Sustainable Joy: Fingsbyfloss Aims to Redefine Independent Fashion
Photograph by Tilly Buckton
Words by Henry Tuppen
During my brief time in the world of fashion I have found two things to be lacking - at least in the public facing, upper echelons of the industry. That being; true sustainability and authentic joy.
The human foray into the world of fashion would have begun with someone in your family unit constructing pieces to protect you from the elements. Each garment would have likely been deeply personal, and crafted with the utmost care. Since then, fashion's journey has been one of increasing commercialisation. As designs became less function-focused, we watched more flexibility be afforded to those crafting our clothes. Freedom to experiment, all while imbuing joy and artistry into the garments they created, became more present throughout the design process.
Since the Industrial Revolution however, developments have begun to unearth more challenges affecting the industry and our planet. Consumerism has seeped into every aspect of our lives. When profit becomes the main focus, everything else falls to the wayside. The brands themselves cannot exclusively be blamed for this. One of the primary markers of true ‘success’ for one’s business, ultimately persists via profit margins and output totals.
In 2024, brands at all levels of luxury are shouting from the rooftops about their commitment to sustainability. This said, it is worth considering the difficulties that international brands face when trying to implement a truly ethical design process, start to finish. While some elements may fulfill a morally sound series of efforts, it’s near impossible to ensure all sustainable ethics are enshrined each step of the way. Often these same brands present fashion as a joyful and artistic medium. But how realistic is it for a creative director at a global fashion house to be truly focused on these pillars of fashion, all the while a CEO is breathing down their neck… Shareholders clawing at every morsel of profit possible. Today, it often feels the only glimmer of fashion's former glory is found in up and coming, independent designers.
I wanted to explore this from the other side of the fence, surely there was hope of gaining perspective from someone who is, themselves, dredging through the murky waters of modern fashion. In order to expand my perspective, I met with Floss - the owner of FingsbyFloss. I discovered that the story of Fings is one of gradual evolution, shaped by the designer’s creative and educational journey during her time at Leeds Arts University. What began as a modest endeavour born out of necessity, has grown into a brand brimming with character and promise.
Fings has developed organically, piece by piece, as Floss honed her craft and explored new techniques. Each semester, she absorbed lessons from her studies and infused them into her designs, blending traditional skills with her own inventive approach. It has been a process of constant experimentation, trial, and growth, with every step bringing her closer to fulfilling and expanding her vision, sights focused on intentional fashion.
Floss began her journey as an answer to a common problem: Christmas budgeting. Floss was a uni student at the time, unable to afford presents for her family. Instead, she crafted a selection of scarves and gloves from leftover wool. Gifted to her loved ones, this led to many in her local area expressing interest in her work. As they say… the rest is history.
Read below for an exclusive interview with independent designer Floss, shedding light on what makes Fings so unique. We uncover the importance of staying resolute in your brand's founding ethos, the inherent privilege that is often sadly required to run a business in this way, and the dangers posed by expansion.
Could you tell us a little bit about Fings: How did it start, what it means to you, and why it is so important that you remain in control of every aspect of the business?
Fings began as a creative constant, an outlet for creativity that I felt was being ignored. It is entirely built from my own being and therefore is something that is very close to my heart.
I always say Fings feels like my very own tiny person; I feel very protective over it and want to cherish every aspect of it for as long as possible.
So much about what makes Fings great is the community that has been built around it, how has having this support network helped you? And how will you work to maintain these intimate relationships with customers as the brand grows?
Fings feels almost like a child - growth and development is hugely influenced by its surroundings, if the brand lost the net that holds it up, it would crumble. I owe all my ability to continue Fings to that network; I don’t think myself or the brand could ever not acknowledge and deeply appreciate that community.
Some would say that being able to focus more on the ethical and creative purity of your brand over the financial side is a real privilege, especially in the current financial climate, how do you feel about this? And do you worry you will eventually be forced to shift this focus?
I would be ignorant to say Fings would be doable if it weren’t for having the privilege to lean on my parents. Although I’ve never received any direct funding to start/run the business, I’m very lucky with the fact that I have the security of a roof over my head, that doesn’t depend on the brand’s financial success. I hope for the sake of our planet and the humans in it, Fings will never have to sway on its ethics - and I strongly believe it won’t.
Photograph by Tilly Buckton, Models: Phoebe Tucker, Darcy Bodle, Hazel Astbury, Sophie Spencer, Krishna Natarajan
Fings is a very joyful project, from the clothes to the community and even your social presence. How do you work to maintain this, especially as the brand grows and becomes more of a full time job?
The brand began as something to bring me joy; something to do on the side of uni work. I think that naturally reflected into Fings and the community that surrounds it. It’s such a joy to create and for what I produce to be celebrated, it would be tricky to lose that.
Leeds has become somewhat of a spiritual home for the brand, as you come to the end of your time there, where do you plan to go with Fings? And how do you see it growing and developing?
Living in Leeds the last few years has enabled me and the brand to build an amazing hub in the north, getting to know other incredible small business owners, pushing similar messages.
Leaving Leeds will be a shame, especially as “home home” is so much further south - but I hope this move only means a similar community feel will develop in the south, as it has done in Leeds. The end goal is to take Fings to the sea, but that will come with time.
As Floss expanded into creating a wider and more intricate variety of garments, her goals and process remained the same. The garments continue to be handcrafted from old and unused fabrics collected from family and friends. She is creating clothes for friends and loved ones. Each person to get their hands on Fings, becomes enveloped in the community.
The brand is far from a finished product, but perhaps that is part of its charm. Fings embodies the energy and imperfections of something that is alive and evolving. The early love and support it has garnered speaks volumes, not just about the quality of the pieces but about the authenticity and care behind each creation. This is a story of learning, adapting, and building something meaningful.
Credits:
Creative Director/ Fashion designer: Florence Tuppen
Photographer: Tilly Buckton
Assistant photographers: Rizza Masa, Eve Holly-Jenkins
Models: Phoebe Tucker, Darcy Bodle, Hazel Astbury, Sophie Spencer, Krishna Natarajan