Barbara Graham and Anita Sheridan began researching the development of their own jeans brand back in 2005. They have enjoyed long and successful careers in the denim industry and it was when they first met, working for the same company, that they hatched their plan to launch a premium line of denim, made in the UK.
All those years of hard work have paid off with Laundry Maid now in it's second season, having developed a more extensive range of essential fits, with the help of feedback and comments from the label's growing band of admirers. A greater number of colour and wash options are also available at the online shop.
So, you both have years of denim experience?
B: Yes, I have been designing denim lines for many years at all sorts of levels, from high street to premium brands such as the first Bamford collection.
A: And I am the production expert, along with the number crunching.
What inspired the name Laundry Maid?
A: It’s a tribute to our hard-working ancestors! My family ran a Chinese laundry in Liverpool and in fact, our logo is based on a photograph we found of such a laundry taken in the early 1900s.
B: My great-grandmother was in service and started as a laundry maid. I loved her stories of working her way ‘above stairs’ by making clothes for Lady Bertha Edgerton.
Why your own label?
B: We wanted to expand the versatility of conventional jeans and develop a tailored fit that is both sexy and flattering.
A: We also wanted to produce a truly British brand of jeans and we enjoy bringing our individual expertise to the company.
What makes Laundry Maid so special?
A: Our unique back panel provides extra shaping, where the body needs it most and side seams are dispensed with giving a lighter, more comfortable feel to the wearer. We used equestrian tailoring as a starting point.
B: The fact that they are designed and manufactured in the UK. Also, our attention to detail, not only in the styling and quality of the jeans, but in our presentation; each pair of jeans comes with its own little lavender bag, for example.
How ethical is Laundry Maid?
B: Highly skilled workers in Britain manufacture our jeans in genuine limited editions, to the highest standards. For a long time now we’ve wanted to reflect Britain’s cleverness at inventing and making things – hopefully the time is right.
A: Our low-impact washes are also carried out in the UK and ensure our carbon footprint remains at an absolute minimum.
What’s in the future for Laundry Maid?
A: To build up our stockist list both in the UK and abroad and to develop the Laundry Maid brand.
B: We will always have our signature key styles, but will introduce new looks each season and plan to add shirts, tops and jackets to make more of a collection.
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