Fashionista is always on the look out for new and exciting emerging designers, both through her work with the Centre for Fashion Enterprise and in the wider fashion world.

Fashionista was therefore excited to meet Sally Hartfield, ex-City lawyer and the founder of Matilda & Quinn , a new brand focused on filling the gap for ’smart but stylish’ clothes for the executive fashion market. This Fashionista caught up with Sally to gain a brief insight into the new brand and its founder.

1. What made you start the Matilda & Quinn label?

Matilda & Quinn was a response to what I felt was a real lack of well made, quality garments that were stylish but also safely within the workwear remit. This sentiment was echoed by friends and colleagues in the city so I left the city to pursue my design ambitions and try and fill what I felt was a gap in the market.

2. How would you describe the style of the label?

The label is contemporary and modern but also features vintage styled elements such as pearl buttons and adorning neck pieces.  The focus is on luxurious fabrics.

3. Have you found your legal background has helped you?

A legal background has been tremendously useful. It has given me grounding in negotiating key contracts as well as drafting them. I also have a meticulous and organised approach to everything that I do. An eye for detail was so important when I worked in the legal sector and is just as important now.

4. Where is the collection made?

The Matilda & Quinn brand is a British one and integral to the brand’s British identity is making as much of the collection as possible here in theUK. I work with some of the few remaining high-end garment manufacturers inEnglandon our styles to deliver a quality, well-made product to our customers.

5. What was the inspiration behind the name of the brand?

The brand is named after a stylish great aunt who inspired me with her quirky dress sense. I still wear some of her old vintage clothes today. 

Fashionista has spied a number of fashion-forward executives sporting their Matilda & Quinn originals within the Square Mile, along with some on-screen appearances by fans such as Christine Bleakley and Sian Williams . Matilda & Quinn looks set to fill the business casual void and really, what lawyer can resist adding a touch of LA Law-style to their wardrobe?