One of my absolute favourite fashion brands is Alex Gore Browne, each piece is beautifully designed and embroidered by hand in Oxfordshire. Alex began her fashion career at Central St Martins where she graduated with a First Class Honours in Textiles.
Alex has worked with Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton and Nina Ricci before launching her eponymous brand in 2000. I loved chatting to Alex about her journey, her proudest accomplishments, what she loves most about running her business, who inspires her and her top tips. I hope you enjoy reading about Alex and her wonderful brand as much as I did.
Tell us your story and what inspired you to set up your company?
I studied textiles then fashion at Central St Martins, studying under the inimitable Louise Wilson. After graduating I was lucky enough to receive an award from the Lottery Fund which helpfully allowed me to design my first collection. Throughout my fashion career I’ve designed knitwear pieces for some incredible fashion designers, including Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton. I returned to Alexander McQueen and did a stint there, followed by Nina Ricci, as a knitwear consultant.
Everything I’ve learned has shaped Alex Gore Browne as it is today. I had a passion for knitwear and wanted to design pieces that spoke to my style. It’s not all about chunky thick knitted jumpers, but wearable stylish knitwear for every day.
What sets you and your business apart from competitors?
I’m always taking steps to make Alex Gore Browne more ecologically friendly. Whether that’s checking the transparency of our supply chain (all our wool is sourced from small, family run factories in Italy) to finishing everything by hand in our Cotswolds studio. I am proud that we are taking steps towards many of our knits being made to order and that everything is seasonless, we’re trying to reduce waste as much as possible.
What are the most rewarding aspects of what you do?
I love seeing how customers style Alex Gore Browne knitwear. I wear my designs a lot, of course, but getting inspiration from women wearing AGB knits is really rewarding.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
I’ve often thought about branching into soft furnishings or homewares, so if I were to collaborate with anyone maybe it would be something like that. At the moment we’re so busy with the AGB Knitwear collection that it’s not seeming likely, but that certainly would be on my wish list.
Favourite part about your job?
I work with a small team which means I’m still very hands on. When I’m not designing new styles or tweaking our existing designs, I'll often find myself hand stitching in the studio. I love being so connected to every aspect of the business and I think that is what keeps us all working together so well.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Happy, hardworking, perfectionist
Do you have any daily routines?
I start every day by walking our 5 dogs followed by an essential cup of coffee. I take LYMA twice a day. It’s the most incredible supplement that boosts immunity and since I started taking it 2 years ago, I haven’t picked up a single bug.
Do you collect anything?
I love antiquing and often travel to the big fairs. I always go with a list of what I’m looking for. Lately it’s been swans and wooden horses but there’s always a collection on the go.
Image product copyright Alex Gore Brown
www.alexgorebrowne.com to see the collections and to keep in touch with all their latest news