Counting style icons Poppy Delevigne, Sienna Miller and Elle MacPherson as fans, Coco Ribbon is the bohemian label everyone is falling in love with. We caught up with founder Alison Chow to find out about how Coco Ribbon developed from one of London’s top boutiques, to label which has become the favourite of fashion lovers around the world.
We are loving your beautiful luxe, bohemian inspired designs for Coco Ribbon. Can you tell us the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Botanicals and pretty bugs inspired the key prints of our Summer Collection – there is nothing more beautiful or perfect than the elements of nature to draw from.
The brand has come a long way since it was a high-end lifestyle boutique in Notting Hill, London. Can you tell us about some of the challenges you’ve faced bringing the label to where it is today?
Making the transition from retailer and buyer to designer has been the biggest challenge, which I’ve enjoyed. With the former you get to cherry pick the best styles from the best designers so you’re an editor of sorts – with designing you have to create garments from your imagination 12 months in advance of when they will hit the market. It involves a lot more foresight and creativity – it’s a whole different beast. In that sense I feel like the design journey for me has only just begun.
You have successfully grown Coco Ribbon while balancing your responsibilities as a mother. What’s the secret to juggling all your commitments?
Someone once told me you can have it all, but just not all at once. When I was single without children my business was my 24-hour obsession. Now with two young kids and another on the way my time and energy is limited – so I focus on what absolutely needs doing with work and am holding myself back on expansion plans for now (a difficult task for me!). It’s an overused word nowadays but finding ‘balance’ is the goal today.
Coco Ribbon has a strong luxe bohemian vibe. How do you adopt the latest trends into your designs while maintaining this beautiful aesthetic?
There are so many ways to work current trends into the DNA of one’s label – from colours of the season and textures – such as pastel pink, white lace or embellishments, to the ‘new’ length or cut of a skirt.
How is Australian style different to the London aesthetic?
With social media and the globalization of the world they’re getting closer than they used to be. The weather is the main factor, which would contribute to any differences. Broadly Australians are more comfortable with showing skin but I also find love solid coloured sculptured pieces. I see the Brit way of dressing as more covered up, thrown together (in a good way) and eclectic.
What are your wardrobe essentials?
I love the idea of crazy, colourful shoes but as I wear mostly prints my go-to-shoe is always my nude Louboutin pumps. For winter a Coco Ribbon shearling gilet in every colour (caramel, midnight, mushroom etc.) is a must – wear daily for warmth over anything and everything.
What is your style mantra?
Life is too short for ordinary – be your own kind of beautiful.
What fashion rule should every woman break?
All of them – there are no longer any ‘rules’.. see second mantra above.
What are your favourite shopping destinations around the world?
Independent boutiques in Soho, New York, Liberty of London, Clignancourt markets in Paris for furniture and antique finds and the souks of Marrakech for colourful tassels, lanterns and other hidden treasures.
When you aren’t working on Coco Ribbon, what you do like to do to relax?
Make life plans, potter, organize photos of my children, write bucket lists.
Who is the Coco Ribbon woman?
Well travelled, well heeled and a lover of luxe fabrics and beautiful things. Feels comfortable dressed up or down and appreciates timeless quality over fast fashion.
What exciting things can we expect to see from Coco Ribbon over the next year?
The launch of our new website early September alongside our beautiful packaging rebrand and our debut Collection – Coco Ribbon ‘for little girls’ just in time for the arrival of my little baby girl!
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