SAVE OUR HACKNEY STREETS

After a rollercoaster year of multiple lockdowns, independents and local businesses have faced instrumental challenges. At RÆBURN, we have felt the effects of these tough months first hand, but have also been saddened to see the ever vibrant Hackney community closing its doors. With a new year ahead and some positivity in sight, we wanted to share with you some of the stories of our Hackney LIFT neighbours and how they have persevered with craft, creativity and community. 

Jackie, owner of Rekindled, explains how she has ‘worked really hard over the last 8 years building Rekindled and the impact of the lockdowns have been devastating’. Despite this, her passion for quality vintage clothing remains and she has exciting plans to begin selling her curated items online and ‘join the army of online selling’. To support Jackie’s journey and keep in the loop with her progress, follow @rekindledhackney. 

Hannah, from Paper Dress Vintage, says that the key to keep going as an independent business in this climate is to continue to adapt. With initiatives such as launching a crowdfunder to support both the business and staff, making masks from vintage fabrics, selling 'Long Live Paper Dress' t-shirts and launching an online shop at shop.paperdressvintage, Paper Dress has shown how keeping optimistic and flexible as a business can bring success. In September, they even had a visit from Sadiq Kahn, a ‘nice recognition of how hard it is to be struggling through these times as an independent business.’

Brooke, owner of Make Town, has also shown great resilience in these times. Continuing to host weaving and craft workshops when restrictions allowed, and encouraging the people of Hackney to stay creative even when they are confined to their homes. For now, she's selling her colourful yarns, craft kits, haberdashery and more on her online shop if you fancy a go. Start your own making journey via @make.town.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 British retail brands are predicted to disappear by March. We at RÆBURN want to do everything we can to prevent that from becoming reality. As we know all too well, these are places for diverse individuals to come together and for local creativity to thrive - their loss would leave a gaping hole in the hearts of our communities. To show our support we have joined the campaign to #SAVETHESTREET, by signing the open letter to call the government to further action. You too can get involved by supporting local and signing the open letter via savethestreet.com.

For more celebration of local independents follow @hackney_lift, a collective of creative brands looking to put Hackney on the map for responsible, low impact craft and fashion.

Thanks to Matt Allin for the images.