Inside The Conversation Starters Dinner
Earlier this week, we gathered a group of our Kynfolk to celebrate the launch of our Conversation Starters capsule collection. The evening was a celebration of connection and creativity, and brought together changemakers, campaigners and activists who are all harnessing the power of conversation as a force for change.
Discover how the night unfolded.
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
On Tuesday 4th November, Kynfolk gathered at Alf's at the Alfred Tennyson in Belgravia, London, for an intimate evening hosted by AKYN founder and creative director Amy Powney and founder and designer Savannah Miller to celebrate the launch of our Conversation Starters capsule collection.
In the spirit of this collection, guests included changemakers and activists who are leading and amplifying important conversations. Joining hosts Amy and Savannah were Anna Whitehouse, Stella Creasy MP, Baroness Lola Young, Aja Barber, Tori Tsui, Jasmine Hemsley, Grace Forrest, Rachel Arthur, Joycelyn Longdon, Claire Bergkamp, Caroline Rush, Kelly Eastwood, Marine Tanguy, Rosanna Falconer, Dilys Williams, Scott Wimsett, Nina Marenzi, Polly Morgan, Bel Jacobs, Lucy Cleland, Tiffanie Darke, Emily Chan, Bella Webb, Sarah Kent, Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, Isabelle Taylor-Jones, Vix Brenninkmeijer, Mana Aynechi, Tamara Hill-Norton, Shailja Dube, Emma Parlons, Ella Paxton Griffiths, Louise Pearson, Anna Blackwell, Liana Weatherhead and Rebecca Attrill.
“The idea behind our Conversation Starters capsule is to use our clothing to start important conversations and build like-minded communities, which are so important for both change and support,” shared Amy Powney. “It's often overwhelming being an activist – especially in an industry like fashion where speaking out often goes against the grain – and in some of my darkest times over the past few years, spending time with a community of likeminded humans, many of whom are around this table tonight, is where I have drawn hope and inspiration.
“More than anything, this dinner is a celebration of you – and of the work being done by this beautiful, likeminded community. Thank you for the energy you put into the world, for the light you bring, and for sitting at this table tonight."
THE DINNER
The evening centred around the sharing of a zero waste meal cooked by eco-chef and activist Justin Horne, who foraged ingredients from the woodlands surrounding his home, the shoreline of the south coast and local farms and suppliers to create a meal that “tells the story of the land around us, the changing seasons, and the ingredients that nature offers when we take the time to look closely.” With an approach to food rooted in seasonality, circularity, and an idea that nothing in nature is wasted, each dish and bite had multiple circular crossovers with each other dish – each utilising the others would be surplus.
“My approach is about respecting each ingredient fully, because when we do, we discover that waste isn’t inevitable; it’s just a missed opportunity for creativity,” shared Justin, introducing the meal.
“I also believe in cooking with what grows around us, wild herbs, foraged greens and fruits, local grains, and produce from nearby growers who share this respect for the land. These ingredients carry the flavour of place, they connect us to the soil, the weather, and the ecosystems we’re part of.”
“Tonight’s menu reflects that philosophy. Each dish has been designed to celebrate what’s abundant right now, and to highlight how even the most humble parts of each ingredient can turn into something delicious and nourishing,” finishing by inviting guests to think of it not just as food, but as a conversation between nature and our role within it. “It’s a small reminder that sustainability isn’t just a concept, it’s something we can taste, share, and be inspired by.”
THE TABLE SETTINGS
The main course was served on the Conversation Starter dinner plates created for us by Isabelle Taylor-Jones of Dantes Ceramics. Each handmade ceramic plate had been stamped with a conversation starting slogan - ‘e(ART)h’, ‘Imagine peace’ or ‘Soil not oil’ - in the centre. The food was plated surrounding the central slogan, before being hidden by the self-pour port miso reduction, and then revealed again as the food was eaten - becoming a point of dinner conversation.
In keeping with the zero waste ethos of the night, the room was decorated with floral arrangements by Ursula Stone, founder of The Flower Bank, displayed in ceramic vases loaned by Dantes Ceramics. The Flower Bank rescues flowers from supermarkets, retailers, events and weddings that would otherwise be thrown away, transforming them into beautiful floral arrangements.
THE DRINKS
The menu was paired with zero-waste cocktails created in collaboration with Respirited – a B-Corp certified vodka brand made entirely in Britain from surplus grain spirit.
Alcohol-free options included spent-Coffee Kombucha and Rosehip and Apple Soda, created by Justin.
THE DRESS CODE
Each guest wore one of our Conversation Starters T-shirts and tank tops, subtly adorned with a conversation-starting message. They were each given a ceramic white peace dove brooch, made by Dantes Ceramics, which were created to raise proceeds to help Palestinian families in Gaza by donating to @citythrifter & @medicalaidpal.
Hosts: Amy Powney & Savannah Miller
Venue: Alf’s at The Alfred Tennyson, Cubbitt House
Photographs: Anna Blackwell
Food: Justin Horne
Drinks: Respirited and Justin Horne
Plates, Vases, Jugs, Peace Brooches: Isabelle Taylor-Jones, Dantes Ceramics
Flowers: Ursula Stone, The Flower Bank
