The Fold (brand)
 | |
| Industry | Clothing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Polly McMaster |
| Website | https://thefoldlondon.com |
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]
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.