What’s the inspiration behind your latest collection?
For SS20 we created our own ice cream parlour back in September LFW. I had met Daisy; a vintage ice cream van at a Spring fair with my daughters and the idea stemmed from there. All the flavours inspired the pastel colour palette.
What did you study at school / Uni to become a designer?
I was artistic from a young age. My grandpa was an artist so I used it paint with him and at home a lot. I went on to study Fashion Print at Central St Martins. I knew at school that if I wanted to be a fashion design CSM was THE place to go.
Did you always know you wanted to design clothes?
Yes! From reading Vogue, watching the Clothes Show religiously and spearheading a fashion show at my senior school; I always knew it was fashion for me.
What do you think is your “mission statement”?
Empowerment, freedom and happiness. I want my collections to have that feel-good feeling.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
So many high points. My Selfridges pop up, first LFW show, accumulating a host of worldwide stockists I could only have dreamt of and dressing some inspirational people.
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic, colourful and individual.
What are you currently working on?
We have just finished AW20 LFW and we are focusing on selling the collection to buyers worldwide (I am off to Paris next week). We have also started researching the pre SS21 collection-there is never any down time!
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start their own label?
Be ready for a 24/7 commitment and take the rough with the smooth. At the end of the day, from the outside, a fashion lable seems really fun and glamorous but it is ultimately a business, so be prepared for invoicing, pricing charts and costings etc.
What is your biggest accomplishment in life?
My daughters and my business. I unintentionally started the label when my second daughter was 6 months so it has been a juggle managing both to my best ability. I want my daughters to be proud of me and inspire them to follow their goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have no regrets. I did jump into solo projects after graduating quite quickly, but I feel I learned from those mistakes as I have got older and would not have grown my label to where it is today if I had not made those mistakes.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
Sushi although I feel that I should say ice cream!
What do you always carry with you?
My phone, lipstick and hand sanitiser
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
We have so many exciting collaborations coming up; it is going to be a busy year growing and maintaining the label and of course another LFW will come around soon!
