Helen Kirkum answers the BRiMM Life Questionnaire
Favourite walking route
“I have to say walking the Thames path on a sunny Sunday morning into Greenwich: it’s not the most glamorous at some moments but it is so authentically London to me, from super industrial concrete works, to Canary Wharf cityscapes to the Cutty Sark and historical monuments – you can see it all in a 30-minute walk down the Thames with a coffee.”
Your all-time top second-hand find
“I once found a working vintage 70s Polaroid Instant 10 camera for £1 in a Salvation Army.”
Latest low-impact life reset
“My sister recently bought me the Willowberry Nutrient Boost Face Oil: it is so good and smells amazing. Also, can I be biased and pick my own products?! My (HELEN KIRKUM) Palimpsest sneakers in Fig & Silver have bought me the most joy. I love them and always get so many compliments. The joy of wearing a shoe you designed and made will never be lost on me!"
Most beautiful cycle journey
“I’m a Lime bike fanatic, so give me a brand new Lime bike with a clean basket and a seat that works and I’ll be happy going anywhere. Cycling through Victoria Park in the autumn is so beautiful and fun!”
Photography credit: Francis Augusto
Most joyful weekend moment
“Doing the Wordle in bed with my other half.”
Favourite planet-positive products
“Apart from my HK crossbody bag in stone (wink), I would say that Story MFG never fails me. Their tees are the best oversized loose fit, with incredible stories, materials and tongue-in-cheek graphics; they never fail to make me happy. I also love my Label Hjem trousers made from upcycled shirts. The coolest thing, I always think, about wearing meticulously crafted upcycled garms is that they never fail to start a conversation. I love the side-eye on the tube when people try to figure out what your trousers are made from, it provokes deeper thought about process and manufacture. Another beauty recommendation from my sister that I swear by now is Saltmama Lavender Balm. I use it to take my make-up off and it smells so good, leaves my face feeling divine and lasts forever.”
Plant-based dish of dreams
“I love sticky miso glazed aubergine with spring onions.”
Song that lights you up and the story behind it
“Oooh so many: Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Favourite’ – it reminds me of last summer and having beers in the park with good friends. Or ‘Lisztomania’ by Phoenix reminds me of road trips across the French countryside.”
Photography credit: Ryan Blackwell
Independent coffee shop that makes you happy
“A pal took me to Found Hope in Hither Green. It was so cute and the fresh sandwiches were incredible.”
Second-hand store or market worth a mooch
“You can always find a weird piece of art at Peckham Carboot. I got a vintage Wrigley’s Gum poster for 50p there a few years ago.”
Causes you give to every month
“Recently my charitable donations are focused on aid to Palestine.”
Low-impact living podcast you’d recommend
“Overheard at National Geographic is always an interesting one or TED Climate.”
Any other podcasts that lift you up
“The Blindboy Podcast, How to Fail, Sh**ged Married Annoyed, and Working Hard, Hardly Working are my main weekly rotation, bit of everything in there!”
Book that inspired you to make a change…
“Atomic Habits by James Clear: it totally revolutionised my habit-stacking routines, but my go-to book when I feel stuck is always Rick Rubins, The Creative Act: A Way of Being. It was gifted to me last year by one of my most inspiring friends – he recommended if I was feeling lost to just pick it up and let it fall open on a page, and it is incredible how the little quotes can not only feel so relevant but also totally change your perspective on the day.”
And film and/or TV series
“Coming off the back of BRiMM’s inaugural film screening last night [check out the full panel discussion], I was super inspired by Common Ground and the power of soil.”
Helen Kirkum Quilted Sneaker Tonuge Crossbody Bag; Photography credit: Ryan Blackwell
Person who inspires you
“I admire a lot of female founders making waves in fashion and sustainability: Josephine Philips of Sojo or Victoria Prew of Hurr – I love following their founder journeys, it encourages me to keep the dream alive.”
Planet-positive hero
“Can there be anyone else but David Attenborough?”
Quote to live by and who said it
“‘You can only do what you think is right at the time.’ From my beloved Nana Iris.”
What gets you every time
"Up’s opening credits.”
What is love
“Love is a full-body feeling.”
Which issue do you care most about changing?
“So many, but I’m focused on reimagining linear fashion systems into circular ones, especially in footwear.”
Do you have a message you’d love to share with the collective?
“The world is extremely tough and overwhelming right now, be kind to yourself and listen to Nana.”
Now check out Helen Kirkum Studio, followed by more of our Journal interviews and articles.