The most flattering dress in our wardrobe comes courtesy of Coco Fennell, who over the past 10 years’ has built up her eponymous brand from an East London studio. With fitted waists, billowing sleeves, playful prints and a vintage vibe, the dresses have become a signature with fans including Kylie Minogue, Dolly Alderton, Busy Phillips and Rihanna. Carey Mulligan wore the Rose Loren dress in Coco’s sister, Emerald Fennell’s Oscar-winning, Promising Young Woman and it promptly sold out. Despite all this, they remain affordable. We met Coco to ask about her style icons and favourite things.
Why did you want to design dresses?
I love making dresses as I think they can be so versatile. I aim to make pieces that can be dressed up or down and are flattering on everyone.
Do you have a woman in mind for your clothes?
I love seeing anyone of any age in my pieces but probably someone that is into vintage style.
What era of fashion history most excites you and why?
I love the sixties and seventies. I love their use of colour and prints and also their shapes. I love a full sleeve and a nipped in waist.
Who are your top style icons through the ages?
Dolly Parton, Gwen Stefani and Elton John.
Where do you source your fabrics?
I source my fabrics all over the place and I love doing print collaborations with other designers like Karen Mabon, Ceal Warnants and Emily May.
Do you wear your own collection? If so, what’s your favourite piece…
I do! My favourites are the Graceland Jumpsuit and the sun and moon dress, they’re so flatterning!
Which is the Coco Fennell bestseller?
The black star dress and the blue moon dress. I keep making them and they keep selling out!
Where do you live and what do you like about it?
I live in Leyton and absolutely love my house it’s got great high ceilings and period features, I rent it out as a location house for shoots. In the area I love Francis Road and all the cafes there and The Northcote Arms and Filly Brook for food.
What are you into/what’s obsessing you at the moment?
I’m obsessed with all things Western and Americana. I’m having a rhinestone embroidered suit made with a Las Vegas theme and I can’t wait for it to arrive!
What’s on the cards for 2022?
I’m doing a print collaboration with Emily May which will be out in the summertime – keep an eye out!
A Little Bird Loves
