London is an evolving city where history and modernity blend together. Walking through the cityscape, featuring stately brick buildings built over 200 years ago and futuristic, all-glass skyscrapers, feels like traveling through time and space.

London is constantly developing, and not only its streets but its society as well seem to be progressive. What I've noticed particularly recently is the rise of "female empowerment," fueled by the rise of feminism. Celebrities such as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and fashion industry model and activist Adwoa Aboah are actively advocating for gender equality, and the government and businesses are also actively working to empower women economically.

During my trip to London, I encountered a variety of brands and shops across the city that are committed to "female empowerment."

Ohne, the Organic Period Product Brand

The moment I saw Ohne, I thought, "That's exactly what I wanted!" The organic period product brand Ohne currently offers 100% organic cotton tampons and two types of CBD oil that are effective in relieving period pain and balancing hormones.

Founded in 2018 by childhood friends Leah and Nikki, the startup is not only committed to women, but also to the environment, using all hydroelectric power in its production process and only recycled plastic for its packaging and applicators. They offer a subscription service online that delivers tampons tailored to your menstrual cycle (shipping is available within the UK only), and they're also available at select Oliver Bonas lifestyle stores.

One
I was attracted by the stylish packaging that didn't look like menstrual products, so I picked it up. While effectiveness varies from person to person, I find organic cotton menstrual products are more comfortable and less likely to cause rashes. Periods are depressing for many women, so simply massaging them with CBD oil can be both physically and mentally reassuring.

One's CBD Oil
One's CBD Oil is made by women for women, and donates a portion of its sales to support women in the Republic of Zambia, providing them with clean sanitary products, hygienic toilet environments, and improved education about menstruation. It's likely to develop into a powerful ally in alleviating pain and depression for women around the world! 

Sana Jardin
I spotted the British sustainable perfume brand Sana Jardin at the long-established department store Liberty. Like the fashion industry, perfume has increasingly come under fire for contributing to environmental degradation. Aiming to change this, Sana Jardin has created a system that reduces waste from the flowers it uses and upcycles them into oils and candles. By sharing the skills to turn agricultural land-based women farmers in Morocco into upcycled products, we provide them with economic opportunities and create a "circular" economy rather than just aid.

Women caretakers working on a farm in Morocco

Amy Christiansen, founder of Sana Jardin
Amy Christiansen, founder Luminary Christiansen is a British woman who has been involved in social work with nonprofit organizations for around 25 years. "If we can be creative in making better use of waste in modern society, we can make the world a better place," she says, as she develops sustainable businesses through her own brand.

Luminary Bakery
Luminary Bakery, a bakery committed to social activities, is located in a residential area north of Paris. While it may seem like an ordinary bakery popular with families, the bakery's staff are women who have experienced poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, and domestic violence. They also teach women serving time in prison how to bake bread and pastries, helping them reintegrate into society.

Since launching as a catering service in 2014, this shop has become popular, and was chosen to make Duchess Meghan Markle's birthday cake last year. It is said that they will soon be opening a third store in London.

Bread and patisseries lined up inside Luminary Bakery
The store is bustling with local families and female customers
While strolling around London, I came across T-shirts with the word "feminism" written on them and a book corner devoted to "books written by women," and I heard and saw feminism everywhere. It's now common to see gender-transcending looks on the runway at London Men's Fashion Week shows.

Book section: "Books by Women"
I don't personally have strong enough opinions to be called a "feminist," nor have I experienced extreme discrimination against women (fortunately). Still, I would like to see a society where women are freed from traditional stereotypes and social conventions and where their talents are recognized as individuals, not gender. Many of the companies I encountered in London this time had a "friendly feminism" that didn't criticize men, but rather women working together to achieve greater heights, which I found very relatable. Feminism is likely to continue to grow, and we look forward to seeing even more women taking part in the movement in the future!


London Trip Vol. 2 (Released tomorrow)