I believe that the term ‘inspirational’ is used extremely loosely these days, but when it comes to Kim Winser, saying she is inspirational, would not quite do her justice. I’m talking about the woman legend, who has been behind the helm of iconic brands such as Marks&Spencers, Aquascutum, Pringle of Scotland and Agent Provocateur. Under Kim’s vision and business savvy, all of the aforementioned companies saw immense success and an increase in millions, of their annual turn overs, in just a couple of years.
I first met Kim, at a talk she gave for the female networking society, Eyedea, where all of the ambitious, young women present were eager, to say the least, to listen to her success story and get some much-needed advice. She was approachable, giving and very entertaining (we all still laugh at her story of flying to Milan, to convinve Giorgio Armani to rent his store space for the first Pringle of Scotland shop!). Needless to say, when she also hinted at a new, top secret project she is working on, we were intrigued.
Well, news is finally out: Winser London, a new clothing line of luxurious loungewear has just launched, modelled by the one and only Yasmin Le Bon. In response to the digital revolution, the project will be exclusively sold on winserlondon.com, where you will also find personal style advisors, to help with questions of fit, styling or anything else you could possibly need. When I attended the Winser London press day a few weeks ago, the way that I was treated by Miss Winser’s staff, who walked me through the collection and talked about every piece in detail (you are normally greeted and left alone to silently look at the clothes and take pictures) was clearly a sign, that this is a company that wants to offer a unique, tailored, shopping experience.
As for the collection itself, it’s probably what we have been waiting for, for a long time now and no one could identify the gap in the market, better than Kim Winser. You will probably agree, that you are constantly in the search for basic tees, great knitwear, a classic trench and trousers that fit well. However when it comes to these basics, you are likely to either find poor quality high-street pieces that won’t last long enough, or their designer equivalents, whose prices tend to be a little extravagant (does the 100 pound t-shirt ring a bell?). Well problem solved, because Winser London offers the finest silks, hand combed cashmere and super soft viscose, but you will not find one item, that is above 350 pounds.
What is even more impressive is the versatily of the clothes, as they can be styled in both a classic and an edgier way. Take the wide-leg pants for example, if you match them to a crisp white shirt, you are ready for the office, take the shirt off and add a lace blouse and pair of high heels though and you are ready to go for dinner and drinks.
I also got the chance to speak to Kim herself, about her favourite pieces, the women her line is destined to and her previous businesses, so I’ll let her do the rest of the talking:
Who is the ‘Winser London’ girl?
She loves good quality clothes and is fashion savvy, she wants to add into her wardrobe some garments that will become her favourites.
We know how every single piece must be precious to you, but if you had to pick three which would be your favourite?
Yes, you are right this is a very difficult one to answer. If I had to pick three, it would have to be: the Winser Trench, the Audrey cashmere jumper and one of the silk shirts.
Why did you decide to launch exclusively online?
I wanted to build a new brand that is in tune with the digital revolution, to allow busy ladies to shop whenever and wherever they want.
How did your previous experience at M&S, Aquascutum and Pringle of Scotland influence you?
I have always been passionate about the product and the customer and my experience in leading quality brand houses has helped me build the best of all for Winser London.
What is it like to work on something that is entirely your own project, that has your name on the label, in comparison to your previous positions?
I have actually loved each of my roles, but yet this one is special as it’s my own brand, built with a special team, to focus on offering a beautfiul collection to this lady customer.
I guess the only thing left for me to do, is to give you the link to this newly launched, much-awaited website: http://www.winserlondon.com/. Happy Shopping!
Natalie xoxo
