Introducing SFW Hub: Torquay
Introducing our Hub partner in Torbay, Torquay, hosted by Karen Anderson of Minycled.
Minycled began in 2021 as a small independent fashion brand that was created when Karen was made redundant - a moment that became the catalyst that brought her
lifelong passion for slow and ethical fashion together. Here, Karen shares insight into her practice, the Minycled brand, and plans for a SFW Hub for 2025!
Karen:
“My background is in street fashion management, with a brief time at the London College of Fashion. I also studied evening dressmaking, building the skills that now shape Minycled’s hands-on approach to sustainable design.
I create clothing using deadstock, vintage, and ethically sourced fabrics including African prints that reflect my cultural roots. Each piece is made in small batches or to order, with purpose and care.
Minycled started from home, moved into a studio on Union Street, and I’ll soon be opening our first shop and studio at 16 Lucius Street, officially launching 28th June 2025. It will be more than a shop a creative space for workshops, mentoring, and supporting emerging talent.
This October, I’ll proudly host Torbay’s first Sustainable Fashion Week Hub, part of the national campaign by SFW.org. Our community day is provisionally booked for 2 October 2025 at the Riviera International Centre, with a second day of showcases to follow. We’ll bring together students, designers, educators and the public to explore fashion as a force for good with no greenwashing, no mass production.
Why am I doing this?
Because fashion has power to connect, to express, to change. I want to create space for conscious creativity and prove that even small, local businesses can lead meaningful conversations. This is about making fashion work better for people and planet.
Minycled’s Guiding Principles
Reuse first: Waste is our raw material.
People matter: We prioritise collaboration, education and fair practice.
Fashion is storytelling: Every garment honour culture, craft and community.
Quickfire Q&A
How can we reclaim fashion?
By slowing down. Choosing purpose over pressure. Teaching our kids to sew. Saying no to throwaway culture.
Favourite wardrobe staple?
A dress in 100% organic cotton using Minycled’s own print inspired by African ceremonial face art. It holds pride and story.
Advice for changing fashion habits?
Start with what you already own. Rewear, restyle, repair.
Key issue in fashion today?
Overproduction it fuels waste, exploitation and climate damage.
Top tip for sustainable fashion newbies?
Ask who made it, what it’s made from, and if you’ll wear it 30+ times.
Watch this:
The True Cost (Netflix) a powerful look at the real price of fast fashion.
I hope the Torbay Hub shows what’s possible when we bring fashion, community and values together not just for one week, but for the future we want to build.”
You can view more of Karen’s work at the Minycled website here and via the brand Instagram account here.