‘I sleep better knowing I’m running a responsible fashion brand’
Lucy Macnamara, 54, founder of Aspiga, strives to do right by the planet and to drive positive change in the fashion industry.
Iwas inspired to set up Aspiga in 2005, when I discovered the most exquisite beaded sandals from Kenya while on holiday. Struck by the talent of the local artisans, I saw a business idea that would help stimulate the local economy and empower the skilled makers. I worked with them to launch a small range in the UK the following year. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, I’d always wanted my own business, but I was still delighted when that first capsule collection of sandals secured 40 stockists.
I worked at Business in the Community – a sister charity to The Prince’s Trust – for 15 years before creating my own brand, so I’d seen the role business can have in driving positive change. Sustainability and giving back has therefore been at the forefront of Aspiga since day one.
In 2014, we started producing dresses and now sell clothing, accessories and shoes online and in 11 stores, mainly in London and the south of England. We invest in certified fabrics to ensure responsible sourcing and traceability
– 98% of our cotton is organic or responsibly sourced. Where we haven’t been able to source either, we donate £1-2 per item sold to Waterharvest charity.
I’m determined that anyone involved in producing Aspiga has fair wages and safe working conditions, so I only work with partners who adhere to the International Labour Organization standards. We were one of the first fashion brands to introduce a mental health policy for all employees, and our charity projects support communities struggling with poverty in Kenya, India and the UK.
Sustainability also means making clothes last longer. I’m proud of our new Repair and
Rewear mending service, which is free for any Aspiga garments bought within the last six months. We also partner with The Cirkel, a fashion resale platform, which enables people to buy pre-loved Aspiga and sell their old pieces.
We take our commitment to the planet through to our shops and online business.
For every shop we open, we aim to reuse the shelves and fixtures already in the space so that we send virtually nothing to landfill. Since
2019, our packaging has been plastic-free – even our jewellery bags are made from old saris.
We were delighted to become B Corp certified last year, and we constantly strive to do more for the planet. My ambition is for Aspiga to be carbon neutral by 2025.
I absolutely love my job, and I have a great team of 70 people who are all passionate about the planet.
In the past three years, Aspiga has achieved an average annual growth of more than 60%. Our shoppers tell me they feel good knowing we care about what impact we have and how we work. I want to continue to expand and develop our offering and prove that the business of fashion can be a powerful force for good.
We are by no means perfect, but that keeps us all on our toes, striving to do even more. I definitely sleep better at night knowing I am running a genuinely responsible fashion brand. • aspiga.com
We constantly strive to do more for the planet