Style Spotlight: Bird on a Wire

‘I love to sit and people watch. I often get accused of staring, because I’m always scanning and taking in the details of a person’s outfit.’

Buki Fadipe, Managing Director of Bird on a Wire – the  online style destination for liberated, cool girls in the know – has a keen eye for unique and eclectic pieces. Creatively stunted in her PR job, Fadipe decided to combine her love of vintage, travelling and treasure hunting – and so Bird on a Wire was born.

Although Bird on a Wire does feature unique, hand-picked modern pieces, it is the vast array of vintage finds that makes the online retailer stand out. From sumptuous sheepskin coats to quirky statement knits and girlish pleated skirts, Bird on a Wire has something to suit every girl’s taste.

‘The Bird on a Wire girl is fearless, eclectic and playful in her attitude to getting dressed,’ Fadipe explains. ‘I’m in constant pursuit of those stand-out pieces that makes a girl’s wardrobe quiver with wanton lust!’

This pursuit of wanton lust has led Fadipe to a whole host of places, from the cool flea markets of Berlin, Paris and San Francisco to the buzzing, fashion-forward malls of Seoul. ‘I’m inspired by people, markets and off-the-beaten-track places,’ Fadipe says. ‘I try to travel at every opportunity; getting lost by taking back roads and walking everywhere is the best way of discovering a hidden gem.’

Nothing inspires Fadipe more (at least in London) than her home turf of Hackney. The base of the Bird on a Wire studio, Hackney’s diversity and constant evolution has kept Fadipe rooted firmly in the East. The Kingsland Road, Broadway Market and Hackney Wick are amongst the style haunts on Fadipe’s doorstep, providing a treasure trove of street style inspiration.

‘I have loved seeing little pockets of [east London] blossom from quiet, non-descript areas into booming streets, awash with independent trade, great nightlife and creative hubs,’ Fadipe says.

Not too dissimilar from the vibrancy of Hackney, Bird on a Wire is a vintage lover’s jumble sale of prints, plaid and party worthy frocks. Be quick though – popular items sell out as quickly as you can say ‘vintage Burberry.’

Oh, and one last heads up: Fadipe has plans to open a high street pop-up in spring, as well as some exciting collaborations yet to come. Eyes peeled – this one is sure to be a winner.

Bird on a Wire
Studio 3
16-22 Pritchards Road
Hackney
E2 9AP