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The London Brand to Tap for Instant Cool Factor

Alexa Chung, Rita Ora, and Olivia Palermo all share a penchant for look-at-me accessories comprised of effervescent fluff, created by British brand Charlotte Simone. The brainchild of Charlotte Beecham, the emerging label launched in 2011 and was instantly loved by the street style circuit, supercharged by a social following of 63K loyal customers.

Founding designer Charlotte Beecham in the Charlotte Simone headquarters in London. Courtesy of Charlotte Simone

Founding designer Charlotte Beecham in the Charlotte Simone headquarters in London. Courtesy of Charlotte Simone

Inspired by the Parisienne sartorial sensibility to casually “throw on” luxe accessories to complete a look, Beecham created the Popsicle––a slither of faux fur that drapes from one hip bone to the next in an array of different seasonal color palettes. Not only has the Popsicle become the brand’s signature, it’s a cult item seen styled with biker jackets or quilted coats across the cobbled streets of Soho, London. In 2016, the designer added ready-to-wear to the roster of fur stoles and pom pom-topped baseball caps, as seen on Pandora Sykes, Daisy Lowe, and Eva Chen, to name but a few of Beecham’s advocates.

Charlotte Simone Spring 2017. Courtesy of Charlotte Simone

Charlotte Simone Spring 2017. Courtesy of Charlotte Simone

Vogue Arabia speaks to the founding designer after six years of booming business on its global reach, who wears the brand well in the Middle East, and what’s on the decks at the London HQ.

Describe two of your ultimate career-defining moments:

Rita Ora as the face of my very first campaign. A stroke of sheer luck and an amazing moment in time! Rita catapulted my brand into the public eye and I am forever grateful. My second pinch-me moment has to be Olivia Palermo in a custom-made popsicle, […] sewn together by yours truly.

@CharlotteSimone_/Instagram

Name a few Arab people that you rate for style and substance:

Soraya Bakhtiar has great style, I love her vibe. Hadia Ghaleb is another fashion favourite of mine. She has a love of accessories, so I think we’d get along.

What are your sartorial tips on how to pull off a statement furry stole?

Skinny Jeans, a basic Tee, and a leather jacket. That’s my day-to-day staple. 

Does this accessory work with almost every outfit? 

I like to think so! Charlotte Simone is designed for the lady of all ages. It’s a snug statement of style that you can throw on with jeans or an evening dress. 

@CharlotteSimone_/Instagram

What is next for the brand?

Charlotte Simone wants the scarf to be the hero accessory; I want to continue to drive this message in future seasons. New fabrics, shapes, textures…I feel like there is so much more re-inventing that can be done for the scarf.

How did you feel the first time your designs appeared in an edition of Vogue?

Vogue is the fashion bible so it felt pretty mega; [I put] my first clipping framed by my desk. 

What is on your playlist while you work?

Celine Dion features heavily on my office playlist… I love a whole mix of tunes.

[Listen to the Vogue Arabia playlist.]

Finish this sentence. Vogue Arabia is…luxe.

 

Charlotte Simone ships across the Middle East. Spring 2017 coming soon.

Vogue Shops Fun Furry Must-Haves.

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