Hi, I’m Claire — The Ethical Tailor.

People often ask me “Why don’t you sell clothes?” And I get it — it seems like a natural step for someone who works with garments every day. But my answer has always been clear: I never set out to become a traditional fashion brand. I didn’t want to add to the mountain of clothes already in the world. I wanted to do something that helped us slow down, look closer, and truly value the clothes we already have.

That’s why I started Couchman:bespoke — to offer alterations, repairs, and a zero-waste approach to tailoring that supports people and the planet. And from that, Moxie Craft was born — a place where I teach others how to sew, mend, and connect more deeply with what they wear.

How I Got Here

My journey into ethical fashion began at university, with a dissertation on cotton — not the fabric itself, but the full story behind it: from farm to fibre. I uncovered harsh truths about environmental damage, corruption, pesticide use, and the reality that not all “organic” cotton is created equal. It opened my eyes.

Not long after, the Rana Plaza disaster happened in 2013 — a garment factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed over 1,100 people and injured thousands more. The building had been known to be unsafe, and workers had already raised concerns about cracks in the walls. Despite this, they were forced to return to work.

This tragedy sparked the birth of the Fashion Revolution movement, which continues to fight for transparency, living wages, and safer working conditions in the global fashion industry. For me, this moment solidified everything. I knew I couldn’t be part of a system that put profit over people.

A Different Kind of Fashion Business

I created Couchman:bespoke to support a different kind of industry — one that values makers, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

I believe:

• Clothes should be made to last, not thrown away after a season.
• Tailors and garment workers deserve a living wage.
• Repairs matter. They carry stories and preserve skills.
• Teaching people to sew is an act of empowerment.

That’s also why Couchman:bespoke is a non-profit. Any income I make helps fund global projects and promotes better industry standards.

So instead of starting a clothing line, I chose to offer services that support what already exists.

Why I Don’t Sell Clothes: My Sustainable Fashion Story

Because we don’t need more garments — we need more connection to the ones we already own.

Instead of asking, “What’s new in your wardrobe?” what if we asked, “What’s still going strong?” Because that’s where the real value lies.

So if you have a favourite jacket that needs mending, a dress you’d love to wear again, or you want to learn how to repair your clothes yourself — I’m here for that.

Together, we can reduce waste, respect workers, and reconnect with our clothes.

Thanks for reading my story. I’m Claire, The Ethical Tailor — and I’m proud to be doing fashion a little differently.

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