5 Minutes With… Zoe Jordan

Since leaving a high flying, city career to set up her eponymous label back in 2007, Zoe Jordan has well and truly established herself as one to watch. I mean, winning the Walpole Brand of Tomorrow award and being shortlisted for the ultra prestigious BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is certainly no mean feat. Add to that the fact that unlike her competitors, Zoe has no formal design training, and you’re looking at one impressive lady. Her secret? Read on to find out…

LPA: What was the initial inspiration behind your AW12/13 collection?

Zoe: Andalucian architecture, in particular the Pink House, I spent most of my childhood in the south of Spain.

LPA: What can we expect to see from Zoe Jordan during 2012?

Zoe: I’m currently busy working on the AW12 collection, the show will be at Somerset House and it looks like we’ll have some well known models walking which is exciting. Next season we are planning to launch our first pre-collection. We’re also launching a sunglasses line that I have designed for Andy Wolf Sunglasses and we’ll continue to work on our swimwear collection exclusively for Harrods. I always have an eye out for potential store space so 2012 might see the first Zoe Jordan boutique!

LPA: Where do you like to shop?

Zoe: I love to shop when I travel. I like to pick up pieces unique to that culture. My best finds have been a pair of beautiful riding boots in Argentina and one off pieces of Jewellery in Bali. Back in London I love Goldborne road and as fas as the high street’s concerned, I never leave Cos empty handed.

LPA: Which other designers do you rate and why?

Zoe: Eileen Gray, Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wirght are some of my favourite designers and architects. I’ve also always greatly admired Yves Saint Laurent, introducing the tuxedo suit for women was an iconic moment.

LPA: What do you think is the key to good personal style?

Zoe: A natural confidence.

LPA: What is the most valuable fashion advice you’ve ever received?

Zoe: Coco Chanel’s legendary pearls of wisdom, when accessorizing always take off the last thing you put on.

LPA: The phrase “style icon” seems to be used a lot these days. Who, if anyone, truly deserves to be called iconic?

Zoe: I’m drawn to effortless, tomboyish style so someone like Lauren Hutton would be a style hero of mine.

LPA: What has been your proudest moment in fashion so far?

Zoe: Being nominated for the BCF/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund this year was an incredible honour. Although doing the presentations was scarily similar to Dragon’s Den, it was without a doubt the highlight of my design career so far.

LPA: What is your ultimate aim for the Zoe Jordan brand?

Zoe: I would love to grow the fashion label into a full lifestyle brand. I’m now starting to develop swimwear and sunglasses and then hope to launch shoes and bags in the future. I studied architecture and have a passion for interiors so eventually would hope to grow the brand in that direction too.

Love Ella. X

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Interviews Leave a comment

5 Minutes With… Maria Grachvogel

One of the best things about blogging (aside from the endless parties, OBV) has been getting to grill some of the different designers who’s collections I covet. With London Fashion Week just around the corner, I thought it might be nice to catch up with a few of the new names and familiar faces who’ll be showing in my home town this season. First up is the ultra talented and incredibly lovely, Maria Grachvogel. Having been struck speechless by her SS12 collection, I’m dying to hear what she’s got in store for us this year…

LPA: What was the initial inspiration behind your AW12/13 collection?

Maria: This season our woman has a little bit of Deco glamour about her. The feeling is rich and jewel like but also light and sparkly. The starting point of any of my collections is the mood rather than a particular visual reference point. I consider the woman that will inhabit the collection and how I want her to feel in the clothes. After the architectural volume of the SS12 collection I was feeling the need for something a bit more languid and sexy.

LPA: What can we expect to see from Maria Grachvogel during 2012?

Maria: Last year the focus for our business was our expansion into Asia where we launched two flagship stores and two shop in shops. This year we look forward to continued success there and opening more stores. The USA is a very exciting new market for us with SS12 being out second season on ShopBop.com. This year we are plannng further expansion of out distribution internationally. We are also expanding our product offer through collaborations. For SS12 we started working with Atlanta Weller for shoes, so these have just arrived in stores. I’m also very excited about the shoe collection we have been working on together for AW12 and can’t wait to see the samples.

LPA: Which other designers do you rate and why?

Maria: The greatest designers combine art and functionality, making you gasp and want to own one whilst knowing that you will love and wear it for years to come. I think McQueen has always achieved that desire and continues to do so under Sarah Burton. I also very much admire Stella McCartney, she had built an incredible brand with total focus on her vision.

LPA: Where do you like to shop?

Maria: I love to shop when I travel and always find the most amazing pieces in markets, vintage stores and tiny boutiques. I rarely have time to shop in London and luckily don’t have to shop for clothes very often as I mostly wear my own label. When I do shop, I tend to go to Matches which is near my home in Marylebone.

LPA: Who, dead or alive, would you most like to see wearing your clothes?

Maria: I love strong, confident woman like Kathering Hepburn and Coco Chanel who dressed for themselves and challenged the fashions of their time. I admire Yasmin Le Bon and Tilda Swinton because they also have that strong sense of their own style.

LPA: What do you think makes a woman stylish?

Maria: A stylish woman is one who is totally at one with herself and dresses in tune with who she is.

LPA: What advice would you give to someone trying to establish a career in the fashion industry?

Maria: The best piece of advice I was ever given was to learn business skills. It’s just as important as the creativity is you are hoping to run your own business.

The Maria Grachvogel Flagship store can be found at 18 Culford Gardens, Blacklands Terrace, London SW3 2ST or shop her collection online at www.mariagrachvogel.com

Love Ella. X

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Interviews 1 Comment

5 Minutes with… Isabel Van den Broeck

I caught up with Kipling’s Marketing & Communications Director, Isabel Van den Broeck, to get the low down on her covetable career, favourite designers and plans for the future…

Isabel et Moi

LPA: What initially attracted you to Kipling?

Isabel: I fell in love with Kipling at my first interview, there’s just something about it. I believe it’s a unique brand with so much potential to continue growing and evolving over the next 25 years.

LPA: Kipling have undergone a pretty major transformation since its’ launch in 1987. How do you feel the its changed since you came on board?

Isabel: The biggest change has been how Kipling’s moved from being a product driven company to a brand driven one. Instead of just letting the designers determine what we sell, we’ve started to listen to our customers much more and really respond to their feedback; we call them our “imaginistas”.

LPA: You have a job that thousands of people (myself included) would kill for. How did you get to where you are today?

Isabel: I studied marketing at University then went to work in advertising where I learnt about strategic approached and brand management.

LPA: What plans do you have for Kipling in the future?

Isabel: My biggest ambition for the brand is to connect more with our imaginistas and create a dialog with them. I want us to be a company that connects with its’ people and who’s customers know how valued they are.

LPA: What advice would you give to someone aiming for a career in fashion marketing?

Isabel: Studying marketing is a great start but ultimately, being passionate about what want to you do is the most important thing. Don’t underestimate yourself and be prepared to put in the practice and you’ll get there.

LPA: Which other designers do you rate and why?

Isabel: My favourite designers are Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten and Martin Margiela. They all have such a strong, clear vision and stick to their own rules.

Love Ella. X

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Interviews Leave a comment

Designer Watch… Dominique Mosley

As I’m sure you’re all well aware, I’m currently going through a bit of a scarf obsession. During the winter (and spring and autumn) months I rarely venture outside without something large and cashmere wrapped around my neck but this summer my fixation with these most insulating of accessories has reached new levels. Not only are scarves THE most deliciously hassle free (and economically savvy) way to instantly update your wardrobe, they are also the ultimate in trans-seasonal style. Needless to say, when news of a hotter-than-hot new scarf designer arrived in my inbox I was more than a little excited.

Since launching her eponymous scarf brand back in 2009, Central Saint Martins graduate Dominique Mosley has causing quite a stir on the London fashion scene. Dominique’s designs are all about exquisite prints and vibrant colours and ooze luxury from their every silken thread. Her sumptuous scarves have cropped up everywhere fro Vogue.com to the Wall St Journal and this season promises to be the brand’s most successful so far. Dominique recently teamed up with BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad winner David Longshaw to create a unique range of scarves which has since been picked up by quintessential fashion emporium, Harrods.

I caught up with the talented young designer to get the lowdown on what’s next for Dominique Mosley…

LPA: After graduating, you initially worked as a freelance print & accessories designer for various big labels including Marks & Spencers. What prompted you to then set up on your own rather than looking for a permanent position at an established brand?

Dominique: As a print designer, you develop your own handwriting which continues to grow and by starting my own label I knew I would have the freedom to stay true to my own way of working rather than shaping my design style to reflect another brand. It’s definitely a scarier option at times but ultimately, hopefully worth it.

LPA: Over the past year, your scarves have been recieved an enormous amount of press. How did you go about getting your designs noticed by the media?

Dominique: It’s been very exciting to see how well the collection has been received which, early on, is so crucial for a new label. I was lucky enough to meet Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com, right in the beginning and show her my work. She loved the prints and mentioned that some women are unsure how to wear scarves and so I compiled this ‘How to wear Guide’. To me, scarves are one of the most versatile accessories around and can effortlessly transform a look so this was a perfect opportunity to illustrate how wearable they are.

LPA: How did your collaboration with David Longshaw come about?

Dominique: David and I first met aged 9 at primary school in Cheshire and then again several years later at Central St. Martins. We both launched our respective labels around the same time and had always talked about working together. David Longshaw is becoming as known for his illustrations as his womenswear line so we decided to combine his quirky drawings with my more graphic prints.

LPA: The collection is entitled “Globetrotting”, what particularly inspired you about this theme?

Dominique: There is an illustrated character who appears on all of our range and we liked the idea that she would be a fashion blogger travelling the fashion capitals of the world. So in the “Around the World Collection” you can see her enjoying macaroons in Paris, speaking from a London phone box and tiptoeing over the Empire State building. The collection has a sense of humour mixed in with intricate design and luxury materials- they really are collector’s items and available from Harrods.com or on special order from www.dominiquemosley.com

LPA: Are your designs aimed at a specific kind of woman?

Dominique: I’ve been delighted to see that women of all ages have loved the designs as they are aimed at any woman who embraces print and colour and appreciates excellent quality fabrics and finishing. Fashion and accessories in particular are such a wonderful way to make you feel great and should never be taken too seriously. Wearing a daring print on a scarf is the perfect way to make a low risk fashion statement!

LPA: Who, dead or alive, would you most like to see wearing your designs?

Dominique: Any woman who takes great pleasure from wearing them and cherishes their value- I’m not sure about real life celebrities but I imagine Carrie Bradshaw carrying such frivolous accessories off with aplomb.

LPA: Who is YOUR favourite designer?

Dominique: As someone who adores surface pattern, brands such as Missoni and Pucci have always been an inspiration but today, along with many others I find Mary Katrantzou’s work incredible and exciting in terms of print.

LPA: What can we expect to see from Dominique Mosley over the coming year?

Dominique: This month has seen the relaunch of my website and also a collaboration range of men’s scarves is due to go into Harrods any day so it’s a busy time! The scarf collection will be growing for AW and other accessories are in the pipeline too so hopefully with lots of hard work it will be an exciting year to come!

LPA: Where do you hope to see yourself and your brand in 10 years time?

Dominique: My dream would be to create a lifestyle brand synonymous with unique glamorous prints and excellent quality. Our silk scarves are all produced and hand finished in the UK and aspects such as impeccable finishing are all important in creating truly covetable, investment pieces.

Love Ella. X

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Interviews 1 Comment

AW11

Designer Watch: Tibi

You would’ve had to have spent the past ten years living under a rock or at least somewhere with no internet access or magazines NOT to have heard the name “Tibi”. Renowned for it’s deliciously feminine and fresh aesthetic, the brand is internationally hailed as one of the hottest labels ever to come out of NYC. With a legion of high profile fans including Olivia Palermo, Heidi Klum and Jessica Alba, I think it’s safe to say that Tibi has come a hell of a long way since Amy Smilovic first began developing her trademark vivid prints back in 1997. Each season the Tibi catwalk show attracts one of New York Fashion week’s most fabulous FROWS and leaves me, along with every other fashion forward female on the planet, lusting after their mouthwatering collections for the next six months. It was Amy’s lifelong obsession with all things style related and dream of launching her own label that gave birth to Tibi and the brand’s phenomenal success is both a real life fashion fairy tale and a testament to her hard work and sheer talent. Now Tibi’s stocked in the best stores, featured in the top publications and coveted by the chicest women worldwide, Amy is undeniably one of the most in-demand names in the industry.

As a long-term Tibi fanatic, I was ecstatic to wangle an interview with the lovely Amy herself. Read on to get the lowdown on Tibi’s beginnings and what we can expect next from the fash pack’s most lusted-after label.

LPA: Did you always aspire to be a fashion designer? Or was there a specific moment or experience which made you decide that was what you wanted to do?

Amy: Growing up, I was always artistic. My father was a painter and I attended the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA. Originally I began working in advertising at Ogilvy & Mather, I liked it because it combine my artistic side with business. I didn’t really seriously explore the option of designing clothing until I moved to Hong Kong with my husband. The entrepreneurial spirit there hooked me and I just started experimenting and creating on a small scale.

LPA: When you first launched Tibi, did you expect or aim for it to become the global brand it is today?

Amy: Of course I wanted the brand to be successful, but I don’t think I could’ve imagined or planned for where we are now. You start with a small goal-produce and sell dresses, for me it was even one at a time at one point. Then you get an order, the turning point for Tibi was an order from Saks Fifth Avenue, and suddenly we were off and running.

LPA: Maybe it’s because I have no artistic talent, but I’ve always thought that being a fashion designer must be one of the most exhausting occupations known to man. How do you stay inspired and uncynical about the fashion industry?

Amy: Staying inspired for me is all about where I put myself, in a new destination, surrounded with art, watching a great movie, working in a great neighbourhood, all those things inspire me. The fashion industry is a miniscule world, remembering what is truly important like my family, keeps me grounded.That being said, I completely love what I do and wouldn’t change it for anything.

LPA: Do you design with a specific woman or character in mind, if so who is she?

Amy: The idea of a Tibi “girl” has always been important to me-but more than anything I design what I’m in the mood to wear. The design team and I collaborate and really talk through trends, colors, silhouettes, fabrics everything that we’re loving at the moment and come up with massive amounts of ideas that are edited into a collection.

LPA: In your opinion, what is the key to good personal style?

Amy: The dialogue about person style that started with the advent of all these fashion bloggers is really interesting. I think it’s a few things: having fun with clothing, not taking it too seriously, knowing your best shapes/colors and then confidence make for great personal style.

LPA: Am I right in assuming that you wear some of your own designs? If I owned Tibi, I certainly would! Other than that, which designers and brands do you usually wear?

Amy: I do wear a lot of Tibi, but try to always mix with other designers. I love Isabel Marant, Margiela, Stella, Celine, Acne, Vanessa Bruno I’m always finding new favorites, but for me those are my of-the-moment people. Alaia for shoes, Tom Binns for jewelry. I’m a shopper so the list could go on and on.

LPA: How do you balance family life with running one of the most in-demand brands in New York?

Amy: Because my husband, Frank, works with me as the President of Tibi it can sometimes be a little hard to balance work and the rest of our lives. We have rules set in place: once we walk through our front door talk about Tibi is completely over. My two boys definitely help enforce it!

LPA: What has been the highlight of your fashion career so far?

Amy: Probably my first runway show-it’s hard to forget the rush you experience in those 15 very short minutes. Your work and planning all come down to such a short period of time, I still get the same feeling now…many, many shows later, there’s really nothing like it.

Love Ella. X

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Interviews 2 Comments

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next »