Startrite
In 1792 a cordwainer from Norwich called James Smith opened a small shop selling ready-made shoes.
He was the first shoemaker to break the tradition of only selling bespoke footwear. His aim was to cater for the masses that could not afford to have shoes specially made. Startrite’s head office still remains in Norwich and is still catering for the masses and even Royalty. The company received it first Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and again in 1989 from Prince Charles, Princes William and Harry were raised on the brand. Startrite’s successful ethos of fitted shoe fitting for children has established the company as one of the leading children’s footwear brands in the world.
Hilda Rocket
Wanstead native and mother of two Diane Sizer watched her Mother knit as a child and developed a talent for whipping up cardigans and booties in her spare time. After completing a BA in ceramic design, she undertook a master’s degree in fine art. When her second daughter started school four years ago, Diane started knitting again and found herself selling her treasures in one of London’s most prestigious markets, Hampstead. Her trademark liberty skirts and accessories compliment her stylish hand knitted tank tops and sweaters. Hilda Locket also offers made to order garments and Knock Down Ginger is proud to hold an exclusive range in our boutique.
Little Davis
Christa Davis started selling vintage clothing and home furnishings at London’s Portabello Road market after completing her Fine art degree. Christa moved into a studio and started to customise vintage clothing, which became her signature. Christa was included in Vogue’s class of 2000 a selection of their most talented fashion innovators. After Christa started her family, she continued to design and launched two new children’s labels, Little Davis and Baby Davis. Reconditioning cashmere and designing children’s separates from vintage fabrics. Her edgy cashmere separates continues to be a firm favourite with both her clients and shops. Christa lives and works in Hackney, London.
Ndygo Genes
Utilising her Fashion and Marketing degree, former stylist Rina Henry started selling her first collection in London’s Spitalfield market. Consequently, after the birth of her daughter, she decided to change direction towards children’s clothing. The same funky printed t-shirts and hoodies that became her signature, she developed into a fashion forward line for children. Rina started adding more separates to the line and eventually created Ndygo Child a more formal collection. Both labels now have their distinctive identity, Genes has edgy urban look and Child a contemporary line of funky formal style. Rina lives with her family in East London.