A Bedford clothing brand is collaborating with an accessories designer to divert its damaged and returned stock from landfill.
Amber Reeson, the owner of Neon Marl, has teamed up with Emma Talbot of Clemency Loves Jude to launch a range of headbands using some of the iconic Neon Marl designs.
The pair connected over social media when Emma launched her business last year and the idea grew over the last few months.
“We got chatting about working together and then Amber gave me a bag of her faulty stock and we did a trial collaboration of a few designs,” said Emma.
“It was great to experiment with different colourways and different styles and people really love the concept.”
“Emma’s doing me a huge favour,” said Amber. “You don’t want your products to end up in landfill, so finding a creative way to upcycle and reuse the dead stock has been great.
“I can sleep better at night knowing that they’ve gone to a good home and as a business owner it’s amazing to think that your stock has a value as something else.”
Emma has designed three headbands using Neon Marl stock: a classic knot, turban twist and bow style. She has also created some matching mother and daughter products.
Both women say that they take inspiration from the collaborative creative scene in Bedford which has seen new independent businesses launch and thrive – particularly those which are putting the planet before profit.
“There’s a purpose behind what we’re doing,” said Amber.
“People are more interested now in where their clothes and accessories are from and what their impact on the environment is.”
You can find Clemency Loves Jude X Neon Marl headbands at their website here and limited collections at Anorak in the old arcade, The Arc on Howard Street and at Rosehip Bespoke Floristry at The Barn in Cardington.
