The Fold London is a British womenswear fashion label providing luxury business attire, and describes itself as offering "the feminine alternative to the Savile Row suit".[1] The brand is London-based, with a large retail store in Belgravia, London.[2]
 | |
| Industry | Clothing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Polly McMaster |
| Website | https://thefoldlondon.com |
History edit
The company was founded in 2012 by British entrepreneur Polly McMaster, a former finance executive.[1][2] McMaster is an alumnus of London Business School, and was included in the Management Today list of "35 under 35".[3] The Fold is backed by Active Partners,[1] with Nick Evans (founder of Evans Cycle) leading the board of investors.[4]
The company began by offering a "semi-bespoke" service from a studio and workshop in London's Clerkenwell, and this facility had closed by the time the first store had opened in 2018.[2][5]
Their first store opened in March 2018, a 1,400 sq ft space in a grade II listed building in Cadogan Place, in London's Belgravia.[2][5] The store's interior design was created by the all women London-based firm KKD.[5][6]
In August 2018, Tatler included The Fold in its "Chic, smart and British: The 5 workwear brands to stock up on this autumn", and wrote, "corporate dressing doesn't have to be frumpy".[7] The brand has been included in workwear recommendations articles from publications including Marie Claire[8] and Who What Wear.[9]
Awards and recognition edit
In 2016, The Fold was one of 12 companies selected the by UK luxury brand association Walpole (founded by John Ayton) for its Brands of Tomorrow programme.[10][11][12]
For several years, the company has supported Smartworks.org, a charity dedicated to donating free, smart workwear for women going back to work after a period of unemployment, with donations and fundraising activities.[13][14]
Notable customers edit
Notable customers include the Duchess of Cambridge,[1] Pippa Middleton,[15] Holly Willoughby,[16] and Samantha Cameron.[12]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Burn-Callander, Rebecca (19 December 2015). "Luxury womenswear brand The Fold to expand overseas". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
- ^ a b c d Sutherland, Emily (13 March 2018). "Welcome to The Fold's first physical store". Drapers. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "Inspiring women: Polly McMaster". Startups.co.uk. 2016-06-30. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
- ^ "Nick Evans, Partner". Active Partners. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ a b c Groom, Avril (1 March 2018). "The Fold opens its first flagship boutique". The Financial Times. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "The Fold". Kinnersley Kent Design. Retrieved 2020-01-13.
- ^ Annabelle Spranklen, Annabelle Spranklen (31 August 2018). "Chic, smart and British: The 5 workwear brands to stock up on this autumn". Tatler. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Goldstone, Penny (August 21, 2019). "10 new shoe brands I'm excited about for autumn/winter". Marie Claire.
- ^ Langedijk, Bonnie (November 20, 2018). "10 Pieces Later, You've Got a Perfect Business Capsule Wardrobe".
- ^ Hounslea, Tara (19 January 2016). "The Fold and Milli Millu selected as Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow". Drapers. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "Brands of Tomorrow". Walpole. Retrieved 2020-01-13.
- ^ a b "The Fold". Walpole. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "The Fold Woman: an interview with CEO Kate Stephens". Smart Works. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
- ^ "Meghan's fashion tips as new patron". BBC News. Retrieved 2020-01-13.
- ^ "Pippa Middleton wears £500 dress by British designer to the Royal Wedding". Metro. 2018-05-19. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
- ^ "Holly Willoughby's grey tea dress she wore on This Morning is THE perfect date outfit". HELLO!. 2020-01-13. Retrieved 2020-01-13.