Sustainable Practices

Sustainable Practices

As I think I've said before, 2020 was a real year of reflection for us, Junior Edition celebrated it's 5th birthday (socially distanced and in lockdown naturally) and we were able to look back at our metamorphosis from a tiny online business to one that has grown to include a beautiful bricks and mortar shop in Brighton's vibrant North Laine area and a warehouse distribution centre just along the coast in Newhaven.

With the operational side of things now flowing well, we wanted to start making some real in-roads to our dream of becoming a fully sustainable business and whilst 2021 has already thrown us some all-consuming challenges (Brexit, I'm looking at you) it has made us all the more determined, not only to ride out this latest storm, but to build a better, more sustainable business too.

Slow Fashion

Slow Fashion

Junior Edition is now 5 years old and, with the passage of time, we have become increasingly aware of the impact the fashion industry is having on both the planet and the people producing the clothing itself. Whilst we have always tried to make carefully considered choices, how we might be able to positively influence the future based on our decision making now has become increasingly important.

In more recent times we have started to adapt our buying practices, shifting focus to support, and bring, small volume artisan produced brands to our customers who have expressed a growing desire for 'Slow Fashion'.

Working To Build A Sustainable Future

Working To Build A Sustainable Future

Wow, what a rollercoaster of a year 2020 turned out to be! It was a bumpy old year but we made it through, in large part thanks to the support of our wonderful customers, thank you.

Amongst all of the chaos it has been a year of reflection for us, as a business. We first came into this five whole years ago now and there's no denying that it has been TOUGH on occasion, juggling family with a business that grew to include a physical store as well as online threw up some of the most enormous challenges. We have worked really hard across the last couple of years to smooth out operational issues. Securing a warehouse and having a proper distribution hub was a game-changer for us and we are lucky enough to have a really strong and committed team who have been nothing short of amazing during this pandemic.

Mini Rodini AW20: Für Elise

Mini Rodini AW20: Für Elise

Mini Rodini never fail to impress; quirky, colourful prints that work as hard as kids play! It's one of those brands that is fun to buy and even more exciting to launch as little is revealed by way of 'sneak peaks' beyond the name of the collection. We get such a buzz launching the product after weeks of speculation on social media and there are always a few absolute gems in there that get folks super excited, and this season was no exception!

Autumn/Winter 2020 is an absolute cracker of a collection, with 3 chapters released across the months of July, August and September. Für Elise is inspired by classical music and art and there are so many fabulous new prints from Mozart pandas and cat choirs to notes and violas. 

Amy and Ivor - Feet Friendly Footwear

Amy and Ivor - Feet Friendly Footwear

Baby feet. Right now I can't think of anything in the world cuter than those teeny toes on tiny feet and oh the excitement when the wee one takes their first steps! I remember my joy lasting approximately one whole hour before I realised what this truly meant.....what a game-changer!!!

Amy & Ivor children's footwear is a small business established and run by mum Alice Hedley. They are passionate about baby feet and their soft structure and breathable leather moccasins are kind to developing feet, recognising that the soft bone structure of a child’s foot is better left to grow unrestricted.

We have a great selection of their fabulous shoes here at Junior Edition and are huge fans of these beautifully soft creations.

With winter dealing some really cold spells the fluffy yeti moccasins in burnt sienna and black are proving to be a real hit. A modern and simple, well fitting foot shaped design, with unique combination of colour blocking, printed leather and fringe detail at the front. They are so easy to put on and the elasticated design really does stay on little feet.

The simple fringed moccasin is perhaps their most iconic shoe and we stock it here in nude, slate, and burnt sienna. Made from baby safe vegetable tanned chrome free leather that is naturally soft, supple and breathable. The soft soled structure is kind even to the tiniest of developing feet and is the best footwear for their developing sense of balance.

As young children start to move and develop motor skills its important not to hinder them with heavily structured and cumbersome footwear. That doesn't mean that boot styles need to be ruled out though and Amy and Ivor have created a beautiful range of high tops. As with all of their shoes the soft leather sole is ideal for indoor and light outdoor use in dry conditions, protecting little feet and allowing young walkers to still feel the surfaces they tread upon.  

Winner of numerous awards, Amy & Ivor has gained recognition as the best and most stylish footwear choice for small people. With an ethical and environmentally conscious mindset, they have strived to source the best quality and most eco friendly and safest materials to use in their shoes.

We stock Amy and Ivor shoes in sizes 1-4 which effectively covers up to 18 months. Indulge yourself further with a look at our complete collection here or come visit our store in the heart of Brighton's North Laine area and see these beautiful shoes for yourself!