Pieces with a second life, Observe the label.
OBSERVE is a vintage store. Every garment is found, washed, repaired and redesigned in the studio. One of each, never repeated.
- Saint Laurent CoatRedesigned wool overcoatSize M£400
- SIO DressVintage dress, redesignedSize S£150
- Lipsey DressVintage dress, redesignedSize 8£50
- Real Leather JacketBlack leather, repaired and resizedSize M£400
One of each — available in store
About
The store began with my mother and a rail of clothes in Wellington, South Africa. Saturday mornings were my favourite part of the week — I would observe the faces as I swung my legs, sitting on the car boot, while we sold pieces one by one.
What could not be sold as it was, was taken apart in a back room and made into something worth keeping. That habit became the store: a sewing machine, unwanted coats, and the belief that every garment deserves a second life.
The shop has moved as I have. While I was busy with humanitarian work it lived first in a hotel, then a hostel, then a restaurant, and an airport — wherever I could make space for it. That work turns you into a chameleon: you arrive somewhere new and become part of it. I taught myself business the same way, as I went.
I risked my life to open OBSERVE THE CYCLE. I lost my Instagram account and my friends thought I was crazy. I truly believe a CEO rebrands her or himself every day, and I had to see for myself what hard work does. The challenges I faced were extreme and lonely at times — I guess that is the cost of ambition.
2% of all sales goes to the Small Statue Big Heart Foundation.
Documentary
OBSERVE THE CYCLE — Mexico. A short documentary on sustainability: where the cycle begins, what it costs the land, and what it leaves behind.
Visit
OBSERVE THE CYCLE
Theatre
A space for installations, performances and one-off events. Past seasons have included readings, small exhibitions and collaborations with local makers.
Upcycled vintage pieces are shown and sold here alongside each programme.
The next programme will be announced soon. If you would like to propose a project or host a gathering in the space, please get in touch.