Amano
164 Archway Road
London
N6 5BB
www.amano-world.com
0870 609 1250
Who: James and Michelle Audsley
"In the 1980s, my partner Michelle and I decided to go to South America to change the world! After teaching for a year and a half we travelled a lot in Bolivia and Peru. By that point I was looking for a way to come back to England and I wanted to open my own business. We came across some knitwear, and I phoned up a friend and said I’m sending over 200 jumpers. We started selling in the markets, Camden and Portobello, and suddenly everyone was talking about us. Our clothes were really popular with the dance scene at the time! Our clothes are really popular now with yummy mummies! We do very well at the Country Living Show. We have a lovely little shop on Archway Road, the closest tube is Highgate. We’ve always been Fairtrade, way back before it was so big. It’s just part of what we do. Our lightweight knits are very popular. We have a loyal following, Amano addicts!"
What: Uniquely hand-crafted knitwear in recycled hemp and denim, cotton, organic cotton, cotton linens, wool, wool and the luxurious alpaca blends. With a big focus on colour and texture, Amano offers unusual limited edition garments.
Why: Amano uses traditional handcrafted techniques in a world where mass production and big brands are prolific. In 1990, the company teamed up with the creative genius of Yumiko Suzuki who is based in Bolivia. Yumiko uses knitters in the Altiplano region of Bolivia, an inhospitable part of the world at 4000 meters above sea level to provide a secure means of income for them to supplement their traditional way of living. And there’s 30% off garments up until Christmas.
When: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6pm
Where: Highgate is the nearest tube. Parking is free outside the shop Monday-Friday between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
