It all started in Charlotte Simone’s NYU dorm room, her senior year of college. She had seen a woman on a street corner wearing a statement scarf and it fascinated her. Transfixed, she begun to think of ways of bringing some of that stylish magic into her own life. When Simone realized that there was nothing out there in the accessories market that she liked, she decided to fashion some of her own.
After Simone picked up a few tips from her friend who studied fashion design at Parsons, and sourcing a brilliant seamstress in the garment district, British fashion label Charlotte Simone was born. Home to items like marshmallow-colored Mongolian-fur scarves and her much-coveted blue, black, and white faux-fur stole, Charlotte’s showroom is like Candy Land for grown-ups.
Despite already having garnered a cult online following, it wasn’t until she was nominated for the Emerging Accessory Designer Award at last year’s BFAs that she finally began to receive her well-deserved industry recognition. Inspired by this newfound spotlight, this season Charlotte decided to show on schedule, with her first-ever presentation taking place on Friday at Soho’s Scream Gallery in London, in which she debuted her first venture into outwear. Here we catch up with fashion’s rising star, Charlotte Simone, to find out how it’s all going.
Tell me a bit about yourself and where you grew up?
I’m from North London, born and raised. I set off for NYU when I hit 18, I was itching to live in Manhattan. Stayed there for a good six years, I love New York, excellent donuts there.
Were you always in fashion?
Not really… I studied English and art at university, but I did always find fashion interesting. I was always creative and loved painting, but I never saw myself as a designer. I interned at Topshop, Charlotte Ronson, and at Vogue in the States. I actually wanted to be a fashion journalist.
What’s the story behind your label?
Charlotte Simone started in my dorm room, my senior year of college. I had seen a lady on a street corner with a huge statement scarf and my head turned, I couldn’t stop staring. From that day on, I couldn’t help but think that in the world of accessories scarves still felt untapped. Scarves that could be more than just practical, but statements of style!
Where did you learn your craft?
My friend went to Parsons for Fashion Design and she sort of taught me. I bought materials in the Garment District and found a seamstress to help mock up my first designs. I have no formal design background.
Did you ever imagine it would be this popular?
Not in my wildest dreams.
What’s the story behind your “Popsicle” faux-fur stole?
Fluffy black stole with a flash of color. Looks yummy so the name Popsicle sort of just came to me. It’s become signature to the brand.
You’ve started to move into outerwear, why now? Was this always the plan?
I felt like it was the time for expanding into newness. Outerwear and fluffy bombers in particular just felt like the next organic step.
How did it feel getting industry recognition and nominated for a BFA?
It felt entirely surreal to be nominated. The letter of nomination just sort of turned up at my door one morning with a letter of congratulations from Natalie Massenet. It’s now framed by my desk!
What was the lead-up like to having your first ever scheduled presentation?
I was extremely nervous but very excited! Getting nominated pushed me to go for it and participate during Fashion Week.
What was the inspiration behind the set?
I wanted the set to be textural, with a roughness and a gloss… smooth carpets, fluffy scarves and rocky edges all for the eyes to enjoy. It was important for me that the girls look like a unified gang of cool London ladies and the set drew attention to all the textures of the new season, the sheen of the PVC and all things fluffy.
How would you describe the collection?
This season is a little more sophisticated, the palette is darker and the styles are a bit more sassy. I explored a great deal with leather, you can find Charlotte Simone’s first leather jacket in the new season, which I am very excited about.
Where do you see yourself going from here?
Continuing to expand, but with an enduring focus of re-inventing the scarf. I’m excited about what the future holds.
Credits
Text Tish Weinstock
Photography Jamie Stoker