Fashion / News
Bristol-born leisurewear brand marks milestone with new summer range
A Bristol-founded leisurewear brand specialising in men’s printed shirts has marked its first anniversary with the launch of its summer range, just as the temperatures begin to rise.
Ronni Clothing, which was founded in 2024 by Anna Chilton and El Green, has been challenging the aesthetics and ethics of men’s leisurewear, often questioning the sustainability credentials and the product value of major high street retailers.
The launch took place at Artist Residence on Portland Square in St Paul’s with the attendance of its founders, their families and well-wishers.
Bristol24/7 caught a glimpse of the launch on a balmy evening, where the brand’s offerings were on full display.
Ronni Clothing marks first anniversary with a new summer range
Co-founders Anna Chilton and El Green complement each other’s roles in the business. Chilton serves as the creative director, while Green, the managing director, brings a wealth of experience in e-commerce and marketing.
Anna Chilton, who previously worked as a print designer for major high street names such as River Island and Topshop, was seeking a new challenge that allowed for greater flexibility after becoming a mother. Her collaboration with El Green, a friend and an award-winning entrepreneur, was, as Chilton described it, “serendipitous”.
The duo has deliberately resisted the temptation to branch into wider leisurewear categories such as women’s or children’s clothing. Instead, they have stayed focused on their niche, believing that even the most recognisable high street brands often fail to truly capture the imagination.
“We want our shirts to be a great conversation starter,” said Anna Chilton.
The latest summer range reflects this ambition. Designs range from ornate prints featuring Corinthian pillars and kissing cherubs, ideal for a summer wedding, to bold, colourful patterns perhaps suited for a night out at a club or rock concert. Others are tailored for laid-back evenings, such as a stroll to a beachside bar in Ibiza, complete with playful drink-themed prints.
Green said: “We like our shirts to be a great conversation starter — something unique that makes you feel good when you wear it. There’s a kind of courage in choosing a bold, bright print. It’s not just about getting attention; it’s about feeling confident in yourself.
“So often, you go into shops and find fast fashion that’s poorly made and, frankly, quite dull. That’s not what we’re about. My husband’s wearing one of our shirts tonight — he looks great and feels great in it. He’s relaxed, confident, and really enjoys wearing it.”
Ronni Clothing was founded by Anna Chilton (left) and El Green in 2024
She added: “At the heart of it, it’s about human connection. That’s why we’re doing events, and why we want to do more pop-ups. We want people to connect — with each other, with our clothes — and spark those moments of real-life interaction and conversation.”
The duo believe the fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits contributing to climate change, and insist that “things can’t go on as they are.”
Their shirts are made in Europe using Tencel, a sustainable fibre derived from a viscous substance extracted from purpose-grown trees like eucalyptus, meaning it does not contribute to deforestation.
The buttons are crafted from Tagua nuts, a natural alternative to plastic, reinforcing their commitment to environmentally responsible design.
Chilton said: “I feel like you simply can’t start a fashion brand today without taking sustainability seriously — it’s a responsibility we all share. Our shirts are actually made from wood and nuts, which sounds incredible, but it’s true.
The spouses of Chilton and Green championing the new summer range of Ronni Clothing
“The buttons are made from Tagua nuts, often referred to as ‘vegetable ivory’ because they’re strong, durable, and completely natural. The fabric itself is made from Tencel, a highly sustainable alternative to traditional viscose, known for its low environmental impact.”
“We’re really proud of our sustainability credentials. There’s no plastic in any of our packaging — everything is either compostable or recyclable. And all of our packaging is made in Europe, further supporting ethical production practices.”
The summer range of Ronni Clothing was unveiled at Artist Residence in St Paul’s
Ronni Clothing, whose studio is based at Hamilton House collaborated with the fellow creative group of the space, Brass Hands Studios to produce a promo for the event.
All photos: Milan Perera
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