The Well Worn vintage and upcycling shop opens in Winchester

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A vintage and upcycling shop in Winchester has opened its doors in the city centre.

The Well Worn, founded by Emma Shaw, opened on Thursday, October 29, in Kings Walk, welcoming friends and family to the new space.

Dozens of customers, friends and family attended the opening to browse clothes, see the studio and enjoy drinks and nibbles.

The shop turns vintage and reclaimed fabrics into limited-edition and one-off womenswear.

Ms Shaw said: "I’m really excited to be joining a part of Winchester that already has a strong independent and creative community. It feels like a really good fit for The Well Worn.

"The new space means customers will be able to walk into the shop, see the collections and see the working studio where the clothes are being made.

"I'm looking forward to bringing everyone together."

It previously operated from a council-owned studio above The Open Deli, which is now earmarked for demolition under the impending Silver Hill scheme, aka Central Winchester Regeneration.

However, as part of its expansion, the new shop, formerly Arcadia Zone, now has a ground-floor retail space and a working studio upstairs.

The studio is also set to host mending workshops twice a week.

Tom Corcoran, from Twyford, said: "We love it. It's great to see clothes being reworked and given a fresh and unique look. The accessories all have the Winchester name, which is good too."

(L-R) Tom Corcoran, Evie Corcoran and Yse Clarke. (Image: Eve Thompson)

Yse Clarke, 13, from Twyford, said: "It's really nice in here. I love the workshop; I think it's fun to see the result and also the process. We needed more clothing shops in Winchester, so I'll definitely be coming in here again."

Visitors can browse reworked garments and vintage clothes while watching new pieces being made.

The move allows The Well Worn to offer repair services, mending workshops and creative events.

Sarah Sullivan, from Winchester, said: "It's amazing in here, I'm so impressed. I always wanted Emma to have a shop because she needed somewhere people could browse.

"It's a nice area down here, and there is a lot that people can miss. It's really a lovely location."

(L-R) Winchester stylists and fashion professionals, Sarah Sullivan and Donna Taylor. (Image: Eve Thompson)

Most items are made to order, with all garments designed in Winchester and manufactured in the UK.

Leonie Jackson, from Hursley, said: "It's amazing learning all about the ethos of the business and the workshop upstairs. I love the way set pieces have been transformed to be unique. I haven’t shopped here before, but now I have definitely been made aware.

"Since moving to Winchester, I have loved getting to know the community and working with other independent businesses."

The company is a member of the British Fashion Council and has a “Good” sustainability rating from fashion platform Good On You.

(L-R) Sarah Davis, Miranda Rocksmith and Leonie Jackson enjoying the event. (Image: Eve Thompson)

The business began in Ms Shaw’s living room six years ago and has grown into a womenswear label with customers in the UK and overseas.

It also sells clothes through Wolf & Badger.

The previous council-owned studio had been used by The Well Worn for three years and is earmarked for demolition as part of a wider redevelopment plan.

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