Fashion crush: Charlotte London

by Aude
 
I don’t know about you but for me it’s the same every year, when summer is over and it’s time to go back to work, I find it terribly hard to put all my little beach dresses back in the closet (well until the weekend but still) and feel like I have nothing appropriate to wear for work.
 
Where to find inspiration? What should I wear? What are the must-haves this season? Where to shop?
 
But not this year, because this year I am taking advices from the experts! And who’s better than Charlotte Hollihan, creative director and founder of Charlotte London – the perfect work-life blazers for modern day woman – to discuss autumn wardrobe and fashion tips? 
 

• Tell us more about your background … How did you end-up launching your own fashion brand here in Hong Kong? 

I’m from London originally, but I visited Hong Kong when I was young, and loved the city so much I decided to move after graduating university. I actually moved without a job, but fortunately ended up in finance. I felt like there was a real need for fun and interesting pieces for women to wear in the workplace and otherwise, and so started working on ideas for my brand at weekends or in the evenings. Eventually I decided to make the jump and work on things full time, and I’m so glad I did. I never expected to end up in fashion, but I’m really glad I decided to go with it. I love what I do, and I still love Hong Kong as much as when I first visited. 
 

• How would you describe your brand?

When people think of Charlotte London, I’d like them to think of Everyday London Elegance. I try my best to make my products wearable, classic, beautiful and elegant. I want the modern women to feel comfortable and good in my clothing, and feel like they are ready to take on the world. They really are everyday pieces for the modern, powerful, and international woman. 

• When creating a new collection where do you find inspirations and ideas? 

For me, inspiration always comes when I travel (which I do often). This is why I name most of my collections after cities. The London collection is classic, feminine, and elegant, while the upcoming Hong Kong collection is more edgy, colourful and fun. I love wandering around cities and just seeing what people are wearing and understanding the mood of the place. This is definitely when I have my best ideas and what inspires my collections. 

• Where do you shop in Hong Kong? Any secret place that you can share with us? 

I absolutely love Polka Dot Boutique near Hollywood Road, and I love poking around the shops in Sheung Wan.
If I’m honest though, I do like stores such as Massimo Dutti, Club Monaco, or Zara.
While my brand is not designed to be fast fashion, I like the fact that they are accessible to all and create easy to wear pieces for any occasion. Some of those ideals I’ve definitely brought into my own brand thinking, so I can’t deny that I will occasionally shop on the high street for my basics! 

• Any style icon?

Absolutely. I love Julia Engel from Gal Meets Glam (for her girly and feminine looks), and Chiara Ferragni for her fashion fearlessness. I love following, and being inspired by, the modern, self-made woman. 
 

• What are the three fashion pieces / accessories you are obsessed with at the moment? 

I am loving high-waisted skirts (long or short) because they are elegant and feminine, but that is a long time love. I’m also loving silk blouses with interesting details, and looking forward to breaking out my classic beige trench come the Autumn. I’m always on the look out for classic pieces with a twist.