fashion labels

The emerging British fashion label « Matilda & Quinn » offers stylish, yet affordable clothes for women in business.

We like the minimal chic and classic shapes of the « Matilda & Quinn » designs, which complement any woman’s wardrobe perfectly.
 
Since the fashion start-up is the result of former city lawyer Sally Hartfield’s career makeover, we were eager to learn more about the story behind and asked Sally for an interview. Here is what she has told us, which made us like « Matilda & Quinn » even more.

But, go and see for yourself. Enjoy!

How would you summarize your mission at « Matilda & Quinn » in one sentence?

To create stylish, well-made garments out of luxurious fabrics at affordable prices that women feel great in.

What triggered your desire to establish a fashion business?

My background is in the legal sector but design and garment construction have always been a side-line passion. I wanted to pursue a more creative path and left my job in the city to start Matilda & Quinn. The brand is a direct response to what I felt was a real gap in the market for well-made, stylish clothing that was also work friendly. I did not feel that style or sophistication needed to be compromised in the workplace.

Did you immediately decide to run with the idea? Or, were there any obstacles you had to overcome?

There have been many obstacles to overcome along the way. Being a genuine British brand means that all of our garments are currently made in England. Sadly, there are very few quality manufacturers left in the UK and it has been a real struggle to find manufacturers who produce high-end quality garments here. Similarly, when starting up as a boutique brand it is more difficult to work with European mills that have high minimum orders for their fabrics.  There are always delays in the supply chain too and when you are a smaller brand you tend not to be your suppliers’ priority!

Did you always dream to run your own business one day?

Running my own business in the fashion industry is something that I always thought I would like to do one day, but it was only when the idea and business plan behind the brand started to take shape that I could really see this becoming a reality.

How long did it take you from the idea to the launch?

I was working on the Matilda & Quinn designs and putting together my business plan whilst still in a full time job! I left my job in February 2011 and then worked 7 days a week with an ambitious schedule to get the brand’s debut collection launched in September 2011. It has been a very busy year!

How did you deal with the career makeover from lawyer to designer respectively to successfully launching your fashion label? Wasn’t it a huge difference? Did you have any industry knowledge and connections/contacts or maybe even a mentor?

I feel my legal background has equipped me with some of the skills needed to start my own business, as well as an ability to endure long working hours. In the legal profession, time management, organisational skills, and having the ability to think quickly and analytically are paramount. These skills are all important in the business world too. Having said that, it’s a huge change going from working in a team and bouncing your ideas off of colleagues to working alone and having to make difficult decisions yourself.

I have slowly built up industry contacts through the recommendations of connections in the industry. It has not been easy, but the infrastructure for the business is now up and running relatively smoothly!

As one of the many « solo-preneurs » these days, how do you cope with wearing so many hats at the same time? Is it sometimes difficult to stay creative?

Being a solo-preneur is not easy, especially when you literally need to be in several places at once and fulfill creative and commercial roles simultaneously. I work with some individuals on a freelance basis on the more technical side of the business like the website development and design, but most other areas are left to me. As a new brand, budgets are tight so I have had a go at things I did not have any previous experience of like marketing and PR. It’s sometimes difficult to remain both creative and commercial at all times and particularly difficult to remain creative when you have had a particularly draining week.

What do you like best about your entrepreneurial journey so far?

It’s an incredible feeling to see your designs come to life and see customers wearing and looking good in your creations and then coming back to buy more styles because they are so happy with their original purchases.

How does your « typical » day at « Matilda & Quinn » look like?

No two days are the same. An average day will involve visiting the factory I work closely with in London to work on the new samples, working on new designs, fitting toiles and ready samples, amending website copyright, working out costings, liaising with the press and perhaps visiting an editor to show new pieces from the collection along with numerous administrative tasks.

What inspires and motivates you?

I don’t think there can be anything more motivating than working for yourself.

What has been the most exciting moment so far? Any milestones?

It was great to see my very first sample made up with a Matilda & Quinn garment label. It’s also been really exciting when high profile television personalities have worn the Matilda & Quinn brand on TV.

What’s next?

I am looking to open a series of pop-up shops in London in 2012 and will be wholesaling for the first time for AW 12. It’s going to be a very exciting year for Matilda & Quinn!

Where do you see « Matilda & Quinn » in five years from now?

I hope to have many stockists in the UK and beyond.

What’s your advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Know your target market well and always plan for the worst-case scenario. Be passionate about what you do.  A hard-work ethic is essential and do not let people discourage you from fulfilling your ambition.

Thank you!

Isn't this another truly inspiring story about young entrepreneurship at its best?

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