. . . to be chic is to be a little square . . .
Ines de la Fressange, former muse for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, once said in a fashion interview "to be chic is to be a little square" after having been asked to describe her own personal style. At that very moment, I quickly wrote the quote in my sketchbook and came to realize when I start my own company, it will be called to be chic is to be a little square. Now, it would take a little while, but the ground was laid. That very quote I never forgot and has become the mantra of my company: it's about trends coming and going, but the classics never die.
Years later, in November 2003, I arrived in London from New York, pregnant as well as on foreign soil! Having to make new friends in a strange place can be a bit daunting, but I adjusted quickly. I spent my days with new and expectant mums meeting through women's groups. I frequently shopped and searched stores from High Street to Harrod's for fun unique gifts that were good quality and good value for all of the baby showers I was attending and there were almost none. Sure there were plenty of gift stores out there selling fantastic beautiful things, but the ones I wanted would break the bank!
I partnered with my twin sister, Shepherd, who had also started her very own at-home business handpainting brag books (photo albums), frames, baby layette, and baby diaries. I imported them from the United States to sell casually at first. But, as I suspected, a lot of my friends who became customers had agreed with me and a nitch was born! We were the only company in London offering bright, fun, even considered Americana-preppy, gifts.
In 2005, a little square opened offering at first only bespoke, unique gift items. In the last year, we have broadened our collections to include children's clothing, shoes, professional hair care and accessories. I pride myself on creative buying and assure our customers that most all of our items are not found in High Street stores.
I previously lived New York City and worked in the fashion industry working for such talented Designers such as Christian Francis Roth, Lela Rose, and Alberta Ferretti.
I am a mother of three fantastic children, two fabulous girlie girls and a lovely brand new baby boy. They are my drive and my inspirations!