Fascinating though it is to hear from the designers whose collections we covet, some of us have to face the fact that we’re not and never will be that way inclined. Much as I’d love to be able to create my own stunning ensembles, I struggle to sketch so much as an apple. The same goes for makeup, slapping on a bit of mascara is about the extent of my abilities. BUT there’s more to the world of fashion and beauty than designing dresses or enhancing the already-gorgeous faces of ten foot catwalk queens. There’s also the business of side of things. So if you’re interested in all things stylish but more about academia than art, let me introduce your (and my) ultimate life/career idol, Birchbox Co-Founder Katie Beauchamp. In case you didn’t know, Birchbox is an online beauty subscription service that has revolutionised the way women shop for their make up and pampering essentials, try different products and learn about both established and exciting new brands. Having recently merged with JolieBox, the French equivalent, Bichbox is well and truly set to go global.

I caught up with Katia at London’s Covent Garden Hotel to get the inside scoop on being a sartorial entrepreneur…

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London may have produced some great new designers over the past few years but it turns out that New York has plenty of fresh, fashion talent too. Case in point: Erin Barr. Since the release of her debut collection for SS12, the Wisconsin born blonde has been gathering rave reviews and fashionable fans left right and center thanks to the covetable brand of wearable luxury she delivers.

Having studied at Central Saint Martins, interned with Alexander Wang and worked as a designer for Cushnie et Ochs, Erin’s path to sartorial success sounds straightforward but, as I learned, her story is rather more complicated…

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If unconventional chic is your thing, then you must have heard of Fannie Schiavoni. Frankly even if, like me, you’re all about pink, sparkles and Peter Pan collars Fannie’s is still a name worth knowing. Since graduating from London College of Fashion just three years ago, the Swedish designer’s unique jewellery creations (think chain mail, harnesses and steel crop tops) have featured everywhere from i-D Magazine to Vogue Italia and earned her the coveted New Gen award for three consecutive seasons. With stockists everywhere from London to Los Angeles and high profile fans including Lady Gaga, I’d say the future looks pretty bright for Fannie Schiavoni.

I caught up with Fannie just before London Fashion Week to get the lowdown on her career so far and plans for the future…

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There are certain items of clothing that really stick in a girl’s mind. First bra, first designer handbag, graduation dress… But memorable though these sartorial stepping stones are, I’d argue that your first pair of really great jeans is every bit as crucial. Well, few people understand the importance of a well made jeans better than Paige Adams Geller, Founder of cult label, Paige Denim.

I caught up with Paige during her visit to London last month to grill her on her incredible career and pick up a few denim tips…

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