About The Brand
Name: Ponch
About us: PASSION FOR DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY LEADS TO UNIQUE LINE OF STYLISH RAINWEAR AND ACCESSORIES
Being environmentally sound, ethically conscious, convenient and visually-appealing seems like far too much to ask from any piece of clothing that is going to keep you dry in a sudden downpour.
But that’s the vision behind Ponch, a collection of graphic rainwear and waterproof accessories created by founders Sophie Mollison and Alexander Edwards. Moving from Australia to the UK, they had to find a way to love the unpredictable weather. The idea for Ponch was sparked by inconvenience: Sophie was forced into an ugly poncho at Glastonbury, Alexander was frustrated by bulky outerwear on a camping trip.
Each unisex, lightweight product is packable. With a waterproof rating of 15,000mm and waterproof-taped seams, the outerwear can be easily unpacked to avert a festival downpour or to keep the rain away during the wettest commute. All Ponch products are PFC-free (per- and polyfluorinated chemicals often applied to fabrics for water repellency, despite being environmentally hazardous).
All Ponch products are manufactured from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles, which are certified by the Global Recycle Standard (GRS). To fulfil the requirements of the GRS certification the recycled content of the fabric is verified, and fabric suppliers must also meet responsible social, environmental and chemical practices in their production. There are zero single-use plastics used in Ponch’s packaging; most packaging is compostable, otherwise recyclable.
Sophie explains, ‘After working in the fashion industry as a graphic and print designer, I’m only too aware of high levels of production waste and unethical practices within the industry.
We also both love the sea and with a base in Margate, Kent see plastic and rubbish wash up on the beach every day.
It’s for these reasons that we’re so excited to create products that combine our passions of music and design, with a responsibility to the environment that people will wear these products in’.
Co-founder Alexander is a keen outdoorsman with a background in the music industry and publishing sector. He adds, ‘For us, Ponch is a platform from which we can create responsible, transparent fashion — we’re producing limited edition functional pieces that I hope people are excited to wear’.
Ponch products are made by a WRAP-certified production partner. Each WRAP certified facility has undergone a thorough third-party audit and achieved WRAP’s 12 Principles (including safe working conditions, the right to unionise, health and safety measures, and the prohibition of forced or child labour). The co-founders have also personally visited — and worked from — their production facilities in Xiamen, China.
Collaboration is central to Ponch, so for their launch collection they have partnered with Australian visual artist and creative director Leif Podhajský.
Leif is known for his distinctive artwork, and his designs have enhanced the albums of well- known musicians including Tame Impala, Kylie Minogue, Foals and Of Monsters and Men (of which he was nominated for a Grammy Award).
With prices starting at £40, the launch collection is perfect for a weekend escape, a British summer festival or any time you could be caught out by the weather. It’s so easy to ‘Pack a Ponch’.
www.packaponch.com | @packaponch
The Social Opportunity
Opportunity: Instagrammers wanted to feature new ethical rainwear brand
Brief: Ideally in amazing shoots outdoors as lifestyle shots so you or someone wearing a piece. We would be open to ideas though.
We’re Looking For Influencers Who…
Cover these categories: Fashion, Lifestyle, Other
Are based in: Anywhere in the world
In Return, You’ll Get…
Compensation: Gifted product
Closing date: 17th February 2020
