The Fashion Law Edit Presents: Jennie Barck, Founder Of 'The Maker Bazaar'

Meet Jennie Barck, founder of Helsinki based slow concept store, The Maker Bazaar. Showcasing the best of emerging sustainable fashion designers, The Maker Bazaar represents ethical and unique Finnish design in stylish, modern women's clothing and accessories.

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Hannah: What inspired you to launch sustainable, slow fashion brand The Maker Bazaar?

Jennie: The idea for The Maker Bazaar sparked from a need for a platform to find unique, artisan made ethical clothing. It was all about putting the focus of clothing back on quality, craftsmanship and the makers behind the garments. The makers I was speaking to were struggling to find a place to sell their clothes that fit their values and way of making clothes. People in the ethical fashion community were struggling to find interesting sustainable clothing that didn't look like a burlap sack. Hence creating a sustainable fashion company was at the very core of what I wanted to do. 

Hannah: What is the process you go about in choosing which artisans to feature in The Maker Bazaar?

Jennie: I have pretty strict criteria designers have to adhere to in order to be chosen for The Maker Bazaar. All garments have to be made in small quantities, out of natural materials that can be recycled or that biodegrade and they have to be made locally. All our clothing is made in small ateliers by seasoned professionals that carefully create long lasting and good quality clothing.

Navy blue gathered dress | The Maker Bazaar

Hannah: How would you describe your personal sense of style?

Jennie: My personal style has evolved since starting The Maker Bazaar. I now wear more natural fibres and focus on quality more when making purchases. I love interesting colour combinations, wide hems, sharp cuts, yellows and oranges. I would describe my style as classic, as I love pieces that can be worn for years. I buy most of my clothing second hand, so I often combine classic pieces from The Maker Collection with cool vintage finds. 

Hannah: Do you have a favourite artisan you’ve worked with?

It's hard to pick a favourite since there is something I love about all the artisans I've worked with, but I especially connect to the garments that I have seen be made. I visited Maija Toukolehto's atelier recently, where the place is brimming with knitted creations, yarns in all the colours of the rainbow and knitting machines. It was so special to see where and how the unique knits are made. I also love that I know the seamstresses behind The Maker Collection and have been able to involve them in the process of making the collection. I also got to design the collection together with a good friend, which made it all the more special.

Laura dress rust | The Maker Bazaar

Hannah: Why should more fashion brands be transparent in how their materials are sourced and their manufacturing methods?

Jennie: Transparency is key in the movement to a more sustainable fashion industry. Greenwashing is unfortunately one of the biggest obstacles for sustainable fashion at the moment and the best way to combat that is through transparency. Greenwashing simply can't compete with transparency, as customers will start to question the claims made by companies and expect to get concrete proof of a brand's sustainability efforts. This will force companies that greenwash to either be more transparent or go out of business, and push them to explore more sustainable ways of production.

Hannah: What are your plans for The Maker Bazaar?

Jennie: My plans are to keep working on and expanding The Maker Collection. I would also like to get more brands on board and develop the online store further. My vision is to have The Maker Bazaar as a destination for all slow fashion fans, so that they can search for makers near them and support their local textile industry.

Shop the collection at themakerbazaar.com and follow on Instagram @themakerbazaar