Sometimes the best collaborations start with a shared belief. When we decided to create something special for our holiday gift sets, we knew exactly who to call. West London artist Jodie Glen-Martin doesn't just paint pretty pictures. She teaches sustainable art at The Fashion School, a brilliant community enterprise we've been quietly championing for over a decade.
At their studios in Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester, founder Caroline Gration and her team teach sustainable fashion to 6-18 year olds. Not the watered-down version where sustainability is an afterthought. The real thing. They use professional equipment, source fabrics within a three-mile radius, and give young people the tools to create their own style without feeding the fast fashion machine.
"Our aim is to help teenagers reclaim fashion," Caroline explains. "They can have their own creativity and look seriously at how they can create their own, with total individuality using our sustainable fabrics. Creativity without boundaries. We're here purely to enable and support them."
That philosophy, turning constraints into creativity, made this collaboration inevitable.
"This collaboration between Jodie and our holiday kits was the easiest decision I made all year," says Sarah, our founder. "Jodie once explained to me that being limited to only using locally-sourced, upcycled fabrics really pushes her and her students to dig deep creatively. And that's exactly how I feel about innovating within the limits of organic ingredients.
"The products in our kits have also been formulated using upcycled oils and zero waste botanicals. We'll never get behind throwaway beauty, and strive to move the industry away from that mindset. Just like The Fashion School is doing with fast fashion."
The result? Gift sets that actually look like London. Not the tourist-trap version with red buses and crowns, but the real thing. Bright, memorable designs with plenty of personality (and just the right amount of sass).
We sat down with Jodie to find out what inspired her designs and why doing things differently matters.
Can you tell us more about The Fashion School?
"I joined two years ago and became the creative link between fashion, textiles and art. I teach contemporary art classes to children and quilting to all ages with the same emphasis on sustainability as the fashion courses. The fabric we use is donated from wonderful designers and resources within a three mile radius. And I get to use all the beautiful scraps!"
What made you want to collaborate with Pai?
"Pai fit in with my ethics as an artist and maker. I want to engage creatively with authentic, sustainable brands to promote the concept that there does not need to be any compromise in producing beautiful and effective products and design, and still being sustainable.
"I also genuinely use Pai products, so I was enthusiastic to work with a brand I love. And with a kind, authentic and focused team."
Where did you start when illustrating the kits?
"My brief was relatively wide, with a London theme to promote the fact that each product is designed and made in London. The box sets would be holiday gifts but I also wanted to reflect the timelessness of the products and promote inclusivity.
"London is a city overflowing with iconic symbols but I decided to steer away from the popular cityscape outline, double decker buses, red letter boxes and symbols of the monarchy, as I wanted something fresh."
What inspired your umbrella and sunglasses designs?
"I am lucky to have a studio at The Fashion School on the famous Kings Road in Chelsea, where fashion and sewing skills are taught to all ages with an emphasis on sustainability.
"I am inspired daily by observing and thinking about the people, present and past and from across the globe in their many incarnations. From Punks to Sloanes, from Chelsea pensioners to school children. They stomp up and down this vibrant street in all the weather Britain throws at us.
"This gave me the idea for Glow Kit and how the correct skincare protects us from the sun as do fashion accessories such as sunglasses. This then led to linking Double Cleanse to water and rain, and again how we can protect ourselves, including our skin, from inclement weather. With the right skincare but also umbrellas and raincoats. Then I was away!"
What did you love most about the designs you landed on?
"Umbrellas are a joy to draw and I pulled in from the existing Pai colour palette to produce the colour combinations. Sunglasses were easy too. As well as some stylish shapes such as aviators and wayfarers, you may spot a nod to iconic Brits Sir Elton John and John Lennon, as well as the honorary Brit, the glamorous Antipodean Dame Edna who lived in South London for over 40 years."
How would you sum up London's style?
"A Londoner's style is unique, expressive and experimental. It is not always classically elegant but it breaks boundaries which is far more exciting.
"A stylish Londoner is not afraid to stand out, but should always carry an umbrella and sunglasses."
Inspired? Us too. If you'd like to learn more about Jodie, Caroline and their great work at The Fashion School, visit their website. And when you're ready to explore our current gift sets and limited editions, you'll find them in our exclusive bundles collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pai holiday gift sets and what's in them?
Pai's limited edition holiday gift sets come in two options: the Double Cleanse Kit and the Glow Kit. Both feature products formulated with upcycled oils and zero waste botanicals, packaged in collectable illustrated boxes designed by London artist Jodie Glen-Martin.
Who illustrated the Pai holiday gift set packaging?
The illustrations were created by Jodie Glen-Martin, a contemporary artist based in West London who teaches at The Fashion School in Chelsea. Her designs draw on London's vibrant street culture, featuring sunglasses for the Glow Kit and umbrellas for the Double Cleanse Kit, with nods to iconic Brits like Elton John and John Lennon.
What is The Fashion School and how is it connected to Pai?
The Fashion School is a community interest enterprise with hubs in Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester that teaches sustainable fashion to 6-18 year olds. Founded by Caroline Gration, it encourages young people to create their own clothing using locally sourced and upcycled fabrics instead of buying fast fashion. Pai has supported the organisation from the sidelines for over ten years.
How do the Pai gift sets reflect sustainability?
The products inside the kits are formulated using upcycled oils and zero waste botanicals. The collaboration itself mirrors this ethos: Jodie and The Fashion School work exclusively with donated fabrics sourced within a three mile radius, and Pai innovates within the boundaries of certified organic ingredients.
What inspired the umbrella and sunglasses designs on the gift set boxes?
Jodie was inspired by the people who walk the Kings Road in Chelsea in all weathers, from Punks to Chelsea pensioners. The sunglasses on the Glow Kit represent how the right skincare protects skin from the sun, while the umbrellas on the Double Cleanse Kit connect cleansing to water and rain protection. Both designs use Pai's existing colour palette.
