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Female Fashion

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With a sunny Easter weekend upon us, it is time to get our spring/summer sportswear on and enjoy some exercise in the great outdoors. Our girl Rachael gives you our top three new collections, from Ellesse, Alo Yoga and Contur.

1. The Ellesse tennis collection

A new capsule collection with dress, shorts, jacket and shirt in block pastel colours, you can definitely wear these both on and off the tennis courts. We particularly love the little tennis dress and retro jacket.

ellesse.com.

2. Alo Yoga in Magenta Crush

Magenta Crush is the hot new colour for summer 2022. Grab yourself the flattering Goddess Ribbed Hot Shorts and Criss Cross Top from Alo Yoga for all your yoga needs.

aloyoga.com.

3. Athleisure by Contur

We love this sustainable activewear brand for pilates and running. Contur’s new collection features a sleek black jumpsuit and ‘the best friend’ crop. All packaging is recycled and each item is made in London with environmentally-friendly OEKO-TEX® certified fabric. So you can look great and feel good about it too.

contoruk.com.

Looking at the bright, glowing and total boss babe Feva Sweat Co-Founder Selina Bagnulo and you wouldn’t be able to guess the struggles she overcame to become the Girl Boss that she is today. According to Selina, fitness and a healthy lifestyle helped her overcome her body image issues, and she wants to share this positivity with others through her sustainable and inclusive activewear brand Feva Sweat.

Feva Sweat is the brainchild of Selina and business partner Richard Yang. The brand offers different kind of made-to-measure, bespoke activewear styles that break free from the limitations of standard sizing and make all women feel like a queen no matter what their size.

Selina says, “My goal is to create a business that is inclusive to all body types. A place where women don’t feel restricted by dress size, don’t judge themselves on being small, medium or large, a place where individuals can be themselves and shine bright as who they are.”

Team Coco caught up with Selina to talk about the journey that led to Feva Sweat, the biggest advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs and what makes Feva Sweat stand out from the rest.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What is Feva Sweat?

My name is Selina. I am 24 years old and grew up in London. I was born in Cape Town South Africa and lived in Africa for the first 4 years of my life. My family is from all over the world and very mixed in culture. I have recently moved from London to Spain.

I work as a personal trainer privately training women online, in my local gym or by the beautiful beaches of Denia. I love helping them to reach their health and fitness goals. The nature of my work means I have flexible hours and time to work from home on my recently launched clothing line, Feva Sweat.

Feva Sweat is a custom made, sustainable, slow fashion activewear brand. We offer premium quality activewear with the availability of made to measure, fully bespoke garments. Now we are very small scale, our handmade garments are produced in small batches of 45 pieces for standard sizes and made-to-order in our bespoke system.

For our first ever release we have leggings, shorts and crop tops available. Now we have one standard style that is available in 3 different colours and hoping to expand soon. As a start-up, we felt this would be the most effective way to bring our customers the best products possible. We aim for quality over quantity at Feva Sweat.

Our clothing is produced in a sustainable system, with premium fabric from a sustainable Italian supplier. All our products are manufactured in a small factory in London UK, shipped by a local e-commerce company and packaged in recyclable materials. Our goal is to allow people to express their Individuality, fuel their inner fire and encourage their devotion to physical activity.

What inspired you to launch Feva Sweat (your personal journey that’s brought you here)?

A huge inspiration for me to start my own clothing brand was to create a company that has a perfect fit for ALL body types! Growing up, I had enormous struggles with my body image and loving myself. I was diagnosed with anorexia/bulimia nervosa around the age of 13 and was hospitalised at 17. I’ve always struggled to love the body that I was in. Fortunately, I have a loving family who supported me during this difficult time and knew it important for me to take some time away from studies and work to heal.

During this healing period I began to exercise slowly and began to eat more each day. I couldn’t believe how good I began to feel, my body was getting stronger, but most importantly my mind was thriving. I had never felt so happy about the skin that I was in and at peace in my mind, no longer battling myself about food, or constantly telling myself I wasn’t good enough. This is the chapter in my life where I fell in love with exercise and healthy living. I wanted to share with others what I had discovered.

I went on to complete my qualifications in personal training and sport. I created an Instagram page where I began documenting my fitness journey and how I had overcome my demons in the hopes of inspiring others to do the same. At this time, my business-minded long time best friend, Richard Yang, suggested that we create a clothing brand. This idea between friends was where Feva Sweat was born!

During our brainstorming I said to him “wouldn’t it be great if there was a sports clothing company who sized their leggings like companies like Levi’s and Topshop do their jeans?” So, Feva Sweat offers not only waist and length measurements, but can make our leggings fit each woman’s body shape. This is the perfect way to express my life story through my clothing brand, as it foregoes judgement towards dress sizes whether you were small, medium or large. I could just be size ‘Selina’ and others size ‘Kathrine’ or whatever beautiful Queen that you are. No matter what your measurements are, Feva Sweat would have a way of making every woman look and feel beautiful!

How did you come up with the name?

Richard and I came up with the name after we created our mission statement of bringing out an individual’s inner fire. We landed on Feva in relation to a ‘fever’ and being hot when working out. It also portrays the idea of having fire within which creates our character, motivation and drive. We wanted a unique name that was memorable and linked our brand with exercise. That is when we added the word sweat which had a nice ring to it. The result being Feva Sweat.

What makes Feva Sweat stand out from the rest?

What really makes Feva Sweat different from other sportswear brands is our unique availability to customise measurements exactly to the body of our customers, resulting in full bespoke tailored garments.

We have tiers to our bespoke ability, for example standard sizes being the first tier. We have semi-bespoke which is the second tier where customers can adjust the length of their leggings and tops. Our last tier and most specialised feature are Fully Bespoke, this is where customers can adjust ALL measurements according to their personal preference and fit that they would like. They must get in contact with me to order their fully bespoke garments. We have a step by step video and explanations on how to measure your body so that it is clear to all. We then create a personalised avatar where we can adjust small measurements if needed to ensure that we create the perfectly fitted custom outfit just for them! Feva Sweat also maintains premium quality products and a sustainable slow fashion nature.

What is it like being an entrepreneur and launching your own business currently in your life?

It is very liberating. I have great control over my day to day life. My future career excites me as I can make money doing something that I love. The sky’s the limit, I have so many things to try and so many ways to grow. There have been times I have doubted myself, but I think the only time that I would ever really fail is if I gave up trying. There are many obstacles, but so far, I have been able to overcome each hurdle that has come my way, it just takes patience and persistence. I want to keep learning, overcoming and growing. I believe in myself, and I believe in Feva Sweat.

How has this endeavour changed your life so far?

This has changed my life completely. I never thought I would start my own business. I was studying sport science with the intention of working as a sport psychologist or physical therapist. After the first steps of starting my own business, I knew it was what I wanted to do forever. I moved to Spain to live with my mum. It can be difficult living away from my home, family and the city where the business was born. Living in Spain has been a blessing as it has given me time to develop Feva Sweat. Starting Feva Sweat was one of the best things I have ever done. It has made me realise what type of lifestyle I want and for that I am forever grateful.

What are your goals for Feva Sweat and yourself in the coming years?

My goal is to create a business that is inclusive to all body types. A place where women don’t feel restricted by dress size, don’t judge themselves on being small, medium or large, a place where individuals can be themselves and shine bright as who they are.

I aim to expand the styles that we have, create more made-to-measure custom items and introduce this niche into the fashion industry. I want to change fashion culture, moving away from people being categorised into size, finding a new system where people can have their own size. I don’t want women to worry about finding clothes that fit, or that they must change to look and feel good in their activewear. My goal for Feva Sweat is to be that change.

My goal for myself is to do everything I can to make that happen, to learn, listen and adapt to develop the perfect products, to be inclusive, sustainable and maintain the quality of our brand. I would like to expand, release men’s clothing, expand to other countries and continue to grow in every way possible.

WWW.FEVAONLINE.COM

Amber London, your favourite new swimwear brand, has officially launched in London. Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured out into rainy, dreary London to get some sunshine by way of Amber London – which hosted its official launch dinner at AllBright last 13 February.

Amber London is a swimwear brand inspired by nature. In fact, the stone where it gets its name is fossilised resin with a caramelised golden hue that represents the sun.

All its pieces are designed by Founder Sana Hanassi-Savari in London and crafted in Italy. Each piece is totally flattering for fuller-busted women of all different shapes, colours and sizes.

Sana’s design process began with cup sizes, rather than the standardised sampling processes, ensuring the most flattering bikini fits

A proud slow fashion label, Amber London offers a timeless core range that will last throughout the seasons. This conscious design approach means that Amber London’s products were built to withstand the test of time, are made in limited numbers and packaged in recyclable and reusable materials.

Sana’s multi-use separates, which can be worn in a number of ways, offer underwire, fully adjustable shoulder and back straps. Giving fuller-busted women the support they need and the freedom and confidence to wear swimwear beyond the beach.

WWW.AMBERLONDON.COM

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and if you (like a lot of us) have procrastinated buying your mum the perfect gift, don’t fret because Team Coco has got you covered.

From classic fashion finds, luxurious sleepwear, indulgent beauty treats and even a bouquet of preserved flowers, we’ve curated the best gifts that will certainly make your mum smile on Mother’s Day.

  1. Olive Green Watch by Briston available at https://www.briston-watches.com/en/
  2. Pearl Earrings by Monica Vinader available at https://www.monicavinader.com/
  3. Faviken Bath Salts from Bjork and Berries available at https://www.bjorkandberries.com/
  4. Black ‘Mama’ Bag by Johnny Loves Rosie available at https://www.johnny-loves-rosie.com/
  5. Green Bathrobe by Kate Austin available at https://kateaustindesigns.com/
  6. Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar by de Mamiel available at https://demamiel.com/
  7. Gold Cane Bracelet by ROX Jewellery available at https://www.rox.co.uk/
  8. Yellow Star Front Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/
  9. Tyler Pile Fleece Vest by A Day’s March available at https://www.adaysmarch.com/
  10. Liberty Libby Sleep Mask by Le Colonel available at https://www.lecolonel.com/
  11. Reese Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/
  12. Pure Elixir Rejuvenating Beauty Oil by Loli Beauty available at https://lolibeauty.com/
  13. Multi-coloured Silk Scarf by Clare Haggas available at https://www.clarehaggas.com/

They say that good shoes take you to good places, but for Daissy Ornelas, the glamorous architecturally influenced shoes of her eponymous brand are certainly taking her to some pretty awe-inspiring places as a Girl Boss on a league of her own.

Daissy combines architectural inspirations with Italian craftsmanship to create her vibrant line of footwear. More akin to sculptures than shoes, all of Daissy’s pieces are handmade in Italy and evoke the spirit of the Art Deco movement.

Team Coco caught up with Daissy in Los Angeles, in between balancing being a mum, designer, entrepreneur and creative to talk about her joint love for footwear and architecture, her latest collection, and her advice for women looking to take the leap and start their own businesses.

“First and foremost, it’s not for everyone,” she says. “Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry.”

Like the towering skyscrapers that inspire her collections, Daissy is reaching for the skies – and we can’t wait to see what heights this Girl Boss will reach.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What made you fall in love with shoes?

I grew up in Los Angeles. I studied Business Administration and most of my background is in Management and Administration. I worked in industries such as Consulting, Architecture and Fashion. I’m currently splitting my time between LA and the UK.

My love for shoes started around at the same time as my love of Art Deco. When I was young, my mom and I would go to downtown LA on Saturday mornings to go shoe shopping and then we would have lunch at the iconic Clifton’s cafeteria, it was our weekend ritual. It was there when I first paid attention to the many Art Deco exteriors and interiors that live in Downtown LA. The impeccable attention to detail always stood out to me, even at such a young age.

How is Daisy Ornelas combining architectural influences with Italian craftsmanship?

Growing up in Los Angeles, I got to see buildings with unique details and luxurious materials, and the more I started traveling, the more I fell in love with architecture and its evolutionary traits.

Once I knew I wanted to launch my own line of shoes, I knew Italy was the place to make it happen. Italian craftsmanship is something the country takes a great deal of pride in, and for good reason. I have met people who come from generations of shoe artisans, who love to work with their hands and really put love and effort in what they do. It’s something I will always admire and appreciate. I’m combining architectural influences by using architectural techniques like CAD and engineering processes to create patent-pending heels that showcase structural lines and facades you see in architecture.

Tell us more about your latest collection. Do you have a favourite piece?

The latest collection is influenced by modern architecture and its detailed shapes. I have seen different techniques and materials used around the world to create exceptional buildings and I just felt inspired by the fluidity in shapes and textures.

The Wavelet heel sandal is my absolute favorite. It was inspired by the spiral Architecture of the F&F tower in Panama, the Evolution Tower in Moscow, and the Al Tijaria Tower in Kuwait. There’s something about the Wavelet heel that screams architecture but not in an overstated way.

Walk us through an average day in the Daissy Ornelas atelier

I am a mom to an eight-month-old and a 14 year old. I get to work from wherever I may be at the time. From reading to research and from inspiration to design, I do everything on my laptop or phone.

So, my day consists of jumping back and forth between looking after my eight-month-old to responding to emails, getting on a call with my counterpart in Milan to making sure I pick up my son from school and grab a bite to eat in-between all of that (if possible).

Who is the Daissy Ornelas woman? Can you describe her in three words?

The Daissy Ornelas woman is a maximalist. She is someone who has a career in creative industries (i.e. Fashion architecture, interior design, graphic design), isn’t afraid of statement pieces and can appreciate unconventional designs versus picking things that are more every day wear. She loves to travel and always picks the shoe first before she picks out the dress when going out. She is daring, confident and creative.

What has been the biggest challenge you‘ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

There have been many challenges along the way. Financially speaking, when you create a startup, finding financial resources can be difficult, especially for a brand that is positioning itself in the luxury market. Until the brand is scalable, it’s hard to find investors who will back up the brand and take it where you want it to go.

What’s next for you and Daissy Ornelas? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline

Daissy Ornelas is coming out with a casual collection. The whole collection is made of sustainable materials including vegan leathers. We also put our own spin on 1930’s classic Oxfords and Loafers.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

First and foremost, it’s not for everyone. It’s extremely hard work. You also have to be consistent because everything falls on you. Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry. Because things will go awry at some point. Do your research well on what product or service you want to offer and go for it!

WWW.DAISSYORNELAS.COM

If you’re a serial procrastinator – or simply have no idea what to get your partner this Valentine’s Day, Team Coco has got you covered. Our editors have curated ten of the best last-minute gifts that are a sure-fire way to melt your lover’s heart this Valentine’s Day.

1.Oh, L’Amore Diffuser by Acqua Di Parma available at https://www.acquadiparma.com/

2.Allie Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/

The Allie bouquet from Shida Preserved Flowers is an unconventional arrange-at-home bouquet that will last a whole year. It is a stunning centrepiece with hot red banksia baxteri, surrounded by fluffy setria and lush greens.

3.Rhubarb and Heather Gin Liqueur by Barra Atlantic Gin available at https://isleofbarradistillers.com/

4.Heart Shaped Chocolate Tart by Mon Dessert available at https://www.mondessert.co.uk/

Mon Dessert is an online company providing kits that enable delectable desserts to be made at home. We love Mon Dessert’s chocolate tart kit (Chocolatey goodness in the shape of a heart – what’s not to love?) It also comes ready to make with pre-weighed ingredients, easy to follow recipe cards and video tutorials. Yum!

5.Devotional Love Sensual Serum by Pure Mana Hawaii available at https://puremanahawaii.com/shop/

6.N*1 De Chanel L’Eau Rogue by Chanel available at https://www.chanel.com/

7.D.O.C.G Superiore Prosecco by Della Vite by Della Vite available at Selfridges for £25.99 and Ocado for £25.95

Sourced from The Big Island’s famed Mahina Mele Family Farm etched along Hulalai’s volcanic ‘aina (land) 10,000-feet above the Pacific Ocean, Pure Mana Hawaii is a slow-farmed, hand-pressed, feel-good beauty line that’s good for your skin and the earth that produces nutrient-rich, game-changer results. The brand’s divinely sensual serum, Devotional Love ($62), promising to seduce, heal and awaken the senses with warm vanilla and organically pure macadamia nut oil. This serum even features an activated rose quartz crystal blessed under a Hawaiian Mahina (a full moon), the most potent of all island mana (powers).

The Della Vite Prosecco Superiore DOCG is made exclusively from hand-picked Glera grapes, resulting in a rich and extra dry liquid, with aromas of citrus blossom, olive, crostini and chamomile. Not only does Della Vite offer a great-tasting, fresher alternative to champagne, its environmental standpoint means it’s certified 100% vegan and sustainably sourced, with a donation from each bottle purchased going to My Trees. What better way to demonstrate long-lasting love?

8. Limited edition 849 ballpoint pen from Caran d’Ache available at www.carandache.com/gb/en/

The perfect gift for the stationary aficionado, the Caran d’Ache limited edition range of their iconic 849 ballpoint pen is sure to impress. The Claim Your Style collection comprises modern-day rainbow-coloured shades that are perfect for showing off creativity and are made in Geneva.

9. Carbonator by Aarke available at www.aarke.com

10. Ear Cuffs from Helix and Conch available at https://helixandconch.com/

The Aarke Carbonator is a timeless kitchen countertop essential, a sparkling water maker that blends the heritage and solid materials of espresso machines with minimalist design and the latest technology. Built to last a lifetime and engineered to elevate everyday routines, Aarke is committed to promoting a more sustainable way of living by refining their products’ daily functions to create better, more user-friendly, and eco-friendly home appliances. A perfect V-Day gift for both him and her.

With prices starting from £28, the designs include a range of 9k gold charms – that work perfectly with hoops such as the Ciclo from the Helix & Conch range – including the oh-so-cute Abeille bee charm, available in both yellow and white gold and the 18K yellow gold Soleil – a beautifully crafted and delicate open flower charm with Swarovski crystals that pack some serious sparkle this Valentine’s Day.

Aaah Valentine’s Day, the ultimate day for love (and self-love). This year, we’re dusting off our favourite fashion finds so we can look and feel fabulous this Valentine’s Day no matter what youre plans are.

So, whether you’re glamming it up with a swanky date, or cosying it up at home in your favourite PJ’s #TeamCoco has got you covered with these 20 stylish fashion finds.

Heading Out

1.Juliette Dress by Gaâla available at https://gaala.com/

2.Long Fuchsia Pink Dress by Isabel Manns available at https://isabelmanns.com/

3.Wavelet Heels by Daissy Ornelas available at https://www.daissyornelas.com/

4.Earrings by Mi Manera Jewellery available at https://mimanerajewelry.com/

5.Full Moon Rose Gold Sunglasses by Anna-Karin Karlsson available at annakarinkarlsson.com

6.Diamond Hair clip by Retro Chic available at https://retrochicitaly.com/

7.Brilliant Rose Bag by Launer available at https://launer.com/

8.Heart Quilted Alexa Bag by Marina Raphael available at https://marinaraphael.com/

9.Camel Toscana Gilet by Celtic & Co available at https://www.celticandco.com/

10.Fuschia Eniola Heel by Sante and Wade available at https://www.santewade.com/

Staying in

11.Blush Elsa Pyjama Top by Suzannah London available at https://www.suzannah.com/

12.Blush Elsa Pyjama Bottom by Suzannah London available at https://www.suzannah.com/

13.Rose Pink The Jeanie Clutch by Lily & Bean available at https://www.lilyandbean.co.uk/

14.Evil Eye Huggie Earrings by Crystals and Co available at https://crystalsandco.com/

15.Crew Neck Sweatshirt with Gathered Detail by Maemo Fashion available at https://www.maemofashion.com/

16.Red and Pink Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/

17.Airpods Case with chain by Emotional World Vintage available at https://emotionalworldvintage.com/

18.Kitty Ring by Rat Betty available at https://www.ratbetty.com/

19.LoveShackFancy x Superga Sneakers in Morning Surf available at Outdazl https://www.outdazl.com/

20.Turf War Monochrome, Large Silk Scarf in Blush Pink by Clare Haggas available at https://www.clarehaggas.com/

Nothing keeps Leila Gregory down for long, and after shuttering one business, Leila pulled herself up by her bootstraps and leveraged her 30-year strong retail experience to open her own independent brand Belle Modelle.

Since 2014, Belle Modelle has gone from strength to strength selling a variety of colourful accessories and homeware products; and while many other businesses reeled from the pandemic, Gregory took her business to the next level by launching her very first colourful fashion line last year.

On the inspiration behind Belle Modelle, Leila says: “My mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.” Indeed, one look at Belle Modelle’s joyful knitwear pieces and you will immediately understand the brand’s raison d’être, and the vibrant spirit of the woman who created it.

In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the bubbly, stylish and inspirational Leila and chat about fashion, sustainability and the secret to running your own business.

She says,Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to star Belle Modelle?

After leaving school, I found myself working in retail where I have remained for over 30 years. I started in the cosmetics industry, I have also worked in marketing, fashion and interiors. Having stepped out of retail to have a family, I then made the decision to embark on my very first business which combined a tearoom, cocktail lounge and restaurant with a space selling clothing and furniture. This was a huge personal learning curve as sadly the business had to close in less than a year – but nothing keeps me down for long! It wasn’t long before I was planning my next business venture with even more determination to succeed.

Could you tell us more about your mission to “inspire women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing?”

As someone who has spent many years feeling conscious of my body shape, I feel that I can relate to women who may be unsure of stepping out of their comfort zone. I have found that wearing colour can truly make you feel more confident about how you look. So, my mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.

Belle Modelle has been selling various accessories and homeware products since 2014 but 2021 marked the very first time that you have launched your own womenswear line. Why was 2021 the perfect time to launch?

Belle Modelle went from strength to strength and experienced rapid growth online during the lockdown. I also felt that I wanted to offer our customers something different to other retailers, so in 2021 the time seemed right to finally launch my own collection.

Could you tell us a bit more about the design inspiration behind your womenswear line?

I am well known to be a lover of stars so it seemed obvious that our first knitwear collection included stars in the designs. I also wanted a range that was comfortable, easy to wear and flattering to all shapes and sizes — and of course colourful!

How important is sustainability to Belle Modelle – could you tell us more about the concrete ways you are promoting sustainability in your business?

Belle Modelle monitors its supply chains to ensure that it upholds ethical and sustainable practices at every stage of the process. All our packaging is 100% recyclable. We still have a way to go on the sustainability front, but we are continually working on ways to improve and are keen to include more eco-friendly designs (like our super soft Chara bamboo scarves) in our collection.

Who is the Belle Modelle woman? Could you describe her in three words?

Bubbly, stylish, fun

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Brexit and the pandemic have made sourcing materials and keeping to delivery deadlines challenging. Lots has been out of our control but we are confident that this will ease in 2022.

What’s next for you and Belle Modelle? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline?

We are excited to be able to expand our own brand range, with a spring /summer collection that features lighter weight versions of our highly successful Knit 21 range. Summer knits, easy to wear trousers and pattern clashing dresses. We hope this year will also see us take on new brands and explore the possibility of opening at least one other store!

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

My advice would be to take the risk and step out of your comfort zone! Success doesn’t happen overnight and you need to invest the time. Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.

WWW.BELLE-MODELLE.CO.UK

Pssst…I’m going to let you in on a secret. There’s a cool, new brand emerging on the jewellery scene that is about to blow up. D. Louise is a stylish collection of affordable, high-quality jewellery that you will own for ever. Gold jewellery is bang on trend right now, I’m a big fan of layering mine on a night out but find that after a couple of wears they take on a green tinge and can’t be worn again. D. Louise is a range of uniquely designed pieces that can be worn every day, in the shower or at the gym without tarnishing or turning green.

I’ve been crushing on this jewellery collection for some time and after chatting to founder Olivia Jenkins I think I may be crushing on her too. Olivia, aged 25 from London, set up the brand during the global pandemic after she became increasingly frustrated with her every day jewellery turning her skin green. After researching materials and road testing them herself, she started sourcing suppliers while juggling her full-time job in a media agency. D. Louise quickly took off and she quit her job in the city to throw herself into the business full-time. She said, “Like most people, the pandemic changed my job, I went from a very social role to being stuck at home. I felt like I had no purpose so when I spotted a gap in the jewellery market, I decided to just go for it”.

The range, which she has a hand in designing includes elegant rings, funky earrings, and bracelets as well as chic necklaces. It is made with a high-quality stainless steel, which is durable, 100% recyclable and affordable. It goes through a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating process to add the gold plate. This method is ten times thicker than standard gold plating, making the finish on the jewellery resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which means you can wear the pieces on the beach or in the pool and they’ll still look fabulous.

D. Louise is about wearing stylish jewellery every day that won’t break the bank, with prices ranging from £28 – £50. Olivia tells me that zodiac necklaces are going to be big this summer. Her biggest sellers are her bracelets, and I can see why, I love the Rolo Chain bracelet and the Chunky Monkey would make amazing arm candy at any pool party this summer.

Olivia named the brand after her Mum, Deborah Louise, who she sadly lost to cancer in 2017. She said, “I feel like a piece of my mum is in the business. It reminds me anything is possible and while life can be tough at times, you can create your own future”.

D. Louise is passionate about promoting sustainable fashion and offers a lifetime warranty on all pieces and any items which have manufacturing defects are recycled into new products. Olivia has ensured that not only is this ingrained into the product itself but is central to the brand. All packaging is FSC® certified, recyclable, and plastic free. The brand partners with ‘Get Mads’ who offset their carbon, remove plastic from the oceans and plant a tree with every order. D. Louise also donates a portion of profits to support the Oceanic Society, a non-profit organisation that works to improve ocean health.

Olivia’s vision is to be the world’s most well know stainless steel jewellery brand. I don’t think she’ll have to wait long, D. Louise ticks all the boxes from being affordable, high-quality, sustainable and super stylish.

D. Louise is offering all House of Coco readers 15% off their first purchase. Use the code 15%OFF at checkout

“A career driven by passion never feels like work.” So says Luxury Promise Founder and CEO Sabrina Sadiq who left her job as a lawyer to pursue a career in second-hand luxury goods.

Luxury Promise is a next generation social commerce platform where people can buy, sell, exchange and repair preloved luxury goods, all meticulously authenticated by Sabrina and her team. “I often say that it’s not what we sell but how we sell that sets us apart,” she says and Luxury Promise certainly backs that up.

Launched in 2017, Luxury Promise has successfully grown a loyal community of fashionistas from all over the world and sets itself apart with its forward-thinking, experiential, omnichannel approach. The company has seen a 5x growth in sales and has also opened a physical boutique in South Molton Street, unlocking a new business milestone for Sabrina and her team.

In this latest edition of Girl Bosses of Great Britain, we catch up with the queen of pre-loved luxury herself and talk all things designer, sustainability, best investment pieces – and how Luxury Promise is democratising the luxury goods industry one designer bag at a time.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and background. What made you start Luxury Promise?

A lawyer by education, my inspiration to create Luxury Promise came from buying my first pre-loved handbag which was a vintage Hermes Kelly and then going on to selling it for double the price. Here I learned that a luxury handbag can really be an investment. It led to me exploring the world of authentication. I then went on to set up a school of authentication, teaching many people how to spot a fake.

Whilst studying authentication, I learnt that the secondary pre-loved market was still very fragmented and that resale platforms were not inclusive. So many markets were still untapped and with a shift of consumer mindset to sustainability, someone had to bring a fresh and diverse approach to second-hand goods. Luxury Promise was created to solve a problem in the industry which was to connect fragmented markets as well as bring back the luxury in second-hand shopping.

In what ways is Luxury Promise democratising luxury?

Luxury Promise is democratising luxury by creating an inclusive & accessible experiential platform for customers from all over the world to buy and sell their preowned luxury goods. By providing an omnichannel shopping experience, we are working to make luxury shopping more accessible to a global audience from largely under-served markets.

As part of our mission to democratise luxury, we are working to level the playing field between audiences from eastern & western markets to ensure that customers from all over the world gain access to their dream bags. Furthermore, we are working to offer luxury goods to a wider audience & attract customer to shop luxury at affordable prices – offering something for everyone, with our range of products starting at just £45.

Sustainability is at the forefront of every fashion conversation these days – what role do companies like Luxury Promise play in the sustainable revolution?

As a luxury resale platform, we are extending the lifecycle of luxury products by giving them a second chance, a second home to be worn & enjoyed. Sustainability is not only a brand effort but a big part of our brand identity. It goes beyond just a mere transaction as we also offer our customers a one year warranty in case, they wish to send in any products for repairs via our in-house repairs service. Our audience of luxury preloved consumers also understands this aspect of our brand identity, wherein more than 65% of our customers choose to plant a tree with every purchase, truly honing our efforts to offset our carbon footprint.

How is Luxury Promise setting itself apart from other resale businesses in the market today?

I often say that it’s not what we sell but how we sell that sets us apart. The global luxury resale market is becoming increasingly saturated & competitive. Luxury Promise can establish its own niche & stand out as a quality brand in this market by focusing on experiential selling, community driven engagement, a curated product range & authentication prowess. As the counterfeit market continues to grow, authentication remains a top priority at Luxury Promise, where we have established a 3 step authentication process. Selling via live shopping allows us to address a global audience and truly build relationships with our community via personality-focused selling.

What have been the biggest challenges and milestones you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

Every day is a challenge in the life of an entrepreneur, but with this we adapt and learn which for me, is the most exciting part. But I have to say, as it is a career driven by passion it never feels like work!

What has been your favourite second-hand luxury buy – and what makes it so special?

My personal favourite preloved luxury bag must be the Vintage Hermes Kelly. It’s the first luxury bag that I purchased preloved and the reason why I got into this space. It is a great investment purchase and the Hermes craftsmanship is unbeatable. I would consider it to be an heirloom piece – a bag in my collection that I will always cherish with great fondness.

What’s next for you? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline?

It has been an incredible year for Luxury Promise, scaling our business throughout the pandemic and emerging as one of the strongest & largest luxury resale platforms in the UK with the most amazing community. The only way is up. We are consistently scaling our operations and audience & 2022 will be a year to watch!

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion business?

My advice would be – don’t be scared to fail. I think it is always important to remember that failure is needed to learn to become better. If you want to do something, just go for it. Just love what you do and let your passion drive you. You will then feel like you will never work a day in your life. Take every opportunity you can take to push your business to the next level. Sometimes you must take yourself out of your comfort zone. It is not always smooth sailing and success is never ever easy. It takes times and it is hard work and that hard work never stops.

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