Profession / role:

designer - entrepeneur in the making

My primary role in relation to fashion is:

Designer

I am looking to discover or buy

Information on cork "leather" manufacturers, Dinamica clothing grade manufacturers etc advice!

About me / About business or organisation:

I am currently in the process of writing up my business plan for a Ready to wear fashion label based in Manchester that uses only ethical, cruelty-free clothes that are also extremely environmentally conscious. I intend to bring some production back to Britain, designing and having everything made here. I feel it is extremely important for the UK to begin to claw back some of the production power we once had.
I am currently looking for suppliers of various ethical, high quality alternatives to leather and Suede, unusual innovative fabrics which are friendly to the planet such as cork.
Being a vegan, my brand will be sustainable & animal friendly to the core - everything down to the sustainable packaging which will create work for farmers in developing countries to the percentage of profit (when I make one) that I will donate to an anti-leather charity.

Career history / Company history:

I have been in sales since leaving school. Although I cringe when I think back to all those sales calls I once had to make, I am now thankful because it set me up very well for all the calls I will have to make in my own business.
whilst undertaking an intense vocational two year foundation degree in fashion & clothing technology, I interned at Gareth Pugh in London and then at Paris Fashion week as a dresser backstage.