Five minutes with: Marvi from Lost in Samsara

19/06/2019

As fashion consumers, we are starting to become more and more aware of the impact that the production of clothing and accessories is having on the planet. The choices we make when buying new things online, in stores and at markets are more considered and we find ourselves asking: “Who made this?”, “Where did it come from?” and “Will this be worn/used once and then end up in a landfill?”

A good place to start when looking for more sustainable and planet-friendly fashion is our market, home to hundreds of independent traders, with many using recycled, natural and fair-trade materials to create their products. A standout brand for us is Lost in Samsara, who you can find at Spitalfields Market on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, selling stylish bags, jewellery and accessories made from recycled and/or responsibly sourced materials. We caught up with co-founder, Marvi, to find out a little bit more:

Talk to us about your journey into the accessories business, how did you start Lost in Samsara?

We started Lost in Samsara in 2015 by partnering with small fair-trade projects. We wanted Lost in Samsara to be the place where people could find contemporary and modern wares that would respect both people and the planet. We thought that accessories and jewellery would have been the perfect match as they could embody the skills of artisans that make them and our vision to use recycled material.

Where did the name Lost in Samsara come from?

Samsara is a Sanskrit word referring to the “cycle of aimless wandering and mundane existence”. For us, the name Lost in Samsara is a metaphor of the current economic and environmental crisis we find ourselves in and it wants to invite us to think and find solutions together to overcome them.

How long have you been trading at Spitalfields Market?

We have been trading at Spitalfields for almost three years now.

What do you love most about Spitalfields Market?

We love everything about Spitalfields. The sense of community, the story behind each trader, the history of the place and the unique products that can be found. We are not only traders but also customers!

Can you talk us through your design process?

We work closely with our producers to create our products. We have recently been to Cambodia where our main artisans are to produce our recent collection that is now available. When we have some new ideas we discuss them together to see what can be done. We love the fact that all our products are created with everyone’s input and that they are designed collaboratively. We believe it makes them more special.

How would you describe the Lost in Samsara customer?

Our customer is usually someone who likes handmade and unique things, who is environmentally conscious and cares about the people who made the things he/she buys. In general, we can say that our customer is a conscious consumer.

Have you had any famous customers?

We did! Camilla Thurlow bought one of our Camden backpacks.

Which celebrity/famous figure would you most like to wear your accessories?

That’s a tough question! I would love Naomi Klein to have one of our bags…she is one of my idols!