This episode’s guest is designer Ali Mapletoft.

Ali founded her brand, Age of Reason after noticing a gap in the market for high-end designs that have a message and purpose.

Age of Reason produces luxury fashion and home accessories. Stunning, unique, edgy, cool - these are the words that spring to mind for me when I see Ali’s creations.

Ali strongly believes that beautiful, luxurious pieces can be made in a sustainable, empowering way. And she chose the name Age of Reason to reflect her empowerment ethos - no sweatshops just beautiful things made by women whose craft is rewarded with fair pay.

You’re probably getting a sense of Ali already - and how her principles are front and centre of her brand and her moral compass, guides every step of her creative and business journey.

I drove down to Brighton, where Ali is based and we met on a glorious summers day in the restaurant at The Artists residence – where there was a lovely chilled vibe.

We talked about how Ali got into the fashion industry, where her journey has taken her so far and of course how her principles are the cornerstone of her business. Here’s our conversation…