Love was most definitely in the air when celebrity designer Patrick Grant visited Darwen Market.
Judge on the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick chose the beautiful Victorian building as the location for the latest fashion shoot for his ethical clothing brand, Community Clothing.
And, he wasn’t short of willing volunteers with the traders keen to pitch in and model sweatshirts and hoodies that were made just up the road in Blackburn, headquarters for Community Clothing.
Community Clothing has a simple mission: make exceptional quality everyday clothes, make them from the best natural materials in fantastic British factories, and radically simplify the business model so that they can be sold at great value everyday prices. By doing this everyone can afford to wear great quality clothes that are ethically and sustainably made, and can play their part in rebuilding economic prosperity and pride in our local textile making communities.
With this strong emphasis on community, Patrick was keen to utilise a real life venue for the photoshoot – shining a light on the market which is at the heart of the Darwen community.
After spending the day there for the photoshoot he posted a Valentine’s picture on Instagram with Petals Florist as the backdrop.
Patrick said of the market:
“It was great to spend a day with such a happy and welcoming community. There are many wonderful stalls at the market and they did a great job modelling our clothes”
Patrick was pictured with the stall holders all proudly modelling his garments.
Tom Turner, owner of Turner’s Butchers said:
“It was really good meeting with Patrick, he was really down to earth and showed a genuine interest in our business, particularly the hand painted sign hanging above the stall.
“I got my photo taken in a Community Clothing rugby top. I think my wife liked it as she is talking about buying one for me!”
And, Laura Jenkinson, owner of Sweet Vintage Sweet Shop and Tea Room added:
“My youngest daughter loves fashion and so we were very excited to be part of this opportunity, not only for her but also as a family business we enjoy doing things to keep Darwen Market on the map!
“There was a great sense of both fun and pride around the market with so many stall holders joining in with the project.
“The hoodies are fantastic quality and we love the fact that they are being manufactured in Blackburn.”
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
“It’s brilliant that Patrick chose Darwen Market and the traders there for his photoshoot.
“He does such a lot to promote the borough and he’s a fantastic ambassador for us.
“There’s always a warm welcome awaiting at Darwen Market and I know that Patrick was impressed with the sustainability element there too.
“Our markets and local businesses really do need our support more than ever right now and so this is a great boost for them.
“Like the traders, I just can’t wait to see the pictures now!”
Keep your eyes peeled for the full results of the photoshoot on the Darwen Market pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Visit the market Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays from 8:30am – 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.
