Gandys is a social enterprise and clothing brand founded in 2012 in Brixton, London. The company was founded by 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami survivors Rob and Paul Forkan.[1] Through the sale of their clothing and accessories, Gandys fund the Gandys Foundation, which works to build campuses & provide education for disadvantaged and underprivileged children in underdeveloped nations.[2]
History
editGandys was launched in 2012 as a flip-flop brand, operating from Rob's flat in Brixton.[3] The products were stocked in over 400 stores, which included Selfridges and Topman.[4] In 2013, they won an award for accessories and footwear design at the WGSN Global Fashion Awards.[5]
In 2014, Rob and Paul published their book, Tsunami Kids, detailing their early life and journey starting their business. 10% of all proceeds of the book are also donated to the Gandys Foundation.[6]
The Gandys brothers have had a number of high-profile collaborations, including Liberty of London, McLaren and The Rolling Stones.[7] Their clothing has been seen on a number of high-profile celebritities, including Prince William,[8] Richard Branson and Jessie J.[5] Their range has since expanded from flip-flops into bags, accessories and clothing.[9]
Operations
editTheir headquarters are based in Wimbledon, West London,[10] and operate from their website www.gandyslondon.com[11] and their flagship store in Covent Garden, Central London.[12]
References
edit- ^ Plummer, Robert (15 June 2014). "Gandys Flip Flops: Footwear with soul". BBC News.
- ^ "YouTube - THE GANDYS BROTHERS ON SKY NEWS!!". Sky News.
- ^ "Five minutes with ... Gandys flip flops' co-founders, Rob and Paul". The Guardian.
- ^ "How the sibling founders behind Gandys Flip Flops launched and grew the business". Director.
- ^ a b "Brothers orphaned by tsunami set up flip-flop business to help children". The Guardian.
- ^ Forkan, Rob, Paul (2014). Tsunami Kids. London: Michael O'Mara Books Limited. ISBN 978-1-78243-357-6.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Matthew, Caines. "'People laughed at us at first'". The Telegraph.
- ^ "Prince William wears burgundy Gandys hat in Stockholm - and there's a heartwarming cause behind it". The Mirror.
- ^ "How Gandys has built a brand without advertising". Marketing Week.
- ^ "Boxing Day tsunami orphans to open children's home in Sri Lanka". BBC News.
- ^ "Gandys | Ethical & Sustainable Clothes built for Travel". Gandys London.
- ^ "Our Stores". Gandys London.