Help Bella Figura move to 86 Smedley Street

We’ve been part of the fabulous independent spirit of Smedley Street for 13 years and now we’re moving into our permanent home (right next door to our current shop).  We’ve been quietly grafting away since March lovingly restoring and transforming number 86 into a haven of creativity, colour and elegance for you all to enjoy for years to come. We’ve put every ounce of blood, sweat and tears into it and can’t wait to show you what we’ve been up to.

Why are we moving?

• It’s warm (after 13 years of no central heating and many chilblains, we have installed luxurious underfloor heating!)
• It’s a beautifully balanced and open space with equal weight placed on the retail and making sides of the business – Suzanne’s sewing skills will be centre stage and her workshop will be much more visible for customers to see how our clothing is made.
• It’s ours – after weathering the stresses of rising rents, changing landlords and all the other challenges thrown our way, number 86 will be a secure sanctuary for our business for the foreseeable future.
• It’s a flexible space with more room for fittings, flouncing in frocks, mini sewing workshops and socialising. We’ve also created a lovely airy extension at the back of the shop which provides extra storage and better catering facilities but also brings natural light into the workshop.

Why we need your help?

We’re so nearly there but the purchase, planning and building works, legal costs, business rates and double utility bills have taken all our reserves. We’re also working through the later stages of the move under incredibly tough personal circumstances and caring for a family member – we’d love a little help this month to get us over the line and we promise some great incentives and opportunities in return. Pledge your support and then come and see the new space in October and celebrate with us in a big way a little further down the line...