Designers
We aim to buy directly from designers who find their inspiration in traditions, history, beautiful natural fabrics, and patterns, and who create collections where each design interlocks with the other pieces in the collection.
Most of what is sold in Urbanity comes from Scandinavia, or has a Scandinavian aesthetic of being true to the materials they are made from.
The designs are made in, or close to the country of source in ethically run factories or workshops.
The clothes are casual, comfortable, and easy to look after. Our accessories are unusual and can transform an outfit.
Most of what is sold in Urbanity comes from Scandinavia, or has a Scandinavian aesthetic of being true to the materials they are made from.
The designs are made in, or close to the country of source in ethically run factories or workshops.
The clothes are casual, comfortable, and easy to look after. Our accessories are unusual and can transform an outfit.
McVerdi From Denmark
McVerdi is a family run business , mother and daughter, that started in 1985. Their inspiration basically stems from Danish / Scandinavian design.
They design a lot of the high quality fabric that is used in the production of their various collections, with the help of an Italian supplier.
Their aim is to produce simple and unique , well cut styles of the very best materials.
McVerdi is a family run business , mother and daughter, that started in 1985. Their inspiration basically stems from Danish / Scandinavian design.
They design a lot of the high quality fabric that is used in the production of their various collections, with the help of an Italian supplier.
Their aim is to produce simple and unique , well cut styles of the very best materials.
Nygårdsanna from Sweden
Anna grew up in central Sweden with strong traditions for beautiful handicrafts. She went to the Swedish School of Textiles and Beckmans College of Design which is where her first collection of Nygårdsanna was created in 1994
Read more about Anna here
"Nygårdsanna clothes are understated. They should never outshine the wearer. We believe no garment is complete until someone wears it"
Nygårdsanna website here
Anna grew up in central Sweden with strong traditions for beautiful handicrafts. She went to the Swedish School of Textiles and Beckmans College of Design which is where her first collection of Nygårdsanna was created in 1994
Read more about Anna here
"Nygårdsanna clothes are understated. They should never outshine the wearer. We believe no garment is complete until someone wears it"
Nygårdsanna website here
Carmen G from Montreal
The Carmen G. style is defined by finesse, audacity and energy. For more than 30 years Carmen has been sharing her pleasure in wearing comfortable clothes with style.
Carmen G has made her mark in the world of fashion in Quebec , contributing to the promotion of excellence and quality of products made there.
As a result of her talent she has won prestigious awards for the excellence for her designs and knowledge of materials.
She was recognized by the Quebec Crafts Fair (Jean-Marie Gauvreau Award) in 2009 for the technical and conceptual quality of her production.
For folding tips of her raincoat see here
The Carmen G. style is defined by finesse, audacity and energy. For more than 30 years Carmen has been sharing her pleasure in wearing comfortable clothes with style.
Carmen G has made her mark in the world of fashion in Quebec , contributing to the promotion of excellence and quality of products made there.
As a result of her talent she has won prestigious awards for the excellence for her designs and knowledge of materials.
She was recognized by the Quebec Crafts Fair (Jean-Marie Gauvreau Award) in 2009 for the technical and conceptual quality of her production.
For folding tips of her raincoat see here
EKA from India
Functional and timeless, Eká is made in India and draws from indigenous skills whereby natural materials are developed from India’s regional craft belts.
The resulting relationships form the base of the reliable supply chain across various parts of the country. The cotton, linen, wool and special techniques of jamdani and tangail are from India’s eastern state of West Bengal. Gujarat offers the techniques of block making, printing and indigo dyeing and higher up to Amritsar there are the specialized jacquard looms .
The handwoven wool is produced in the Northern state of Himachal Pradesh while regional cottons are woven further south in Andhra Pradesh.
A majority of the textiles are done on a handloom and the rest on small scale automated jacquard looms - this affords scale to techniques traditionally made by hand.
See EKA website here Read more about Rina here
Functional and timeless, Eká is made in India and draws from indigenous skills whereby natural materials are developed from India’s regional craft belts.
The resulting relationships form the base of the reliable supply chain across various parts of the country. The cotton, linen, wool and special techniques of jamdani and tangail are from India’s eastern state of West Bengal. Gujarat offers the techniques of block making, printing and indigo dyeing and higher up to Amritsar there are the specialized jacquard looms .
The handwoven wool is produced in the Northern state of Himachal Pradesh while regional cottons are woven further south in Andhra Pradesh.
A majority of the textiles are done on a handloom and the rest on small scale automated jacquard looms - this affords scale to techniques traditionally made by hand.
See EKA website here Read more about Rina here
Est from France
Elsa Esturgie lives and works in Paris.
After studying Fine Arts and the National School of Decorative Arts,
she created her first collection in 1996, was awarded the ANDAM in 1997 and the Grand Prix of Creation of the City of Paris in 2006.
Matter is the key to her collections, she works with natural fabrics such as silk, cotton and wool. In an ethical dynamic, its selection is increasingly focused on bio or recycled fibers.
The collections are entirely made in France, in a responsible production method.
Each model is developed, washed, dried in the open, and thoroughly checked in the Parisian workshop before being shipped to its 50 outlets in France and internationally.
Elsa Esturgie lives and works in Paris.
After studying Fine Arts and the National School of Decorative Arts,
she created her first collection in 1996, was awarded the ANDAM in 1997 and the Grand Prix of Creation of the City of Paris in 2006.
Matter is the key to her collections, she works with natural fabrics such as silk, cotton and wool. In an ethical dynamic, its selection is increasingly focused on bio or recycled fibers.
The collections are entirely made in France, in a responsible production method.
Each model is developed, washed, dried in the open, and thoroughly checked in the Parisian workshop before being shipped to its 50 outlets in France and internationally.
People Tree from UK
Founder Safia Minney
People Tree's DNA is rooted in campaigning for a better trading system that delivers human rights and environmental innovation in production.
They are a 100% Fair Trade certified business and the first clothing company in the world to guarantee Fair Trade and environmental production practice throughout the supply chain.
They started the first Fair Trade and organic cotton supply chain nearly 20 years ago and are the first company to have certified clothing made in the developing world.
They are deeply committed to empowering the poor, protecting the environment and changing the kind of world we live in.
See the True cost movie here
Founder Safia Minney
People Tree's DNA is rooted in campaigning for a better trading system that delivers human rights and environmental innovation in production.
They are a 100% Fair Trade certified business and the first clothing company in the world to guarantee Fair Trade and environmental production practice throughout the supply chain.
They started the first Fair Trade and organic cotton supply chain nearly 20 years ago and are the first company to have certified clothing made in the developing world.
They are deeply committed to empowering the poor, protecting the environment and changing the kind of world we live in.
See the True cost movie here
Kazuri from Kenya
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili and it started in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting in hand crafted ceramic beads.
The beads are strung into unique artistic jewelry.
Its founder started originally with just 2 single unemployed mothers but as it became successful , it now has a workforce of over 340 women, who live i villages around Nairobi.
Kazuri are members of the World Fair Trade Organisation and the well established brand is sold all over the world.
See the story of Kazuri beads here
See the Kazuri bead making here
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili and it started in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting in hand crafted ceramic beads.
The beads are strung into unique artistic jewelry.
Its founder started originally with just 2 single unemployed mothers but as it became successful , it now has a workforce of over 340 women, who live i villages around Nairobi.
Kazuri are members of the World Fair Trade Organisation and the well established brand is sold all over the world.
See the story of Kazuri beads here
See the Kazuri bead making here
Fog Linen from Japan
Fog Linen is a Japanese brand founded by Yumiko Sekine in 1990.
Their clothing is made of high quality linen which is produced in Lithuania.
The aim of the collections is to have just one size that for the most part can fit and suit most women.
Fog Linen is a Japanese brand founded by Yumiko Sekine in 1990.
Their clothing is made of high quality linen which is produced in Lithuania.
The aim of the collections is to have just one size that for the most part can fit and suit most women.
it is well L.A
It is well L.A is small business offering simple, easy silhouettes made from quality fabrics.The collection is conceptualized, designed and manufactured locally, in DTLA.
Their cause...
Making a positive difference in people's lives by giving clean water wells to communities in need. There are 663 million people living without access to safe water (try wrapping your head around that for a minute). Women and children are burdened with the task of fetching dirty water which leads to illness and lack of time to gain an education or earn a living. They attempt to help change that.
They give 10% of proceed to their charitable partner to begin the process of digging clean water wells. Each well can help up to 500 people at a time, improving conditions for better health, education and economic opportunities.
See their website here
It is well L.A is small business offering simple, easy silhouettes made from quality fabrics.The collection is conceptualized, designed and manufactured locally, in DTLA.
Their cause...
Making a positive difference in people's lives by giving clean water wells to communities in need. There are 663 million people living without access to safe water (try wrapping your head around that for a minute). Women and children are burdened with the task of fetching dirty water which leads to illness and lack of time to gain an education or earn a living. They attempt to help change that.
They give 10% of proceed to their charitable partner to begin the process of digging clean water wells. Each well can help up to 500 people at a time, improving conditions for better health, education and economic opportunities.
See their website here
NUNO from Japan
Nuno is the Japanese word for clot founded by the textile designer Reiko Sudo
The company started in 1984. They work exclusively with weavers and dyers in Japan, combining old practices with new technology to create textiles that are original, distinctive and fresh.
Nuno blends the traditional with the contemporary and their designs are in some collections of major museums around the world.
Some of NUNO's more interesting fabrics, result from hands-on encounters with new, cutting edge materials and technologies. Ideas can come from anyone and anywhere—what’s most important is that the design, itself, must have a strong presence. “Will it be interesting as a fabric?” And NUNO sees the end user as a partner. By wrapping a NUNO shawl around your shoulders, or tying a scarf around your neck, you become an active participant in the creative process. See website here
Nuno is the Japanese word for clot founded by the textile designer Reiko Sudo
The company started in 1984. They work exclusively with weavers and dyers in Japan, combining old practices with new technology to create textiles that are original, distinctive and fresh.
Nuno blends the traditional with the contemporary and their designs are in some collections of major museums around the world.
Some of NUNO's more interesting fabrics, result from hands-on encounters with new, cutting edge materials and technologies. Ideas can come from anyone and anywhere—what’s most important is that the design, itself, must have a strong presence. “Will it be interesting as a fabric?” And NUNO sees the end user as a partner. By wrapping a NUNO shawl around your shoulders, or tying a scarf around your neck, you become an active participant in the creative process. See website here
Kuna from Peru
KUNA, more than a name, is the encounter of two eras and two very different worlds:
The past, through the inspiration in the rich aesthetic and technical expressions of the ancient Andean cultures.
The present, through the hands of highly skilled designers who select each colour, and create designs that fuse a unique and captivating style.
Each garment with a KUNA label, not only carries the softness of the best fiber from a refined selection of alpaca, vicuña, llama and guanaco breeds, but also is a reflection of the Inca Group in their conservation and improvement of these species; as well as in the preservation of the Andean communities, of their invaluable knowledge and cultures.
Kuna website
KUNA, more than a name, is the encounter of two eras and two very different worlds:
The past, through the inspiration in the rich aesthetic and technical expressions of the ancient Andean cultures.
The present, through the hands of highly skilled designers who select each colour, and create designs that fuse a unique and captivating style.
Each garment with a KUNA label, not only carries the softness of the best fiber from a refined selection of alpaca, vicuña, llama and guanaco breeds, but also is a reflection of the Inca Group in their conservation and improvement of these species; as well as in the preservation of the Andean communities, of their invaluable knowledge and cultures.
Kuna website
RALSTON from Sweden
Ralston is a Swedish brand created by Linda Ralston in 1970 after she had studied in London.
Her generously cut designs are characterised by the comfortable fabric and easy to wear styles.
Ralston website
Ralston is a Swedish brand created by Linda Ralston in 1970 after she had studied in London.
Her generously cut designs are characterised by the comfortable fabric and easy to wear styles.
Ralston website
CUT LOOSE from San Francisco
Cut Loose is a San Francisco based company.
Their speciality is that they dye their own fabric , and with this , they strive to keep their environmental footprint as low as possible.
Their clothing style is relaxed and is simple, easy to launder , easy to pack and easy to wear.
Cut Loose website
Cut Loose is a San Francisco based company.
Their speciality is that they dye their own fabric , and with this , they strive to keep their environmental footprint as low as possible.
Their clothing style is relaxed and is simple, easy to launder , easy to pack and easy to wear.
Cut Loose website
BY BASICS from Denmark
By Basics specialise in using only organic certified bamboo , cotton and wool.
They strive to make simple comfortable collections, that have a good fit.
All the garments are made and sewn in Denmark of high quality materials and workmanship.
By Basic website
By Basics specialise in using only organic certified bamboo , cotton and wool.
They strive to make simple comfortable collections, that have a good fit.
All the garments are made and sewn in Denmark of high quality materials and workmanship.
By Basic website
IVKO from Serbia
Ivko specialises in designing and creating high class woven and knitted garments, combining exceptional craftsmanship with state of the art knitting technology.
Ivko knits are made from all natural fibers of cotton wool , linen and silk. Ivko's inspiration comes from amongst other places, Russian folklore and Morocco tiles.
The magic of Ivko is there is something for everyone , for all times of day, designed for the modern independent woman.
IVKO website
Ivko specialises in designing and creating high class woven and knitted garments, combining exceptional craftsmanship with state of the art knitting technology.
Ivko knits are made from all natural fibers of cotton wool , linen and silk. Ivko's inspiration comes from amongst other places, Russian folklore and Morocco tiles.
The magic of Ivko is there is something for everyone , for all times of day, designed for the modern independent woman.
IVKO website
MARIEDAL from Sweden
Mariedal is produced in Alingsås , in southern Sweden,
All their collections are knitted in pure wool. The basic pattern is a moss stitch which comes in 50 different colours.
The whole production , the knitting , the washing, the cutting and the sewing is done in their workshop /studio with just 6 employees.
Their goal is as far as possible to always have accessories on hand , but the actual clothes are sewn to order.
Mariedal is produced in Alingsås , in southern Sweden,
All their collections are knitted in pure wool. The basic pattern is a moss stitch which comes in 50 different colours.
The whole production , the knitting , the washing, the cutting and the sewing is done in their workshop /studio with just 6 employees.
Their goal is as far as possible to always have accessories on hand , but the actual clothes are sewn to order.
BUTAPANA is from Japan
Butapana is designed and produced in Japan.
It is well known for its distinctive knitwear made mostly of natural fibres.
Its range of garments, such as sweaters, dresses and scarves feature fine knits and unique textures unlike any other.
Butapana is designed and produced in Japan.
It is well known for its distinctive knitwear made mostly of natural fibres.
Its range of garments, such as sweaters, dresses and scarves feature fine knits and unique textures unlike any other.
APUNTOB from Italy
Apuntob's belief is that clothing is a way of life, a true representation of self.
Apuntob creates timeless pieces that embrace simplicity .
Effortless forms and rich textures define the collection.
Apuntob stitches thought and care into every detail , creating a brand that is distinctive and full of life.
apuntob website
Apuntob's belief is that clothing is a way of life, a true representation of self.
Apuntob creates timeless pieces that embrace simplicity .
Effortless forms and rich textures define the collection.
Apuntob stitches thought and care into every detail , creating a brand that is distinctive and full of life.
apuntob website
TM Collection from Portugal
Designer Teresa Martin
TM COLLECTION STANDS FOR
Timeless women's clothing in noble natural fabrics embellished with exclusive prints, textures and embroideries. Design is about pure and intense emotions. It's about feeling. Colorful boldness within free-floating silhouettes.
TM Collection creates timeless garments collections which are a form of art and expression of a unique style.
Garments made with integrity instantly have more longevity and become highly desirable and imbued with emotion.
Understanding all the process behind each piece will lead to the uncover of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
TM Collection website
Designer Teresa Martin
TM COLLECTION STANDS FOR
Timeless women's clothing in noble natural fabrics embellished with exclusive prints, textures and embroideries. Design is about pure and intense emotions. It's about feeling. Colorful boldness within free-floating silhouettes.
TM Collection creates timeless garments collections which are a form of art and expression of a unique style.
Garments made with integrity instantly have more longevity and become highly desirable and imbued with emotion.
Understanding all the process behind each piece will lead to the uncover of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
TM Collection website
Echappee Belles from France
With our successful partnership between the French designer Marie Odile Ribalet, based in Brittany, France, who has been creating Échappées Belles since 2000, joined with Angelika Souhami who has 40 years of experience in fashion in design and sales and Maike Friedlin with her expertise in the national and international operational business, a collaboration of highly professional and motivated team has evolved with eagerness to offer customers this worldwide unique collection.
Echappées Belle's is a unique women's ready to wear designer collection.
The pieces, made of creative and high quality fabrics, are at a favorable price which allows EB to stand out.
Échappées Belle's is for the women who strives to be strikingly effortless
With our successful partnership between the French designer Marie Odile Ribalet, based in Brittany, France, who has been creating Échappées Belles since 2000, joined with Angelika Souhami who has 40 years of experience in fashion in design and sales and Maike Friedlin with her expertise in the national and international operational business, a collaboration of highly professional and motivated team has evolved with eagerness to offer customers this worldwide unique collection.
Echappées Belle's is a unique women's ready to wear designer collection.
The pieces, made of creative and high quality fabrics, are at a favorable price which allows EB to stand out.
Échappées Belle's is for the women who strives to be strikingly effortless