Change is afoot!


We’d like to introduce you to some truly unique and exciting footwear by Above+Below London™. The collection exclusively incorporates ‘rare’, ‘vintage’ and ‘ultra rare’ iconic retro textiles from the 50’s, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90’s reclaimed from seats on London’s Underground tube carriages and buses.


Realising these visually striking fabrics were genuine relics of London's design heritage, Central Saint Martin's college graduate Robert Taylor and music promoter/film maker Caroline Read collected and preserved them before they were lost to landfill or incineration forever!


London's first environment-conscious footwear range; Above+Below London™, is the evolution of this innovative recycling project, begun by the duo over ten years ago.


Their original fashion concept was given an elevated platform (quite literally) by British design icon and trendsetter Dame Vivienne Westwood, who re-used the textile in a pair of her infamous elevated court shoes. The beautifully crafted, comfortable, stylish, robust and contemporary trainers below are what followed.



The first in the range is a tribute to Chuck Taylor’s (no relation!) enduring hi-top classic basketball shoe. They incorporate recycled tyre rubber in the soles, restored Tube and bus seat textiles in the uppers and re-used leather cheque book wallets in the trim. These shoes can
comfortably withstand the harsh realities of daily life - while still catching the eye and making a statement!


From down the King’s Road up to Hoxton Square, north from Brixton to Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street into Camden Town it’s possible to wear a genuine artifact familiar to the Mods ‘n’ Rockers, Punks, Skins, Ravers, New Wavers and all the subcultures in between! Everyone’s taken a trip on London’s Tube (or bus) not least… the Queen and heads of State!


Every pair of Above+Below’s connects to the essence of our historic metropolis via the District, Victoria, Northern, Central, Metropolitan, Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines and London’s buses. Fabrics from each line have been hand selected and restored to former, sometimes faded glory.  Whichever one you decide on, it will be a Limited Edition. Remade for cool eco-urbanites, those with a taste for industrial chic, fanatics of nostalgic London memorabilia or stylish individualists with a twist.


Built on solid ethical/environmental principles, arguably one of the greenest trainers on the market and so much more than a recycled souvenir. Above+Below London™ is a step in the right direction. The project is supported by FirstGroup, the world’s leading transport company, as part of it’s industry leading Climate Change Strategy. Our partnership with First has made the business of re-using and recycling transport industry waste possible. First has also donated its London bus seat materials to the project.


Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information.


We will be happy to help!

Many thanks!

Best wishes,


ABOVE+BELOW LONDON

UK


Trade & Press contact details:

Tel: +44 (0)20 8747 8104


Note:

Above+Below London™ pledges to donate a tree for each pair we sell, to be planted inside the M25 by charity tree planting partners Trees for Cities.


The Above+Below London™ brand is owned by Creatively Recycled Empire and licensed to Transport Recycling in Partnership (TRiP) a not-for-profit company supported by FirstGroup plc .


London Underground fabrics with the kind permission of Transport for London.