Our Story
I set up Justine Tabak because I wanted to show (evidence, prove) that a fashion business could operate both ethically and sustainably. In my eyes, fashion should be joyful and life enhancing, it is a celebration of beauty and creativity and a way each of us can express our individuality without causing harm to the world around us.
However, in my early career, I worked for many years in fast fashion and became only too aware that there is a dark side to this industry. Newspaper reports tell us again and again that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, producing mountains of waste and poisonous chemicals. And it’s not just the environmental cost that concerns me, the human cost is huge too; global brands use cheap labour to manufacture these mountains of unwanted, discarded and cheap clothes; it is a vicious circle resulting in a devastating race to the bottom.
Justine Tabak was established in 2018 with the aim of doing things differently. We became part of the ‘slow fashion’ movement, focusing our efforts into manufacturing small batches of beautifully crafted clothes right here in the heart of London. As far as possible, I source fabrics from the British Isles; when that’s not possible, I revive deadstock material that would otherwise have gone to waste.
We also design with longevity in mind. Our styles are simple, charming, practical and pretty with a touch of romance thrown in. We hope you find our styles ‘keepers’, the dresses in your wardrobe that you pull out time and again for years to come.
Meet
Justine Tabak
My grandfather was an East End tailor, dress making is in my blood. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, where I studied Fashion and Textiles, my career has spanned the catwalks of Italy to the commercial demands of the British high street. Passionate about what this country has to offer, I've put my heart back into Britain to design a sustainable ‘modern romantic’ womenswear collection. More than just style, my clothes tell stories of real people, the places and the makers behind them.
Five years on, I’ve grown from a kitchen table business to a fully fledged small talented team based in a studio in Hackney, east London (just around the corner from where my grandfather lived!) We design, create and develop every product in house and we work hand in hand with our local makers to turn our designs into beautiful reality.
About
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Designs
Designs are fresh and timeless. Vintage inspiration meets modern practicality with delicate details combined with easy breezy shapes. Pieces to cherish and wear time and again in the spirit of SLOW fashion.
Made entirely in the UK, I source fine British fabrics where possible and produce in small local manufacturers where I can put a face to a name and we work together to create beautiful products. Quality and care is utmost.
Sustainable Local Original Whimsical Fashion
Whilst not claiming to be an 'eco' brand, we describe the brand as a sustainable one. There is no one set way to be sustainable, but to us it means 'doing our best' to respect our environment, the people involved with our clothes and a minimal waste ethos. In our own small way, we hope that we are helping to change perceptions and work towards a more healthy and happy clothing industry.
Buying British
Buying British fabrics where possible means our fabrics have a smaller carbon footprint. Even when raw fibres are not grown in this country, by sourcing locally, we cut down on our air miles. We also support local businesses and really get to know ‘who made our clothes’.
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