Following a tip-off while searching for the most sustainable denim jeans in London, I found myself at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers store in Coal Drops Yard. The eco-conscious, craft denim brand offers a ready-to-wear line of selvedge jeans – which have self-finished edges that don’t unravel – as well as unique pieces made with organic raw denim in a variety of cuts and fits. Including a modern slim fit, a relaxed tapered cut and vintage straight leg jeans. All the pieces are made in the company’s renovated 1920s factory in London’s Walthamstow. Opened in April 2016, the brand focus is on sustainability and community. Founder Bilgehan ‘Han’ Ates is a second-generation Londoner with Turkish Kurdish ancestry and the visionary behind Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. Drawing on 25 years of experience in the textile industry, today Bilgehan ‘Han’ Ates is surrounded by a team of committed denim makers.

The brand combines the production of jeans with the establishment of a modern methodology for a community of makers – Think Global, Act Local. And a series of exciting collaborations with like-minded brands such as Drake’s, Christopher Raeburn and King & Tuckfield have further expanded the collections. In addition, the label offers sampling and production services for clothing made with denim and similar heavy fabrics.

The company has three key values that it stands for. These are quality, community and eco-consciousness. In terms of quality, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers believe they make the best jeans in the world. The motto is ‘made by us for life’ to discourage fast fashion. In order to stand true to this, they also repair denim garments, whether made by themselves or not. The service to shorten and repair jeans are free for their own brand pieces, with some terms and conditions. If the jeans are not from Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, there is a charge, and the current turnaround time is 4-6 weeks.

In order to ensure the production line is as sustainable and ethical as possible, the label will not work with suppliers unless they have personally visited the production facilities and observed their business practices. All employees are paid a fair living wage and are not subject to zero contract hours.

So, if you are a lover of denim, this is the proper stuff. Not only is it excellent quality with exquisite designs, but it also operates according to sustainable practices for the eco-conscious denim wearer. 

Address: Unit 32, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4DQ

Website: https://blackhorselane.com

Written by Lupe Castro 

Photography courtesy of Blackhorse Lane Ateliers