Birdsong
Birdsong is a London-based ethical womenswear brand launched online in September 2014 by Sophie Slater and Sarah Beckett. It sells shirts, skirts and other clothing, combining ethical production with feminist art.
| Launched | September 2014 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Sophie Slater, Sarah Beckett |
| Base | London |
| Accelerator | Bethnal Green Ventures, 2015 |
| Website | birdsong.london |
What is Birdsong?
Birdsong, often referred to as Birdsong London, is an online womenswear brand from London. It was founded by Sophie Slater and Sarah Beckett, who met on the Year Here postgraduate programme, and its online shop launched in September 2014.
History
In 2015 the company joined the Bethnal Green Ventures accelerator. It went on to raise funds from its community through the equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube, where it exceeded its £75,000 target in 2016. In 2017 it ran four pop-up shops in addition to its online business.
Products and positioning
Birdsong positions itself at the meeting point of ethical clothing production and feminist art. It sells shirts, skirts and other womenswear to an international audience, and works with artists, activists, makers, writers and photographers on its collections and campaigns. The founders also set out plans for a manufacturing space in East London that would offer local makers benefits such as childcare.
Why it matters
Birdsong is an early example of a British direct-to-consumer brand that built its identity around values rather than trends, and that used community investment to fund growth.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Birdsong London?
Birdsong was founded by Sophie Slater and Sarah Beckett, who met on the Year Here postgraduate programme.
What does Birdsong sell?
Birdsong sells ethically produced womenswear such as shirts and skirts, often linked to feminist art and campaigns.