Palava puts sustainability efforts encompass every aspect of their company, from ethical manufacturing to thoughtful design, aiming to make a positive impact on the world while injecting a bit of fun into everyone’s day.
"I love to make clothing that highlights the vibrancy and creativity of women who do not want to disappear into the background." - Bryony Richardson
Sustainability
The brand uses natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, and Tencel™, which are all biodegradable. Additionally, they employ natural alternatives like Corozo nut buttons for their dresses. Palava produces their pieces as close to home as possible to reduce the carbon footprint of each item and improve supply chain transparency.
The brand repurposes leftover fabric offcuts to create tote bags and hair ties, minimizing waste and promoting a circular approach to production. Palava has made efforts to ensure their packaging is plastic-free, utilizing compostable bags and paper mailers, further aligning with sustainable practices.
Ethical Practises
Palava works with small, family-run factories in the UK and Turkey, maintaining long-term partnerships to ensure transparency and ethical manufacturing.
The brand maintains close engagement with their manufacturing partners, visiting them regularly to ensure the quality and ethical standards of their products. This commitment to worker engagement contributes to the overall ethical practices within their supply chain.
Why Wednesday Loves
Palava’s commitment to using hand-illustrated prints on their clothing truly brings stories to life, making each garment a unique and vibrant piece of wearable art. The brand’s dedication to creating prints that tell a unique story every season through color and hand-illustrated patterns is a testament to their creative ethos. This approach not only adds a personal touch to their designs but also empowers their customers, emboldening them to embrace individuality and live life in full color.
Brief History
Palava has a rich history that began in a small town called Yarm on Tees. It originated from a family-owned shop called Strickland and Holt, which has been passed down through the generations since 1854, witnessing various transformations over the years. In 1974, Stephanie Holt and Michael Richardson took on the challenge of rescuing the troubled family business. Strickland and Holt served as the birthplace of Poppy, which later evolved into the brand known as Palava.
Stephanie and Michael founded Poppy as an endeavor to revitalize the shop, initially producing children’s bedding from their own prints designed by local artists. The brand gained recognition and success, selling to prestigious department stores such as Harrods and John Lewis. Eventually, Poppy expanded into clothing and continued to create collections until the year 2000.
After a period of hiatus, Palava saw a revival when Bryony Richardson, the youngest of Stephanie and Michael’s four children, returned to breathe new life into the company. Drawing inspiration from nostalgic storybooks and her love for children’s designs, Bryony began to create her own illustrative prints, infusing each fabric with a unique story. The brand’s ethos revolves around giving meaning to the clothing they produce, with a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing and sustainability.
Palava is based in London, and its founder, Bryony Richardson, has ensured that the brand remains rooted in its commitment to creating beautiful, unique clothing that can be cherished and passed down from generation to generation. The brand’s journey has been marked by challenges, including a rebranding process, but it continues to maintain a strong identity characterized by fun, creativity, and a dedication to making a positive impact on the world.