ōh Collective Designers commitment:

We are supporting local talent and helping start-up businesses to springboard into the bring future. ōh created a studio space, where designers can work, collaborate and thrive, enriching Chester’s creative scene. This is sustainability on the social level.

Designers’ approach to materials & processes:

ōh Collective Designers believe that waste is precious. They utilise discarded denim, preserved flowers, sailcloth, parachutes & deadstock fabric to make unique creations. All fashion is handmade, prioritising waste-free patterns. By creating made-to-measure apparel we reduce waste and strive for previous pieces that our customers will appreciate and cherish. ōh, and pretty much every one of the pieces of clothing is unique and full of character.

Slow shopping agenda:

Our store promotes slow shopping that helps reduce waste and encourages buying for life, with the goal of keeping things forever. We are advising our customers as best as we can on the suitability of our products, and their stories, hoping that engagement and understanding will create a stronger connection.

We need your denim:

We are campaigning for unwanted denim which is a precious material source for our designers. If you don’t need your worn-down Levis any more. Please drop them in the store and join our revolution. There is no such thing as waste.

Beauty is timeless:

We have introduced pre-loved fashion and pre-loved homeware ranges in stock as we believe beauty is timeless. Well-made, good-quality items can be passed on to a new owner when you feel like you are ready to let them go. We encourage our customers to sell pre-loved fashion with us, we champion clothes swap sessions and embrace imperfection. oH is looking to make fashion as circular as possible.

Designed & built for disassembly:

The store was designed with a kit of parts in mind, that allows us to create flexible spaces for various uses and functions. One day our bricks will be utilised as coffee tables, the next one they will be display plinths. From dead stock tiles with zero offcuts to builder’s lights - we keep it simple and raw for maximum flexibility and minimum waste. This is a perfect background for our product.

Positive Impact for all of us:

Our efforts have been recognised among the design & construction community, and our store has been a finalist in the Positive Impact category at the prestigious Mixology Awards. Yes, we are pleased that we stand for what we preach and our collaborators MONIKA Studio & Openhome have been great partners in helping us share the sustainability message.

Experience first:

We believe that rich experience is always the most valuable. Therefore we created an exciting events calendar with the goal of enriching the community, learning and prioritising wellbeing. From creative workshops, and exhibitions to yoga classes, guitar lessons and wine experiences. This is our chance to revitalise the high street and bring a new level of experience to the sophisticated Chester audience.

Thank you Jaunty Goat:

ōh partnered with Jaunty Goat, the local conscious artisan coffee brand to provide the best possible coffee experience. Jaunty Goat is renowned for their sustainable agenda and we are proud of our collaboration.

… and thank you Peckforton Dairy & Exquezze Me:

We are using cow’s & oat milk delivered to us by a local business. Milk is coming in reusable glass bottles that get washed and returned, as we working towards no plastic goal for our coffee lounge. Our fresh mint & cocoa is provided by local grocers Exquezze Me located in Handbridge.

No-plastic oH packaging:

Our bags and wrapping are now completely plastic-free. We are also promoting reusable totes, made of recycled & organic cotton. We will be further reducing our waste by introducing the Cheshire Cup programme, launched by Eco Communities- Chester charity with a focus on sustainability.

Energy usage:

Excuse if our doors are closed- we are trying to save energy. All our new lights are LED, which reduces electricity tenfold, with minimum nighttime lighting in the windows. No unnecessary hot water or large fridges at oH!

We are starting young:

Our co-founders Tony & Monika, designers by trade, share their knowledge with the young generation. ōh and MONIKA Studio collaborate with the University of Chester providing lectures, space to work & site experience to students. We want to engage with young creatives to learn from them, raise awareness of the responsibility of good design and help talent flourish.

Creative collaborations:

ōh is looking for ways of introducing creative sustainable ideas for our designers and customers. We have engaged with many great brands like KVADRAT, fabric manufacturer and Parkside, tile producer & dealer to allow us to explore the ways of turning their waste into valuable projects. The recent collaboration with KVADRAT resulted in a limited edition cushion range, made by TDS out of sample fabric, now available in-store.