Ethical Relatives
Our Ethical Relatives are like-minded people that are making an outstanding difference to ‘ethical’ – such a complex word – lets say ’sustainable’ living. Fact is we meet outstanding people along the way and some leave us with a smile we’d like to pass on to you with mini interviews. Lets go!
Helen Moorcroft & Bailey, Owner and Model, FunkyMutts 
Handmade in the UK by the Funky Mutts, these locally produced dog collars, dog leads, made to measure harnesses, matching hair slides and headbands for humans and cat collars are using Liberty & Choolips prints. A MUST for lovers of our four legged friends.
Choolips: What do you prefer, another dogs tail or dancing with a butterfly? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Bailey: Woof! Most definitely dancing with the butterflies.
Choolips: We love your taste for prints and hand crafted four legged accessories. When you say hand-made what does this really mean?
Helen: We make all products in our small workshop each collar, lead and accessory is carefully designed by us and assembled by hand with the aid of a sewing machine. We say handmade because without the mix of our human hands we would not be able to make the products, although it is not strictly hand sewn it is handmade!
Choolips: We share you passion for beautiful textiles. How & when did your passion begin?
Helen: I have always had a passion for interior design and clothes and this is how it started. When I was 15 I raided my mum’s fabric cupboard and made a lovely patchwork quilt which I still have and as a family we used to spend hours in Liberty’s fabric department. My pony Brecky, who I got when I was 6 was the first to benefit from my interest as his stable had a complete makeover with a carpet running up to it and curtains for his windows! Making funky and stylish products for animals using beautiful textiles is my dream come true.
Choolips: Helen we know what you will be wearing for your wedding;) BUT Bailey if your Mr Superlover proposed what would be your choice of outfit – for you and him?
Bailey: I get so tired of modelling all the new collars it really is hard work being a top model you know! I think I would have to opt for a naked wedding! I always have my red fur to keep me decent!
Galahad Clark, Director, Terra Plana
Using a combination of traditional shoe making techniques and 21st century technologies, Terra Plana shoes are inspired by ecological survival. The TP team loves feet and knows how to dress them with a variety of stunning and most innovative shoes that look after your feet and our planet at the same time. We are proud to be working on a collaboration of sustainable shoes & bags applying CHOOLIPS’ fairtrade fabrics.
Choolips: Galahad, you live & breath ‘Sustainable’ in your work and life, what is your breakfast like?
Galahad: In order of preference in the UK: soft boiled eggs and Marmite soldiers, porridge, fruit and yoghurt, coffee but trying to drink more tea.
In Asia: Congee and Dim Sum
Choolips: What would be the ultimate sustainable shoe & will you create it in your lifetime?
Galahad: NO SHOES AT ALL! Or at least something that feels like barefoot and either bio-degrades or is easily repairable…
Well he is halfway there. Check out Galahad’s Vivo Barefoot’s following into the Barefoot Steps…www.vivobarefoot.com