Mary Portas Brings Charity Chic To Chiswick
New Living & Giving shop opens to help Save the Children charity
Retail guru Mary Portas came to Chiswick last week to visit her Living & Giving clothing and local artwork charity shop which opened last Saturday ( Feb 2nd). The shop’s main aim is to raise as much money as possible for Save the Children’s work and is the seventh outlet to open in the past three years.
Mary, (pictured on right) who is currently advising the government on how Britain's High Streets can adapt to the changing economic times, visited the shop and chatted to staff and customers. She commented; “When I opened my first Mary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children, little did I know that come 2013, we would have an emporium in the heart of Chiswick.
"The local community has been beyond amazing. They’ve really welcomed us, and embraced us wholeheartedly…they’ve been central to making my vision come alive. With donations coming in from designers, local artists, craftspeople, cake bakers and shoppers, this is a chance for you to have that long-awaited clear-out - start now and donate today!”
The Principal of local architects and design studio, AMD Interior Architecture, Andrew Martin volunteered their creative services to refurbish the shop. Resembling an artist’s studio and gallery, donations from designer brands and local artisans are displayed as framed artworks. As a community space the courtyard area to the back of the shop includes a sculpture garden and will soon host fundraisers and events.
Save the Children is appealing for local volunteers to help out in the new shop as well as donations from the local communities, fashion houses and local artisans. To enquire about volunteering or donate stock, visit the website at www.savethechildren.org.uk or call 020 7012 6400.
Paul Hunwick ( Acting head of Mary's Living & Giving Shop said: “Chiswick has everything we look for when opening a Living & Giving shop; from fashion-loving shoppers to a deep sense of community. Our shops are much more than retail spaces, they are social hubs. People come in for some retail therapy but they leave having engaged with their neighbours and most amazingly, having helped save a child’s life."
In addition to designer clothing (mens, womens and childrenswear), jewellery and homeware donated by brands such as Hussein Chalayan, Peridot London, Barbour, Aspinal of London, Ted Baker, Guess and Australia Luxe Collective, the ‘Artists Gallery space’ is selling children and babywear from brand Caramel Baby & Child; plus original artworks by artist Ida Rally as well as works from long-term donor Rob Ryan.
February 8, 2013