We’re very pleased to announce the arrival of Preppy Long Stockings at IndependentBoutique.com. Preppy Long Stockings creates unique designs inspired by times gone by. They use classic cuts and quirky fabrics to bring you designs that are a break from the norm and are a refreshing change for the individual who doesn’t follow trends. We had a quick chat with the team behind Preppy Long Stockings and found out how their young brand has developed from a hobby into a fully fledged business!
How do you describe to people what you do and your design style?
We are Preppy Long Stockings (PLS) creating female clothing using inspiration from times gone by! We love tailoring, collars & clean lines but with a quirky twist. We use kooky prints and detailing to update classic cuts. We also source vintage garments from all over the globe and rework them to fit modern day trends!
What sort of comments do you get about your designs?
Our designs are loved for their individuality and exclusivity. As all of our designs are produced in house we only carry a limited number of each piece meaning that you won’t find every Tom, Dick & Harry wearing the same outfit as you! We concentrate on quality not quantity and insure every piece is finished to the highest standard.
What is your background?
Completely self taught! We live & breathe fashion and what started as a hobby is now growing into a business. We love this aspect of our brand as it is symbolises that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it!
Which designers do you rate highly and why?
I love PPQ! I love their use of pattern and structure. Also Mulberry, simply classic and luxurious and I am seriously lusting after a Red Cambridge Satchel!
Tell us about your design process from concept, production and to the shelves…
For us it all starts with the fabric. We source fabric and finishes from all over the place and we tend to look at the fabric and say “Wow that would look great as 50’s prom dress etc” .We sketch some of our ideas and constantly look at trends on the high street, picking out elements that we like. Then we sew sew sew!
How do you think your brand has developed?
We are still very new and the brand is developing all the time. Our vintage reworks are the newest addition to our brand and we really love this element as it underlines the ethos that all of our pieces have an element of exclusivity . If we have reworked the piece you can rest assured you won’t find another one like it!
What do you hate most about your job?
Steaming! I think we could definitely open a dry cleaners! All products are steamed before photo shoots and it is TEDIOUS!
What are your main achievements and what do you aim to achieve now? Past present and future
Our main achievement is having the courage to set up the business on the little savings that we had. Even though we have had no formal training we felt that we could create a brand that was unique, beautiful and long lasting. We are learning all the time and are not scared of taking risks so hopefully all our hard work will pay off and our brand will grow from strength to strength!
What advice would you have for anyone starting out in (your field)?
Be prepared to put the hours in for what might a first seem like slow progress. Have great people around you who you can rope into doing things for you for free! Listen to your gut instincts and if something is not working have the courage to change it.
Why do you think British design stands out on the global stage?
I absolutely love the Preppy British style. I love the way we use tailoring but incorporate that with a sense of fun. I think that we don’t take fashion too seriously and use it as a form of expression. Fashion can symbolise where you come from and what type of music you listen to. I think us Brits use fashion as a way of saying “This is who I am take it or leave it”.
Add a preppy twist to your wardrobe here!