A local Wokingham fashion designer had the shock of her life when she was told her designs will be featured in a John Lewis pop-up in the Oxford Street flag-ship store this Summer.
Aparna Jain, originally from India begun the business during lockdown 2020 when she became aware of the families around her struggling after losing their jobs.
The goal was to help in a more sustainable way.
Aparna said: “When we saw people around us struggling both in England and India, our first thought was to give them food. However after talking to my sisters about it, we realised we wanted to give something back that was more sustainable.
“By using local artisans we were able to give some hope to them and their family and create something that could unite our passion for fashion”
Their goal was to create a brand that was both unique, comfortable, and sustainable. This really leans into slow fashion and their core values.
The first collection lounge wear, which was popular throughout lockdown for their customers in the UK.
The Wokingham designer said: “Our first 15 sets sold out and then we started looking at designing something else for the spring/summer capsule collection launched in 2021.
“We’ve had such a good response to all of our collections and our family and friend have been so supportive.”
The fashion company, Yuniku London, was chosen by John Lewis after Aparna entered her designs via the ‘Great British Exchange’ which is a way for independent business to expand and network.
The brand was shortlisted by John Lewis because it was in line with John Lewis’ ethos and values, of being ethical and sustainable.
All designs are created by Aparna and her sister Millie, who lives in India were manufacturing takes place. Millie was a virtual merchandiser and the Wokingham designer worked in merchandiser production for brands such Abercrombie and Fitch and other big US and UK brands.
They said: “We are so excited and shocked that we have got to this point already, especially when we are so young.
“Eventually we would love the brand to be sold in Harvey Nichols, Harrods and John Lewis permanently so this is a big stepping stone towards that.”
Yuniku London pop up will be installed in John Lewis flagship store on Oxford Street from June 20 – June 26.
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