Interviewing Merryn Leslie as she takes us around her store, 69b |
Firstly, I must say that this interview was meant to be published since last year, which means the items in the shop may not all be there. Secondly, regardless of how long ago this interview was (could not find the recording of the interview to save my life, until now), it is still relevant to what we need to know about the sustainable fashion gem that is 69b in our beloved Hackney, and the mastermind behind it.
If you have not visited 69b or even heard of it (or even ventured into Hackney for that matter), its time you did. I first heard about 69b from ethical luxury handbag designer Selina Cheong during my interview with her, so upon her recommendation I had to see for myself. Opened in March 2011, 69b carries some of the leading sustainable womenswear fashion brands which stays true to the effervescent cool of the Hackney streets--the perfect juxtaposition of conscious fashion and the culture of the area in which the store is located. Before you walk into the store, you are greeted by the antediluvian sign of what the building was before. As you walk in, you can't escape the feeling of being glad that you're there. Your eyes are taken to all directions, as you immediately want to know the stories behind all the items, and of course walk away with loads.
As I was taken down to the second floor to begin my interview with Merryn Leslie, I couldn't help but stroke some of the rich fabrics of the clothing. Turning to Emma J, our photographer for the day, I gushed (unprofessionally) like a school girl with a crush at one of the Riyka Dresses, which I then made Emma J model (style post to follow). Finally, we were introduced to Merryn, whose presence, and passion were undeniable, and who was ready to fill us in on how she came up with 69b, her life before, and where she sees the future of sustainability and her role in taking it forward.