Parlez

A small local enterprise in St. Wherburgs.

written by Bob Lawson

For many a year now I have noticed the word PARLEZ emblazoned across many a person's T-shirt, Hoodie, Jacket trousers and/or shirt. {As many fans of this local brand are known to double PARLEZ.}

If you are local and are sporting this flourishing brand, then it is more than likely you have bought directly from Will Clinkard. Will is the co-owner of the brand and a local resident who joined the team in 2016, coming from a background of marketing and fashion. A man who loves his work.

3 years after its inception in 2013, outgrowing the realms of the designer's bedroom, then a small office in town and the warehouse in Lawrance Green, they now find themselves with the head office over the M32 in Pennywell studios, focusing there on design and marketing. There's a 3rd party warehouse in Wales, dealing with distribution. Will tells me how they are 95 % sustainable, using recycled and organic fabrics, doing the best they can to make as little impact as possible. They embroider all the designs as it lasts a lot longer and doesn't wash down like printed garments.

Creating clothes, he intends them to last a long time as he is very aware of the backlash and global consequences of throw-away fashion. It is very evident the clothes are high quality and have a clean classic look and a wide appeal, crossing the generations. Also, what I like about this outfit of 9 is that they involve many other local small independent companies, supporting local breweries such as Wiper & True and venues such as The Thekla using local DJ's. Will is also often to be found on the decks himself.As when it comes to their sample sales, they are always keen to put on a good party.

They now find themselves supplying clothes to at least 3 members of the cast of 'The Outlaws' a tv series based here in Bristol, who themselves have an ethos of supporting local companies and chose PARLEZ as the look for the new series being filmed down in St Wherburgs at the wonderful City Farm.

"Right on my doorstep, symbiotic!" says Will with a big smile. Check them out and stay local..... www.parlez.co.uk