Women’s clothing brand Hope launches crowdfunding campaign

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Apr 27, 2017

Hope, a British fashion brand catering to women over 40, aims to raise £500,000 via crowdfunding to support its growth plan. The company has launched a campaign on Crowdcube.com and has already secured 84% of its target.

Founded in 2015 by Nayna McIntosh, who has over 30 years of experience in the UK retail industry working for companies such as Next, ASDA and M&S, Hope is a brand that embraces women of all shapes, sizes and ages.

McIntosh founded the label after realising that the older woman was often neglected in the fashion sector. Designed to fit different silhouettes and give women more confidence, the brand has also taken a new approach to sizing.

Pieces come in dress sizes 8-20, and the majority of the collection is available in 3 size variants: Freesize: to fit sizes 8-20; Dual Slim: to fit sizes 8-14; and Dual Curvy: to fit sizes 16-20. Additionally, a free trouser alteration service is available to all customers.

The brand’s vision has been well received in the UK and internationally, with website traffic increasing by 350% in the last three months compared to the same period last year. 20% of organic web traffic is now coming from overseas, said the crowdfunding campaign.

In addition to the website, Hope’s products are being sold through 8 independents, and the business is currently negotiating further deals with major UK and US department store groups. It is also gearing up to launch a dedicated US site, and aims to increase its product range by 50% to broaden its appeal.