British designer, Eleanor Bowmer, teams with Next to ‘Let love shine’ for exclusive collaboration in support of Parkinson’s UK
100% of the profits from Next’s 'Let love shine' collection, designed by Eleanor Bowmer, will help fund support for the Parkinson’s community.
A partnership led by people with Parkinson's
On World Parkinson’s Day 2021, we launched a partnership with Next led by Next designer Genna Douglas, who has Parkinson’s.
Since then Next has released 2 collections with 100% of profits going to Parkinson’s UK. The first collection was designed by Genna. The second, by internationally-renowned artist Alex Echo, who also has Parkinson’s.
A new bright, vibrant collection
Now, Next is launching a third collection with British designer Eleanor Bowmer. Eleanor’s collection includes bright, vibrant T-shirts and a cushion that promotes positivity and creativity.
When Genna reached out to Eleanor to collaborate on a new collection with Next in support of Parkinson’s UK, Eleanor was inspired by Genna’s story. She jumped at the chance to team up with Genna and Next, and to make a difference for the Parkinson’s community.
Eleanor says:
"As a mum, I can relate to Genna. I don't know how she copes. That’s why it’s such a privilege to be working with Parkinson’s UK. I couldn’t be more thrilled. If we can spread awareness of the impact Parkinson’s has on people, it can only be positive."
Spreading awareness
Spreading awareness is an important part of the collaboration for Eleanor
"I had no idea you could get Parkinson's at such a young age, I was so shocked. I was quite oblivious to who it could impact. Meeting Genna really opened my eyes to what Parkinson’s is. If I can help spread awareness that’ll be fantastic."
The 'Let love shine' collection is all about positivity. It’s about feeling good. It’s about making people smile. It’s about expressing yourself. Eleanor has used rainbows in her designs to reflect this.
She says:
"I love the positivity that you feel when you see a rainbow. I wanted to try and translate that into something fun and positive for Parkinson’s UK and Next. It’s feel-good, it makes you smile. It’s embracing colour and being a bit out there."
Major British retail brand Next. Pioneering charity Parkinson’s UK. Teaming up to get Parkinson’s understood and raise vital funds to support people with the condition.
We caught up with Genna, Eleanor (and Frank, the dog!) to talk about what 'Let love shine' means to them.