The New Woman: London based designer Sophie Hulme, graduated from Kingston University in 2007 and debuted her first collection in Fall 2008. I became besties with Hulme’s collection circa lateboots.blogspot. I told myself I’d keep her a secret until I found out where to get her collection…
Sophie Hulme fills the gap in the market for tougher womenswear–think concealed combat. I want to be dressed in her everyday for fall. Imagine, gold whistles around my neck–Coach Shirley for those young and driven.

Sophie Hulme’s studio/home in London

LB: Tell me about the brand Sophie Hulme.
SH: I started the brand two months after finishing fashion college. It was just an experiment really but then it got bought by quite a few stores so it suddenly snowballed- I was very lucky. I keep the collections small because I want everything in it to be special and there for a purpose. The collection is also not trend-led, this is because I want the pieces to be timeless and kept.

LB: What are you known for?
SH: I only produce special key pieces- I don’t do basics at all. So I’m known for these key pieces- coats and bags in particular. I also give a charm away with every piece from our collection so I’d say I’m probably known for that too.

LB: Where do you draw inspiration for your collection?
SH: Everywhere. I’ve always collected things- antique charms, glitter balls, vintage silver pencils, crockery, robots, bouncy balls… the list goes on! So I get inspired by all these things. I also love going around all different markets to see what I can find.

LB: What do you wear when you want to feel powerful?
SH: Heels—I’m tall so I rarely wear them but I feel very special when I do!

LB: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started your career?
SH: I’m glad I didn’t know how much I’d have to manage because I think I’d have been too scared to start.

LB: What advice would you give to young designers?
SH: Do what you feel comfortable with and sure about- don’t be too easily swayed.

LB: Where can Sophie Hulme be purchased in America, if so?
SH: It can be bought online from websites such at SuperSweet.

Sophie Hulme AW2010 from SUPERSWEET on Vimeo.