From shop floor to head office, Busby & Fox is to be a proud female-led company with an ethos to empower women everywhere to look and feel their best. This year, in celebration of International Women's Day, we're sharing a glimpse behind the scenes and shining a spotlight on some of the wonderful and inspirational women that make Busby & Fox what it is today.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND BUSBY & FOX
MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND BUSBY & FOX
From shop floor to head office, Busby & Fox is to be a proud female-led company with an ethos to empower women everywhere to look and feel their best. This year, in celebration of International Women's Day, we're sharing a glimpse behind the scenes and shining a spotlight on some of the wonderful and inspirational women that make Busby & Fox what it is today.
CATH
RETAIL MANAGER, HENLEY & MARLBOROUGH
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BUSBY & FOX AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
Since August 2023. I'm Retail Manager for the Henley & Marlborough stores.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
The people, both the customers and the B&F team. I love introducing new customers to the brand and helping them create outfits that they feel confident, comfortable and cool in.
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
International Women's Day always makes me stop and reflect on how far women have come over the past 100 years and how different the world was for my grandma's and my mum and I am so grateful for the things that they fought for in order to give us more opportunities in life today.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH THREE WOMEN (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Ann Dance - my mum, who sadly passed away eight years ago now, but I still miss her terribly. She was an inspiration for me and always encouraged my sister and I to get out there and that we could do and be whatever we set our minds to.
Coco Chanel - I would love to hear her take on fashion today and how women's roles have changed.
Sarah de Le Legarde - Her life is phenomenal and her honesty about how hard it has been is humbling. I would love to talk with her about how she keeps motivated during hard days and how she is changing her difference into a uniqueness.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION?
The Sofia Trousers and the Fern Blouse, which are amazing worn as a co-ord or as separates. They will definitely be coming home with me.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST STYLING TIP?
Clothes are designed to make you feel good, confident and happy. If you don't feel good in something, don't wear it.
MILLY
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTORS, HEAD OFFICE
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BUSBY & FOX AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
Three months. I'm Assistant to the Creative and Commercial Directors
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
My role is extremely varied which allows me to learn about many different aspects of the business and be able to meet different people along the way. Working on our new store opening and our sample sale event has been a particular highlight.
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
For me, it's all about women being recognised for their achievements, strength and unity.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH THREE WOMEN (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Dressage champion, Charlotte Dujardin and crossfit champion, Tia Clair Toomey. I would be interested to know how they both stay so disciplined and determined.
And Margot Robbie. She seems like she would be someone who would be so much fun to have dinner with, a great laugh and I'm sure she has many stories to tell. I'd love to know more about her journey, the highs and lows and what she would and wouldn't change if she could do it all again.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION?
The new Sophia Trouser - Blue, a lovely fit and gorgeous fabric. I love a wide leg trouser and finding one in a stunning rich colour is priceless.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST STYLING TIP?
Layering - it's a great way to add different textures to an outfit and compliment multiple pieces.
LOUANNE
RETAIL ASSISTANT, EXETER
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BUSBY & FOX AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
Six months. I'm a Retail Assistant in Exeter.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Meeting and styling customers, seeing someone become relaxed and confident with fashion and themselves. It’s so good when customers leave the store realising everyone can find their style.
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
It’s a day to honour women. To celebrate achievements by strong and fearless women past and present, but also a day of focus that we still need to change and improve the lives of girls and women around the world.
Being very thankful and grateful to all the wonderful women that are in my life, I couldn’t be without them.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH THREE WOMEN (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Dolly Parton - I love country music. Dolly has done it her way, with her style, she has some stories! She’s a legend.
Mary Portas - Huge admiration for her career. The Living and Giving shops are brilliant, plus the best wedge boots I ever owned were from her Clarks collab.
Claudia Winkleman - Fabulous style. I really enjoy her writing and she makes me laugh every winter Saturday night on Strictly with her sofa chats. Hair envy obviously.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION?
Sammy trousers I have them in blue black and white. The perfect trouser for style, fabric and so comfortable.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST STYLING TIP?
The right well fitting underwear and keep it simple with shapes and colour tones.
FIONA
FULFILMENT ASSISTANT & RETAIL ASSISTANT, KINGSBRIDGE
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BUSBY & FOX AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
Since May 2022. My main role is working in the e-commerce team picking and packing orders but occasionally I'm also a retail assistant in one of our South Hams shops.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I like to create a package as beautifully presented as a birthday gift so that the customer has the thrill of unpacking. I also work within a great team who give me the opportunity to confidently express new ideas so I can use my creative brain from time to time!
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
For many years I worked in education and International Women's Day was an integral part of the school calendar. For young people to learn about female role models is invaluable in building aspiration as they start out on their own journey.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH THREE WOMEN (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Coco Chanel - A woman full of determination, forging emancipation for women in sportswear and comfortable dressing; all done with such incredible style.
Dame Judi Dench - A strong woman who 'broke the mould' in theatre, acting in lead roles fresh from drama school.
Elizabeth David - Following time spent in France, Italy and Greece, Elizabeth was determined to bring some of the Mediterranean ingredients and way of cooking to a post-war, fresh out of rationing Britain. A pioneer that took us from spam fritters to salsa verde!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION?
The black crepe Andi shirt. A piece that can be worn as a blouse or a jacket; easy to layer through all seasons, can be dressed down or up and is light and very easy to pack for trips - what's not to love?!
WHAT'S YOUR BEST STYLING TIP?
A smile! Closely followed by the addition of a scarf, large or small, to soften necklines.... and I never go anywhere without a couple of 'Juli' necklaces!
DAISY
RETAIL SUPERVISOR, TOTNES
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BUSBY & FOX AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
I have been working for Busby & Fox for six years now so I've seen a lot of exciting things happen for the business, including the opening of four more stores (soon to be five!) I am a part-time supervisor at the lovely Totnes store, I adore making the shop look pretty and still make flower wraps from time to time!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
What I love most is the environment, being surrounded by beautiful things- the clothing, homewares and accessories. I am also very lucky to be a part of a great team, they are all fantastic. I have also met some wonderful customers over the years who are now friends.
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
It means celebrating how amazing each and every one of us are and feeling proud!
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH THREE WOMEN (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
This might sound a bit boring but my Grandma, Mum, and Sister. They are the most inspirational women in my life and mean the world to me. I would always choose them.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION?
Currently my favourite piece is the lolly trousers. They are so comfortable on, love the barrell shape leg and they're looking great with my boots at the moment but I know they will look just as good with trainers or chunky sandals in the summer!
WHAT'S YOUR BEST STYLING TIP?
My best styling tip would be to buy the pieces you LOVE and wear them, don't just save them for "best". Also the French tuck - I swear by it!
HANNAH
DESIGNER, HEAD OFFICE
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH BUSBY & FOX AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’ve been with Busby & Fox for nearly a year and a half. I'm a designer supporting Emma and the team in developing and designing the collection.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I love how creative my role is, being able to explore designs, shapes and colours and while working on creating the perfect fit for our customer.
WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
IWD is a great excuse to celebrate all the women around us. In the fashion industry we are surrounded by fabulous ladies so its nice to.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH THREE WOMEN (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
I’m inviting: Miriam Margoles, Katherine Ryan & Frida Kahlo, they’re all unapologetically themselves, wacky and hilarious so no awkward silences at this dinner table.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION?
I’m really looking forward to the change of season and our summery pieces coming later this year! For March onwards we have some amazing bright cotton dresses coming in which are the perfect pops of colour.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST STYLING TIP?
Wear whatever makes you happy, if you feel good in it that’s all that matters.