Kelly Simpkin’s Fashion Column #1

This is my first column for Simply Woman and I am so excited and thrilled to be here! I hope you enjoy the read…..

OK, so let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am an Essex born Blonde now residing in North West London with my boyfriend. I started my working career in the City as a “Money Broker” dealing Euro Swaps (this probably sounds Japanese to most of you!) 7am starts on Houndsditch WC1 and entertaining through the evening seemed like the high life to me. I thought I was on cloud nine when I got sent to New York to take clients out in my second week of my first ever job! Wow I could go places here, I thought! How wrong was I – 4 years of that City life soon took its toll, the early starts and long hours were getting to me. I need to do something creative I thought – put my Art studies to good use. After thinking long and hard, and a few work experience days at my local salon, I decided to become a hairdresser! What a jump said the colleagues at the office, Good on you said some. It was a huge step to make not to mention the drop in money but I knew that being stuck behind a desk was not for me. I wanted to be in the beauty and fashion industry.

As luck would have it I was offered a job as a trainee at the most prestigious, Nicky Clarke. What a beautiful place and full of beautiful people! I was a fast learner and in just over 2 years I was on the floor with my own clientele building nicely. I have been at the salon now for almost 9 years and my, doesn’t time fly. I have washed, cut and blow dried many heads in that time!  As I hit 30 I found that I was now sure of what I wanted in life, more confident as a woman, and would no longer take NO for an answer. I wasn’t afraid of asking for anything or even complaining if something wasn’t right. Wow, a brand new me! This assertiveness lead me to doing more of what I love best, looking at Fashion. Scrap books, drawings, Polaroid snaps – all sorts of ways that I capture new looks or trends that I want to try myself. I always want to be different, have things that no one else has, and stand out from the crowd. How could I take this one step further? Start my own collection? There it was She Wears A Crown by Kelly Simpkin was born. For me it is a hobby, a passion and I believe that, that is when the best work is achieved. I never tire of looking for fabrics or sketching ideas. I can talk for hours about Style, (the key to my collection!), Fashion is such a vast subject with so many pathways. My views are just mine and I love the fact that there is no right or wrong opinion, wear what you like and be who you want to be.

OK, less about me, lets talk fashion. I was recently invited to the Herve Leger & Barbie collaboration event in London.  This was just perfect for me – I used to make outfits for my Barbie and Reborn dolls too! Brilliant! I was lucky enough to be wearing one of their amazing dresses and I felt a million dollars! I didn’t go for the signature short bandage dress, instead I went for a sophisticated “shagreen” effect calf length dress. Very classic. You sophisticated “shagreen” effect calf length dress. Very classic. You squeeze into a Herve Leger and it just hugs you and moulds to your body like magic! I teamed my dress with a pair of gold Gucci platforms and a metallic Christian Louboutin bag. Timeless colours – you just cant go wrong!

Everyone commented on the dress and I think it just stood out being that much longer than most. Of course my hair got a few mentions too – but then I have my own hairdresser on hand so I have no excuse!!  Catch up with me again next month where I’ll have more fashion stories to share and maybe even another red carpet event to tell all – In the mean time, wrap up warm (winter is officially on it’s way) and get those sparkly dresses on order, party season is almost here!!

Kelly x

Fashion designer, style expert and businesswoman Kelly Simpkin launched her luxury fashion label, She Wears A Crown in the Summer of 2013.  Kelly’s ready-to-wear collection exemplifies timeless luxury with a modern edge – all of the exquisitely crafted pieces are designed by Kelly at her London Studio and handmade using only the best quality fabrics. Kelly’s keen eye for fashion, style and attention to detail can be seen throughout her collection. She Wears A Crown includes luxury designs ranging from stunning leather jeans to a beautifully tailored butter suede dress. Kelly is truly breaking the ‘fashion mould’ with She Wears A Crown and her ‘Century Staples’ – Kelly’s reference to past iconic fashion pieces defines her philosophy and collection. Kelly’s focus on ‘Century Staples’ takes the importance of seasons away and brings the focus to timeless fashion and distinctive designs that can be retailed season after season and, of course, worn decade after decade.

Kelly’s website is www.shewearsacrown.com / Twitter is @Kelly_Simpkin