House of Lords: Wall London Set Ethical Standard for British Fashion Industry

LONDON, ENGLAND, March 19, 2011 (Press-News.org) The House of Lords have named Wall London as thought leaders in ethical fashion, setting a clear standard to the British fashion industry as a whole.

Baroness Young of Hornsey raised the debate on the Government's plans to support and promote the ethical and sustainable fashion and clothing industry on 3rd March, sparking a wide-ranging discussion. Wall have built a strong reputation as an ethical business during their fourteen year history. This was recognised by Baroness Rendell of Babergh, who discussed Wall's ethical heritage alongside that of Stella McCartney, saying Wall "set an example that could be a standard for [fashion] companies".

Lord Sugar spoke of training young people in the UK to produce high quality, fashionable clothes on a local scale. This echoes Wall's internship program, in which disadvantaged young people in Peru are paid a salary while training to use knitting machines. Upon completion of their training interns are presented with a knitting machine, enabling them to earn a living and support their families for many years to come.

Wall invest a great deal of time ensuring all suppliers adhere to their strict code of conduct. As CEO Hernán Balcázar said: "Wall work hard to maintain very close relationships with all our suppliers and regularly audit factories to ensure our ethical standards are being met." The company's trusted suppliers buy alpaca wool from Peruvian farmers in order to make their beautiful winter knitwear, and have an agreement to buy the hide of any alpaca that dies of natural causes. This means that the farmer does not lose valuable income which may be the difference between his children eating and going hungry.

Fashion and clothing have been an important part of the British economy for many years, with the British fashion industry currently contributing GBP21 billion to the country's economy every year, making it the UK's 15th largest sector. As Lord Sheikh said during the debate: "With our prestige in this industry comes social responsibility. Ethical fashion practices will broaden opportunities and improve the standard of living for millions of citizens in the developing world." Wall are honoured to be considered leaders in ethical practice in the fashion industry, and continue to be fully committed to socially responsible trading. The Hansard for this debate can by read on the UK Parliament website at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/110303-0003.htm#11030374000178

About Wall London:
Wall London was established in 1997 when their boutique was opened by Hernán and Judith Balcázar in London's vibrant Notting Hill. Since then the timeless elegance and luxurious quality of Wall clothing has earned the company a loyal and wide-ranging client base. All Wall clothes are produced in sizes XS-XL to allow a wide variety of women to enjoy their classic styles. Wall also retail through mail order and their online store at http://www.wall-london.com. Wall have previously been described as 'the thinking woman's label' due to the grown up, artistic nature of their clothing.
Wall produce two collections a year, which are designed exclusively by the in-house design team in their London studio. All garments are manufactured by suppliers who must first meet a strict code of conduct - evidence of Wall's commitment to being an ethical business.

Contact:
Sarah Oliver
PR Executive
Wall London
020 8896 4600
soliver@wall-london.com
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