Founder of TAO, Alice Sainsbury designs all pieces with deep respect for the needs of the wearers, makers, growers and farmers who collectively form TAO’s supply chain. All pieces are made in response to the body’s need for freedom of movement in the gentle ebb and flow of each day and season.

TAO carefully selects natural fabrics for their gentle (positive) impact on all elements in the chain of growing, making and wearing. They are fabrics that are comfortable in wear, gentle against the skin and giving in their allowance for daily movement.

The holistic effects on environment and biodiversity are considered at every stage. It all starts with soil health and biodiversity; the understanding that everything we make either returns to the earth as food or poison. These fabrics (European linen, British and European wool, and peace silk) are not only gentle on the environment, but beneficial, supporting the regeneration of the soil and the continuation of small scale growing and production.

‘Eco’ means home. At the core of TAO studio is a fundamental belief in the importance and value of supporting our local economy, natural environment, biodiversity, and community.

Our makers are the integral part of these localised eco-systems/eco-nomys in bringing our clothing to life. We work with locally skilled makers, supporting the continuing arts of knitting, weaving, cutting and stitching. Each organisation is female owned, hand-making our small collections.

Raine Studios

A female-led sewing studio based in Penzance, specialising in sampling, clothing production, alterations & repair. Raine seeks to encourage and educate on the process of garment repair and alteration as a revival of these fading crafts in the local community. All garments are made in small scale batches.

Inverterre

A female-led knitwear studio based in St Ives, Cornwall marring together Cornish heritage craft with innovative seamless, zero waste, 3d knit technology.

Raine studios and small pop ups - join the mailing list for more info