Be+Positive (BEPO) is due to return to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet with a positivity-focused pop-up from July 29. The independent brand, which last visited the Centre in 2022, raising awareness during Mental Health Awareness Week, is preparing its return, this time inviting local Cheshire-based creators to showcase their unique start-ups by sharing some of their space at the Designer Outlet with The Oh Design Foundation, a CIC dedicated to supporting creative enterprises and its growing collective of sustainable, purpose driven and talented designers, makers and artists.
Centre visitiors can look forward to meeting a host of local creatives and representatives from the Oh Design Foundation, including:
· Designer Oscar Munro, whose work includes a capsule collection of denim trousers, jacket coats and travel bags
· Mother-daughter duo TDS, who specialise in creating one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories using locally sourced fabrics and dead-stock materials
· Award-winning fashion designer Lili Sipeki, whose work focuses on creating unique apparel through reconstruction and re-purposing of waste denim and dead-stock fabrics
· The Felt Mistress, a local stitcher who creates a range of oine-off bespoke creatures with her partner, illustrator Jonathan Edwards
· Critically acclaimed illustrator, comic artist and toy designer Jonathan Edwards, whose artwork has also graced the covers of records by artists such as The Black Eyed Peas and The Jungle Brothers
· Industrial designer Alfie Munro, whose work focuses on biophilic design, helping individuals reconnect with the natural world
· Cheshire-based design studio Forest and Clay, which specialises in handcrafted luxury furniture, pottery and homewares
· Woodspring Co., known for its soy wax candles using essential oils and fragrance oils that come in biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
In addition, the pop-up will also host members of the inclusive boxing community with special educational needs. The Wirral Boxing Club will be making an appearance on Sundays, when Jay Montessori and the Inclusive Hub’s coaches will host their regular Sunday Sessions, catering to participants of all abilities.
Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “We always consider our guests’ feedback whenever we review new pop-ups at the Centre, and BEPO stands out as one of our visitors’ favourite local brands to support, receiving glowing reviews after each activation at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. We have always stood behind the brand’s mission to encourage our guests to prioritise their mental wellbeing, which is why we are thrilled to announce the return of BEPO this summer. We encourage all our Centre visitors to feel empowered to open up about their wellbeing and seek those resources that could help with their situation.”
Ben Taylor, co-founder of BEPO and NHS maintenance support worker, said: “Each pop-up at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a fantastic opportunity for us to interact with Centre guests and champion the causes we believe in. This year, we’re very excited to bring along some incredible handcrafted products created by local artists and makers who are aligned with the BEPO mission. Whether looking for a statement t-shirt or a handmade Mac, the pop-up will be sure to have something on offer for everyone, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the Centre.”
