the arts. With an MA in Fashion & Textiles she had a prolific career in Haute Couture. Bringing together performance, costume, photography, mixed media and digital, she fearlessly dives into the visionary deep. Living a luridly colourful life on her voyage to creating the piece being shown. “The skulduggery, ducking and diving into the deep waters of London’s nightlife, meeting the divine creatures who inspired me to work this way. I thank every one of them; the good, the bad and the ugly! Or as an art angel Andy Warhol puts it…its more fun to be with people who are doing things…”
GARY PORTER was born in Zambia of Northern Irish, Protestant parents and grew up in South Africa in the last decades of apartheid. He studied art at Ruth Prowse in Cape Town before settling in London, 21 yrs ago. He found creative success through, what he refers to, as “disposable art for the street” – window displays; founding Elemental Design, the London based, visual communications & retail design company. His work is vividly coloured with conflict, duality, repression, self-reproach, and ultimately, healing. Gary is exhibiting “Lucifer’s Limousine”, a self -portrait.
AIDAN ANDREW DUN grew up in the West Indies, returning to London as a teenager before travelling around the world for more than a decade. His first epic poem Vale Royal, (Goldmark, 1995) was launched at the Royal Albert Hall, and led to him being dubbed as the 'voice of King's Cross'
Isabelle and Gary will be in attendance at the opening on Monday 8th October 2007 from 18:00 to 20:00. The closing event will feature Aidan Andrew Dun reading from his epic “Vale Royal” at 16:00 followed by the art give away at 18:00.
For full details on the Free Art Fair see http://www.freeartfair.com/
For further information on Isabelle, Gary, Aidan or Potassium, please e-mail karim@potassiumstore.co.uk
End
The Free Art Fair is an art fair where work is given away at the end. People will have the chance to own a piece of art by artists from the Saatchi Collection or who have exhibited at the Tate. For once instead of art going to the highest bidder or those who can afford it, someone who really loves an artwork will be able to have it for free.
"I thought we should do something different from what everyone else is doing at this time of year and non-commercial, and something that excites people and values art not selling. This gives anyone the chance to own a serious piece of art." (Jasper Joffe, founder The Free Art Fair)
ISABELLE BRICKNALL is an artist, designer and adventurer in the arts. With an MA in Fashion & Textiles she had a prolific career in Haute Couture. Bringing together performance, costume, photography, mixed media and digital, she fearlessly dives into the visionary deep. Living a luridly colourful life on her voyage to creating the piece being shown. “The skulduggery, ducking and diving into the deep waters of London’s nightlife, meeting the divine creatures who inspired me to work this way. I thank every one of them; the good, the bad and the ugly! Or as an art angel Andy Warhol puts it…its more fun to be with people who are doing things…”
GARY PORTER was born in Zambia of Northern Irish, Protestant parents and grew up in South Africa in the last decades of apartheid. He studied art at Ruth Prowse in Cape Town before settling in London, 21 yrs ago. He found creative success through, what he refers to, as “disposable art for the street” – window displays; founding Elemental Design, the London based, visual communications & retail design company. His work is vividly coloured with conflict, duality, repression, self-reproach, and ultimately, healing. Gary is exhibiting “Lucifer’s Limousine”, a self -portrait.
AIDAN ANDREW DUN grew up in the West Indies, returning to London as a teenager before travelling around the world for more than a decade. His first epic poem Vale Royal, (Goldmark, 1995) was launched at the Royal Albert Hall, and led to him being dubbed as the 'voice of King's Cross'
Isabelle and Gary will be in attendance at the opening on Monday 8th October 2007 from 18:00 to 20:00. The closing event will feature Aidan Andrew Dun reading from his epic “Vale Royal” at 16:00 followed by the art give away at 18:00.
For full details on the Free Art Fair see http://www.freeartfair.com/
For further information on Isabelle, Gary, Aidan or Potassium, please e-mail karim@potassiumstore.co.uk
End
Monday 24 September 2007
new.est...
we like bringing the new to you and we're quite excited about New.Est a collaboration by London based New Zealander Leonhard Pfeifer and Woodman of Estonia. Hence the name "New.Est" this new range of furniture in either urban walnut or comfortable oak is designed with functionality and space saving in mind. not forgetting that the woods are from sustainable sources and the solvents used to bind the mdf carcasses have a reduced toxicity level, not quie toxin free, but very close. we're also working to eliminate the toxins completely using a 100% eco-friendly bonding.
the mini-bar in particular has been a favourite amongst our clients but now that a larger selection of show-room models in on display, we're sure the other pieces in the range will prove just as popular.
leonhard will be appreaing at an instore event on 7/11/07 at the store. to receive your invite e-mail us to be included on our "dosage instructions" newsletter.
Friday 21 September 2007
fashion, furniture and a whole lotta art...
Trust me there are times I don't like September. It all starts with a round of trade shows that culminate in a mountain of paperwork that ensures that all the new lovely things for spring summer are booked.
Next comes fashion week where the press fall over themselves to photograph, capture and inform us all as to what we will look like next year - they do a great job and they help reinforce some of the decisions we've already made.
At the same time the London Design Festival kicks in and I spend at least 1/2 an hour feeling like I just don't know where to start after flicking through the guide, there's just so much to see; 100% Design, Tent, Designer's Block and a multitude of happenings around this great city.
And then just when you thought you could afford a day off the art-pack start getting ready for the annual art fest; frieze.
Last year apparantly art sales at Frieze totalled £23M. That's M for million by the way. Not bad for a Sunday afternoon in the park with George and friends. Dealers and Art Dealers as well as many an art enthusiast travel to London to converge for one of the most important dates in the art world calender.
What's struck a cord with is though is a new show http://www.freeartfair.com/ not just because it gives away the art free (yes you read correctly) at the end of the week long show, but that it happens to be happening in our manor.
From 8-14 October 2007 5, 8 and 21 Seymour Place will exhibit art by artists who have previously shown at the Saatchi and Tate galleries. On the Sunday prepare to queue from 6pm and request the piece of art you like the most. More details are on the Free Art Fair website.
At Potassium we like a bit of culture too. This week our window change is an homage to Denis Bowen. Probably not the most recognisable name in art but Denis was responsible for launching the New Vision gallery which happened to be next door to us at 4 Seymour Place. Sadly Denis died last year but we hope that our window makes sure that his vision continues during this key time. For more information on Bowen and the New Vision Gallery see www.denisbowen.com
Our next window will coincide with the launch of the Free Art Fair on Seymour Place and will feature work by Isabelle Bricknall and Gary Porter.
Next comes fashion week where the press fall over themselves to photograph, capture and inform us all as to what we will look like next year - they do a great job and they help reinforce some of the decisions we've already made.
At the same time the London Design Festival kicks in and I spend at least 1/2 an hour feeling like I just don't know where to start after flicking through the guide, there's just so much to see; 100% Design, Tent, Designer's Block and a multitude of happenings around this great city.
And then just when you thought you could afford a day off the art-pack start getting ready for the annual art fest; frieze.
Last year apparantly art sales at Frieze totalled £23M. That's M for million by the way. Not bad for a Sunday afternoon in the park with George and friends. Dealers and Art Dealers as well as many an art enthusiast travel to London to converge for one of the most important dates in the art world calender.
What's struck a cord with is though is a new show http://www.freeartfair.com/ not just because it gives away the art free (yes you read correctly) at the end of the week long show, but that it happens to be happening in our manor.
From 8-14 October 2007 5, 8 and 21 Seymour Place will exhibit art by artists who have previously shown at the Saatchi and Tate galleries. On the Sunday prepare to queue from 6pm and request the piece of art you like the most. More details are on the Free Art Fair website.
At Potassium we like a bit of culture too. This week our window change is an homage to Denis Bowen. Probably not the most recognisable name in art but Denis was responsible for launching the New Vision gallery which happened to be next door to us at 4 Seymour Place. Sadly Denis died last year but we hope that our window makes sure that his vision continues during this key time. For more information on Bowen and the New Vision Gallery see www.denisbowen.com
Our next window will coincide with the launch of the Free Art Fair on Seymour Place and will feature work by Isabelle Bricknall and Gary Porter.
We'll be hosting an event on Monday 8 October 2007 from 18:00 to 20:00 with the artists at the store and invite you to visit us and the other spaces on Seymour Place showing art.
Friday 7 September 2007
new store new site...
So the seasons are changing and this time London seems to be getting warmer rather then cooler. Sure there may be a global warming issue here but I have to say that this is probably the first full week I've been able to wear my shorts and not freeze...
At Potassium, we've given our store and our website a bit of a makeover going back to our roots of simple modern ethical design. Matt and Nat bags are literally flying off the shelves as is our new men's wear line Rand jeans; little brother of Bitte Kai Rand, this ethically produced line combines the style of the Danes with exceptional detailing and beautiful fabrics. This is a line for the confident discerning man so if you're still trapped by fire or like to imitate a large black puma don't even bother.
Our furniture has come again to the foreground and we're looking forward to layering on the New.Est collection by Leonhard Pheifer which introduces urban London scale lifestyle in to the mix. (If you want a sneak preview go to the furniture section on our website and have a snoop around) Coupled with the sleeker look in store which some (mainly me) would say reminds us of when the store opened in December 2005, means that for the first time in a while you can actually see all the product. Of course I had help from Simon and Izzy, but trust me our work is not done and whilst the store looks phenomenal now (and that's what some of your have said) we're pushing the boat out and want to shock and surprise throughout the season. How would I best describe it? It's a work of art constantly evolving.
We made friends recently with some rather nice chaps in Worcester. Despite having been affected by the summer flooding in England, Chris, John and Simon managed to deal with getting our website up and running in a couple of days. Don't worry though we were gentle and I hear that Chris still had time for the llama's, John got to strum his guitar at a festival or two and Simon had a star date...
The result of the Potassium/Phase 8 collaboration is pretty impressive from what we've heard, and the website has been nominated for an award. Tell us what you think. Take a look at http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/ and let us know.
Sunday 19 August 2007
season finale: the serpentine gallery, a new website, and our seasonal clearance...
Well here we are week 2 in the new world. A few interesting things happened last week. Apart from new products coming into the store, our new website went live with around 300 products from the current collection on line. Over the next few weeks more and more will be added so keep checking www.potassiumstore.co.uk
Also as part of our "THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL" philosophy, we are linking up with the Serpentine Gallery to partner on a new art initiative, focused on our local area. Art celebrating the rich history and diversity of the neighbourhood is something we are quite excited about. If you would like to participate, please contact us. The project is in the initial stages so this is a great time to influence and shape the projects evolution.
So the Season Final sale got off to a fine start on Thursday. Come 19:00 on the first day we were feeling a little parched and so KGB kicked in with customers shopping until 22:00
Also as part of our "THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL" philosophy, we are linking up with the Serpentine Gallery to partner on a new art initiative, focused on our local area. Art celebrating the rich history and diversity of the neighbourhood is something we are quite excited about. If you would like to participate, please contact us. The project is in the initial stages so this is a great time to influence and shape the projects evolution.
So the Season Final sale got off to a fine start on Thursday. Come 19:00 on the first day we were feeling a little parched and so KGB kicked in with customers shopping until 22:00
Monday 13 August 2007
green is the colour of money...
but not if you're from Sri Lanka, India or Bangladesh and you work for the Arcadia Group. So Sir Philip Green has been rumbled. This time it's not for his services to the British Empire or is it? Apparently an article in The Sunday Times (it is the Sunday papers you know!) on 12/8/07 reported that migrant workers in South Asia are being duped by agencies employed by Green's Arcadia Group with the promise of better wages for working in Mauritian factories. The report found that "better wages" amounted to less then £5.00 for a 12 hour work day 40% less than the average local wage. Of course Green (with envy) has vowed to investigate claims immediately.
This is not the first time Arcadia or any other major High Street brand has come under fire for unfair pay and conditions. But what can we really do about it and how can we create change? Time Out listed Potassium as one of the 10 most ethical retailers in an article in April 2007 and in the Time Out Shopping Guide commented on us "standing out" for our commitment to environmental and ethical sourcing.
Trust me this is not easy, particularly if you're a 20 month old business. In my previous life my corporate employers worked as much as they could to ensure that a fair price was paid for product and that working conditions were regulated. Having travelled to a few factories in my time, I was able to see first hand what my employers' endeavours tried to accomplish. Factory reports were filed, boxes checked, and random QC inspections undertaken. What it all boiled down to at the end however was the price and ultimately the margin after all that's what made the company work and ensured my pay check came regularly.
Now I'm in a different position completely. I haven't had a pay check since March 2005, but I am still committed to working fairly with our "partners." I always pay our invoices on time particularly where the vendor is an individual or new designer/business. I ask vendors for their policy on ethical and environmental sourcing (it's amazing how many people stumble in the first sentence on this one - which is always a sign) and I have been known to challenge a vendor or two on their pricing looking at it purely from the point of view of the customer - sure there's luxury but there's also blatant theft.
And the sustainable issue is an interesting one too. "Let's create a sustainable Eco-friendly, green, low carbon emission, recycled, thing!" So was the cry of many last year once they realised that green really is the colour of money. Strange though that when you really look at a "green" product it's quite often only partly so. Potassium has done limited product development but I am proud that our organic cotton tee-shirts are soil association certified, and that our soy candles are in a recyclable tin that arrive by sea not plane, and are made by an organisation that promotes a return to work for physically/mentally challenged individuals.
So what do you make of the whole Eco/fair trade vibe that's in the market. Are you prepared to pay a premium for product that is ethically and environmentally sourced, and which of the two are most important to you? Do you trust the High Street to deliver the goods in the right way and is green really the colour of money?
This is not the first time Arcadia or any other major High Street brand has come under fire for unfair pay and conditions. But what can we really do about it and how can we create change? Time Out listed Potassium as one of the 10 most ethical retailers in an article in April 2007 and in the Time Out Shopping Guide commented on us "standing out" for our commitment to environmental and ethical sourcing.
Trust me this is not easy, particularly if you're a 20 month old business. In my previous life my corporate employers worked as much as they could to ensure that a fair price was paid for product and that working conditions were regulated. Having travelled to a few factories in my time, I was able to see first hand what my employers' endeavours tried to accomplish. Factory reports were filed, boxes checked, and random QC inspections undertaken. What it all boiled down to at the end however was the price and ultimately the margin after all that's what made the company work and ensured my pay check came regularly.
Now I'm in a different position completely. I haven't had a pay check since March 2005, but I am still committed to working fairly with our "partners." I always pay our invoices on time particularly where the vendor is an individual or new designer/business. I ask vendors for their policy on ethical and environmental sourcing (it's amazing how many people stumble in the first sentence on this one - which is always a sign) and I have been known to challenge a vendor or two on their pricing looking at it purely from the point of view of the customer - sure there's luxury but there's also blatant theft.
And the sustainable issue is an interesting one too. "Let's create a sustainable Eco-friendly, green, low carbon emission, recycled, thing!" So was the cry of many last year once they realised that green really is the colour of money. Strange though that when you really look at a "green" product it's quite often only partly so. Potassium has done limited product development but I am proud that our organic cotton tee-shirts are soil association certified, and that our soy candles are in a recyclable tin that arrive by sea not plane, and are made by an organisation that promotes a return to work for physically/mentally challenged individuals.
So what do you make of the whole Eco/fair trade vibe that's in the market. Are you prepared to pay a premium for product that is ethically and environmentally sourced, and which of the two are most important to you? Do you trust the High Street to deliver the goods in the right way and is green really the colour of money?
virtual retail therapy...
so during this rather quiet time in w1 what have I been doing? well after a number of requests I've decided to change our magazine led website in to a good old fashioned shop. you can view the work in progress at www.potassiumstore.co.uk but please note that it's not quite "live" yet. thanks to all the friends and family who took a look and offered suggestions. if you'd like to comment please feel free to let me know your thoughts.
New product has started flowing through for the autumn winter season now, which we're calling at Potassium "Yoshiwara" The season is inspired by Japan but in our tradition we're giving it a modern twist. Yoshiwara an old suburb of Edo was know as the "pleasure city" which as we get closer to Christmas you'll see even more of at the store.
In the meantime I'm hoping our Season Finale sale which starts on 16/8/07 will clear the decks for our store transformation at the end of the month.
The new brand launch for the season is Rand Jeans. The little brother of Bitte Kai Rand, Rand Jeans uses the same luxury materials and fine detail associated with this Danish fashion institution. Jeans with Danish style sit alongside chunky cable knit jumpers and cardigans in a blend of alpaca and merino. As well as brilliant black (yes it's back and did it ever really ever go away?) the blue I'm calling Japanese Blue as well as great cowboy cut shirts in the softest cotton ever.
Well talk about flow, literally just arrived and out on the floor and selling already is the new range from Matt & Nat. I'm very excited about the new fabric they call Japanese Paper. This fabric that ages with time comes in a gloss finish in plum, blueberry, or coffee in two styles; Interpol and Vicious. These you have to see...
New product has started flowing through for the autumn winter season now, which we're calling at Potassium "Yoshiwara" The season is inspired by Japan but in our tradition we're giving it a modern twist. Yoshiwara an old suburb of Edo was know as the "pleasure city" which as we get closer to Christmas you'll see even more of at the store.
In the meantime I'm hoping our Season Finale sale which starts on 16/8/07 will clear the decks for our store transformation at the end of the month.
The new brand launch for the season is Rand Jeans. The little brother of Bitte Kai Rand, Rand Jeans uses the same luxury materials and fine detail associated with this Danish fashion institution. Jeans with Danish style sit alongside chunky cable knit jumpers and cardigans in a blend of alpaca and merino. As well as brilliant black (yes it's back and did it ever really ever go away?) the blue I'm calling Japanese Blue as well as great cowboy cut shirts in the softest cotton ever.
Well talk about flow, literally just arrived and out on the floor and selling already is the new range from Matt & Nat. I'm very excited about the new fabric they call Japanese Paper. This fabric that ages with time comes in a gloss finish in plum, blueberry, or coffee in two styles; Interpol and Vicious. These you have to see...
welcome to potassium
welcome to potassium...
OK so we could run you through all that we do but the fact that you've found this blog probably means that you've already come across us some where some time some how. If not check out http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/
I decided to succumb and start writing because a number of friends have told me that I should and then another friend Crimson Girl (see http://www.crimsonclothes.com/) who has a fab shop in W2 showed me how to do it. So here I am ready to share with you all the elements that help me live.
OK so we could run you through all that we do but the fact that you've found this blog probably means that you've already come across us some where some time some how. If not check out http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk/
I decided to succumb and start writing because a number of friends have told me that I should and then another friend Crimson Girl (see http://www.crimsonclothes.com/) who has a fab shop in W2 showed me how to do it. So here I am ready to share with you all the elements that help me live.
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