Ethical fashion group Refined Brands acquires Turtle Doves

Ethical fashion group Refined Brands, which owns Celtic & Co and Frugi, has acquired Turtle Doves.

In 2009, Kate and Graham Holbrook established Turtle Doves with the goal of using post-consumer textile waste to make new, repurposed clothing and accessories. Each piece is produced near Turtle Doves’ Shropshire headquarters.

Sales of £4.5 million were made by the brand in just the previous 12 months.

The Refined Brands portfolio now includes Turtle Doves alongside Frugi and Celtic & Co. Using a circular fashion approach, sustainable materials, and only natural or recycled fabrics with a low environmental impact are values shared by all three labels.

Ben Barnett, Chairman of Refined Brands, said that the ambition to construct a differentiated family of sustainable fashion brands, alongside founders and teams that shared their passion and vision, was the driving force behind the establishment of Refined Brands. He is excited to welcome Graham Holbrook and his crew to Turtle Doves, a leader in entirely recycled clothing and accessories.

The first intra-group partnership to be created by the umbrella business is slated to debut this year. The joint collection will include Turtle Doves recycled cashmere uppers on recycled cashmere mule slippers that are handcrafted in Cornwall with a Celtic & Co. sheepskin interior.

Graham Holbrook, Turtle Doves Managing Director, added that this represents a natural step for Turtle Doves as they expand their distinctive and sustainable proposition to overseas markets. They will be able to sell directly to people all over the world as well as too big stores and online marketplaces thanks to Refined Brands’ technologies and expertise. They will be able to hire more employees in the UK, divert more clothing from the garbage, and serve more clients with their well-regarded service. The advantages of the idea exchange that results from like-minded businesses cooperating are already evident.