Seamless move into materials for Fairtrade supplier

OLD fabrics are being given a new lease of life at Saffron Walden s newest clothing store. Wurrl was opened on Hill Street earlier this month by former County High School pupil Liz Wurr. With the help of in-store designer Stephanie Elliott – who studied a

OLD fabrics are being given a new lease of life at Saffron Walden's newest clothing store.

Wurrl was opened on Hill Street earlier this month by former County High School pupil Liz Wurr. With the help of in-store designer Stephanie Elliott - who studied at Leeds College of Art and Design - she offers unique clothing ideas from one-off creations from recycled material to nearly-new items. Wurrl also does alterations and repairs.

Liz certainly feels there is a gap in the market for the bespoke items the shop has to offer.

"There's a movement of people who are more conscious about the impact their shopping has on the environment and people's livelihoods," she said.

"We have also sourced local suppliers - bags made by a Saffron Walden resident for example - and are looking to expand our selection."

Stephanie added: "This world has so much fabric within it; there is no need to use anymore."

Sourcing Fairtrade goods is another big pull in the shop. Fairtrade has been in operation for 20 years with the aim of providing producers in the developing world with a fair wage, better working conditions and local sustainability.

"Fairtrade is something both Stephanie and I believe in, having always felt it was a good cause we wanted to support it," said Liz.

Opening the shop is a leap into the unknown for Liz; it is her first venture. However, in the short time since its opening the shop has received positive feedback from shoppers.