Nanushka Meets
Josephine Philips
Josephine is the Founder and CEO of SOJO, featured on both Forbes and Drapers 30 Under 30 lists for her innovative take on sustainable garment repair. In 2023, Nanushka became an official partner of SOJO, allowing for garments to take on new life through their expert tailoring and repair services. Nanushka supports the effort by providing excess fabric for all alterations, allowing for a seamless and low impact fix.
Was there a lightbulb moment that led you to create SOJO? If so, could you please share the story?
There were a few things that laid the foundation for my interest in sustainable fashion more generally but the lightbulb moment for the actual idea for SOJO came from my first tailoring experience shortening a pair of trousers.
The sector had to be modernized and made more seamless if we're going to get more people to tailor and repair their clothes in a bid to build more sustainable wardrobes. And from there, SOJO was born.
What excites you the most by working with contemporary luxury brands, especially Nanushka?
Part of my mission with SOJO from day one was to make repairs desirable. Repairing clothing is such a special and meaningful act and it's something that people can find so much joy in. Working with contemporary luxury brands like Nanushka is such an exciting part of this mission because they really help to play a key role in the narrative-shifting work around repair.
Josephine is wearing the Coreen Shirt and Harlow Skirt and Jol Sandals.
How do you feel SOJO is implementing change within the Luxury Fashion Industry?
We all know that repair isn’t something new when it comes to luxury fashion. The digitization of the service - enabling any customer, anywhere in the UK to book their items in for alterations or repair, collected and returned to their door within a week is a game changer.
By having sustainability as such a core part of our brand and mission, we're also spreading the message of the environmental impact of repairing items and are helping customers understand why it's such a powerful act.
With sustainability in mind, what are the main pillars you are focusing on for the future of SOJO?
Excitingly, SOJO became a B-Corp earlier this year which was a really great step for us on our journey and validated all we’ve achieved up to this point.
To further support circularity and sustainability within the industry, digitizing the booking process allows brands to know which items require the most repairs and can be shared back to be incorporated into design decisions and further support the reduction of fashion waste.
How do you feel the ethos of SOJO connects to Nanushka?
One of my core beliefs that helped build the foundation of SOJO and how we work with brands is that I really believe in quality, longevity and investing in pieces for your wardrobe that will last a lifetime. From day one, I knew I wanted us to work with Nanushka as I've always found that Nanushka's designs are timeless whilst still being incredibly unique. I know when I invest in a piece, I will be wearing it for years to come - with Nanushka being there to support me in caring for the item along the way.
Josephine is wearing the Annyka Top and Ulani Pants and Jol Sandals.
Shop Josephine's Look
Coreen Cropped Sculpted Glass Poplin Shirt
We always focus on fabric with each garment we make. The Coreen shirt is cut from sculpted glass poplin, a subtly textured fabric that elevates the minimalist shape. It has a cropped silhouette and comes in classic black.
Harlow Crinkled-Satin Maxi Skirt
Influenced by ‘90s minimalism, the Harlow skirt is cut from crinkled satin that pools beautifully over the feet with a high front slit. Effortlessly elegant and refined, it sits high on the waist and comes in classic black.
Dodie Double Wool And Silk Blend Jacket
The Dodie is the perfect hybrid between a cardigan and jacket. It’s made from a double-faced blend of wool and silk for luxurious warmth and has a relaxed fit. Button fastenings and patch pockets keep things chic.
Annyka Printed Mesh-Jersey Top
Made from our signature upcycled mesh-jersey fabric, the Annyka top is decorated with our smudged graffiti print – the neutral and orange tones are easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.
Ulani Leather And Twill Suiting Wide-Leg Pants
The Ulani pants have a relaxed, androgynous feel that's timelessly chic. Tailored from twill suiting, they have a high-rise waist and straight legs with pressed creases to emphasize their fluid shape. The regenerated leather belt keeps things sharp.
Ferris Leather And Twill-Suiting Coat
The Ferris coat is made from a taupe twill suiting fabric and cut to an oversized double-breasted silhouette that falls right to the floor. The notched lapels and pockets are outlined in black regenerated leather. It’s a contemporary piece to treasure forever.
Colson Crinkled-Satin Turtleneck Top
The Colson top deserves a place in every modern, elegant wardrobe. It’s crafted from lustrous crinkled satin with a streamlined fit accentuated by a turtleneck.
Jol Leather Sandals
The Jol sandals are a signature refined take on classic barely-there silhouettes. They have slim leather straps that elegantly frame the ankle and are set on gold-tone kitten heels for comfortable lift.
