Blackpool fashion label which aims to be inclusive sees early internet success

A new Fylde coast business is aiming to support the LGBT community with a range of designer pride clothing.
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The Joshua Lloyd label launched just before lockdown but has been gaining traction through its internet sales.

Orders have been coming in from the USA, Germany and across Europe as well as in the UK for what its owner describes as gender inclusive clothing.

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The label has come from former St George’s and Blackpool and the Fylde College student Joshua Griffin.

Joshua Griffin who has the clothing and accessories brand Joshua LloydJoshua Griffin who has the clothing and accessories brand Joshua Lloyd
Joshua Griffin who has the clothing and accessories brand Joshua Lloyd

Joshua said the inspiration came from friends and family in the LGBT community and a lack of designer wear for those groups and for larger sizes generally.

He said: “I have friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and they have always said they struggle to find apparel they love besides generic pride clothing or products aimed to set genders.

“Alongside this, I personally used to struggle to find clothing with a larger fit. Although companies have recently begun providing larger clothing, there are still very little to no other companies who offer inclusive fashion throughout their brand with sizes for all.

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“So there was a gap in the market. I have a team of around 15 – designers, manufacturers, brand ambassadors across the world who share the same energetic passion into making the world a better place with free choice for everyone.

Some of the designs from Joshua LloydSome of the designs from Joshua Lloyd
Some of the designs from Joshua Lloyd

“The brand has expanded massively from just apparel and now provides over 300 gender neutral LGBTQ+ products, with more than 1,000 product variants internationally. Most excitingly we have recently become a corporate sponsor for the LGBT Foundation based in Manchester, with 10 per cent of all net proceeds being donated to them directly.”

Joshua studied video game design at college and went on to Edge Hill University, studied Cyber Security and IT Management. He has used these skills in setting up Joshua Lloyd’s website.

He added: “I never enjoyed school and wasn’t set to have any decent grades, however excelled in university and self-taught myself everything regarding business, marketing and finances along the way.

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“I know some children these days struggle with school or really don’t like it and would love to show that bad grades or poor foundation education is not the be all and end all.”

as if you find something you’re passionate about you can really pursue it.”