{"id":4730,"date":"2020-03-23T18:05:29","date_gmt":"2020-03-23T16:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/?p=4730"},"modified":"2020-03-23T19:38:50","modified_gmt":"2020-03-23T17:38:50","slug":"local-brands-to-support-vol-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/local-brands-to-support-vol-1\/","title":{"rendered":"LOCAL BRANDS TO SUPPORT VOL. 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Times are strange and getting stranger as we’ve said in our Letters to Friends and Strangers<\/a> incentive. With everything that’s happening around the world and inside the borders of our small country, we’re well aware that things are shifting and for most people out there life’s about to get a whole lot harder. In order to help each other as humans and creatives, the NEW EDGE team would like to encourage you to support your local (small) businesses and artists. We’d like to encourage you to invest into innovative and creative work and contribute to the local community instead of turning to mass retailers and consumption. Here’s our week one local brands picks (in no particular order) that you can support, not only in these hard times but especially when this is all over.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Article cover photo by Bitchy Club.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

GIAKIARA (swimwear)<\/span>
\n\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Giakiara<\/a> is a \u201cone-man\u201d brand run by me (Mateia Kogoj Kajzer<\/a>). It all started back in 2016 when I had an idea, which turned into more than an idea, for my best friend Mateja \u0160kraba – owner of Frachella – to create a swimsuit. Unfortunately, or fortunately, she said she didn\u2019t have time for that, because her business was blooming back then. And so Mateja suggested that I make it myself but still with a 100% of her support whenever I\u2019ll need it. And that\u2019s how things got real, first designs, first color selection, first photoshooting, first sale and most important first happy customer (which in my opinion is the best reward a designer or a \u201cdesigner\u201d like me can get).<\/p>\n

But enough of my past.<\/p>\n

Giakiara swim is a design inspired by an exotic summer spent abroad. I strive to empower expression in the modern way of women\u2019s lives.\u00a0It\u2019s a combo of simplicity, sophisticated selection of colors and minimalistic designs (some of people won\u2019t agree, but that\u2019s how I see it \ud83d\ude42 ).\u00a0It offers a touch of audacity to your swim essentials. Each style is created to compliment the silhouette, providing comfort and featuring the perfect female form in all its variations. It is 100% handmade in Europe, Slovenia.<\/p>\n

And as you might know, Slovenia is facing some difficult times right now, as many of other countries around the world (I\u2019m talking about the COVID-19 situation). And so as brand CEO and manager (and everything else is my title for the only one employed in my \u201ccompany\u201d) I decided to postpone the production of my 2020 collection (hopefully for not too long). My main focus right now is to stay safe and not sorry later. I believe if you\u2019re thinking about buying my swimwear right now (don\u2019t get me wrong, I still appreciate it a lot) you honestly don\u2019t see how bad the situation is and I think you better save your money for when the good and the safe times are back. Then you can buy all of my swimwear :). But If you really feel the need to spend some of your money, then this is the right time to give it to the poor and homeless, donate it to some animal shelter or simply invest it in the medical supplies the hospitals are in lack of (I know it sounds clich\u00e9 but it still helps).<\/p>\n

In the meantime I\u2019ll try to make you some good company on all of my social media accounts (lots of tits and semi-naked girls \ud83d\ude42 ) and I promise I have a surprise coming up for you very soon.<\/p>\n

Stay safe and stay the fuck home is my motto these days, hope it sounds legit to you too \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

You can support Giakiara by buying her swimwear here<\/a> and by following her on Instagram\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0\/ Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\u0160TRIKULA (knitwear, jewelry, home decor)\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I am Ma\u0161a, an architect by education and \u0160trikula<\/a> by heart.<\/p>\n

\u0160trikula is my own brand of handmade knitwear and jewelry + home decor.<\/p>\n

I am also a visual content creator, photographer and co-owner of a small cat shelter, a vegan and lover of natural materials.<\/p>\n

There’s a lot of us who have found ourselves in the tough situation where we’ve lost income overnight. I feel that we should all support and encourage each other and believe it’ll be okay in the end. <3<\/p>\n

You can support \u0160trikula by shopping her items here<\/a>\u00a0or by following her on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0\/ Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

ALJA HORVAT (art)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Alja Horvat<\/a> is a 23 year old illustrator from Slovenia. She\u2019s currently finishing her Bachelor\u2019s degree at the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Ljubljana. Art has always been her passion but she took a more serious interest in it in 2017.<\/p>\n

She mostly creates on her tablet but loves to wield a brush and paint with guache and oils. She\u2019s inspired by her surroundings, especially nature and museums. As a big fan of the 60s, 70s and 80s she tries her best to incorporate these eras in her illustrations which is why her works often give off a sense of nostalgia.<\/p>\n

Alja is part of the Forbes \u201830 under 30\u2019 2020 List in the Art & Culture category.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this time of uncertainty I feel lucky to be surrounded with an incredibly supportive community. I think we should all come together and help each other out in order to come out of this situation even stronger. I hope that when this is all over we\u2019re even more connected than we were before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more about Alja in our interview here<\/a>, or support her by shopping her products\u00a0<\/em>here<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>and following her on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0\/ Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

KONCRETE JEWELRY (jewelry)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Koncrete<\/a> is an independent fashion jewelry brand based in Slovenia. All jewelry pieces are handmade by Katarina Jeraj<\/a>, from a proven cement formula, which provides a strong and unbreakable structure.<\/p>\n

I’m asking you to think about where you buy from during these scary times and choose the little guy every time.<\/p>\n

I have so many friends with small retail businesses who are already struggling, myself included. Many of the shops I sell to can’t buy from us at the moment because no one is shopping in their little stores and were forced to close during quarantine.<\/p>\n

I’m hoping online sales will be able to carry us through but it’s going to be tough and I’m still uncertain that this will be enough.<\/p>\n

If we support each other, we’ll get through it!<\/p>\n

Katarina<\/p>\n

You can support Koncrete<\/a> by shopping her products here or by following her on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0\/ Facebook<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

PIRATE PI\u0160KA (t-shirts, hoodies, backpacks and prints)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What?\u00a0<\/b>White hand printed t-shirts and over-sized sweaters, black tote bags and simple backpacks, stickers, badges and sometimes fanzines. Sometimes socks too. But always made with a lot of love for handwork.<\/p>\n

Who?\u00a0<\/b>Pirate Pi\u0161ka<\/a> is an independent\u2013one<\/b>\u2013girl<\/b>\u2013brand under which Tja\u0161a Pi\u0161ka creates witty and responsible products that make this story true to its origins. Brand is based on the principles of quality workmanship with a\u00a0minimalist, unisex and sustainable<\/b>\u00a0approach in mind. Backpacks are made with\u00a0local \/ EU materials<\/b>, t-shirts are part of\u00a0Fair Wear Foundation<\/b>\u00a0and all products are packaged in\u00a0plastic-free packaging<\/b>. Main purpose is to work with respect for the nature and awareness of where the raw materials for making products come from. Designers biggest motivation is the freedom to make everything independently with no outside manufacturers.<\/p>\n

You can support PIRATE PI\u0160KA by shopping her products here<\/a> or following her on Instagram<\/a> \/ Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

FRACHELLA (bags and totes)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It’s so hard to introduce my brand<\/a> right now. And I think many can relate. Why? Because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Right now it’s not the best time to own your small business.<\/p>\n

But anyway, let’s stay positive.<\/p>\n

I am a 1 girl band (with the help of many freelance friends) mostly trying to ditch the plastic bags & do a good deed to the world by selling reusable cotton bags. Some bags and backpacks are also available in my online shop + really cool plant hangers and swimwear by my super cool friends Faithfully yours and GiaKiara.<\/p>\n

The biggest THANK YOU goes to anyone who supported us before, now at this f***ed up times and forever. Stay safe!<\/p>\n

Mateja \u0160kraba<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo: Mark Kucler<\/a><\/p>\n

You can read more about Frachella and Mateja in our interview here<\/a>, and support Frachella by shopping her products here<\/a> or following her on Instagram<\/a> \/ Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

BITCHY CLUB (pink cans of ros\u00e9 with bubbles)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Bitchy Club is real, unapologetic, sans bullshit. Is a story about a business woman shaking up the wine industry with extravagant pink cans of ros\u00e9 with bubbles. Bitchy Club is a story about liquid courage which unites women under pink and red colors and sarcastic sense of humour. Bitchy Club is a community of responsible human beings who know that staying at home these days is fucking important but they still bitch about the whole situation all the time. Bitchy Club is a must have accessory for your isolated Netflix marathons and for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n

You can read more about the brand in our interview here<\/a>, and support Bitchy Club by shopping their products here<\/a> or following them on Instagram.<\/a>\u00a0And for free shipping until further notice, use code: FUCKCORONA ;).<\/em><\/p>\n

Photo: Ana Bacinger<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

JN\u017d STUDIO (ceramics)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The JN\u017d studio<\/a> is changing. Mostly spontaneously and on a daily basis, sometimes thoughtfully and strategically (though, truth be told, it would take me many years of work for serious strategic perspectives), sometimes suddenly, overnight.<\/p>\n

Us creators, who mostly work alone and in isolation, didn\u2019t feel the shock of losing human contact in our workplace. Despite all that I feel like I\u2019m working differently these days – I\u2019m writing this in the time of quarantine. I\u2019m working for myself, from myself. After two anxious days of adapting to the new situation, I\u2019ve calmed down. I\u2019ve taken fresh breaths, rolled up my sleeves and embarked on projects that were on the sidelines so far. I understand that the foundations on which our future stands have been shaken up for many, that the financial revenue hasn\u2019t been cut off for the entrepreneurs and creators only, so no great salvation in the form of euros from other sources is to be expected. So, on a clich\u00e9 but serious note: let\u2019s love our work, be proud of the hands and brains that hold our brand upright and enjoy the day-to-day work chaos. It might not last forever.<\/p>\n

You can read more about Jan\u017ea and JN\u017d studio in our interview\u00a0<\/em>here<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>and support her by shopping her products here<\/a> or by following her on Instagram <\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Photo: Jo\u0161t Dolin\u0161ek<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Times are strange and getting stranger as we’ve said in our Letters to Friends and Strangers incentive. With everything that’s happening around the world and inside the borders of our small country, we’re well aware that things are shifting and for most people out there life’s about to get a whole lot harder. In order […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4724,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[29,20,18,14,19,17],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4730"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4730"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4730\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4752,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4730\/revisions\/4752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4724"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newedgemagazine.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}