A new clothes boutique selling recycled and up cycled clothing by-the-kilo has opened its doors to the public in Kings Heath.
Off the Scale, based in York Road, aims to promote sustainable fashion as well as providing training and employment for people suffering from mental health issues.
The husband-and-wife team of Eddie and Gail O’Callaghan, who are behind the store, have outlined plans to offer opportunities to young people suffering from mental health issues or who are experiencing social isolation, including learning skills involved in creating up cycled articles of clothing, sorting and grading clothing for niche markets and designing and refitting future popup shops.
The duo opened their first outlet using the by-the-kilo concept in San Francisco in the 1990s, launching a second store in Liverpool before moving to Croatia to co-found summer dance event The Garden Festival.
Eddie O’Callaghan has been tempted back to his hometown of Birmingham after 33 years by ‘the surge in culture and creativity’, explaining, “We have chosen the vibrant York road in Kings Heath for Off the Scale because of the terrific independent shops, restaurants and bars in the locality.”
Partner Gail added, “Buying clothes by the weight brings a feeling of a treasure hunt or lucky dip aspect which is fun especially for those looking to spot a bargain.”
Off the Scale has received support from social enterprise investor The Key Fund, and The Big Issue’s investment arm.
For more information, visit the store’s official Facebook page.
Video: www.mazzysnape.com, www.dontfretmedia.co.uk
Images: Natasha Kafumukache
