Meet Kathy, the latest addition to The Fold team! However, she is certainly no stranger to our office. Kathy started working with the brand in May 2011 when the business was still in its infancy. We welcome her back after completing her final MBA year in Barcelona (not envious at all….)

Kathy wears the Shanghai Dress in Black

Kathy, it’s great to see you back again at The Fold. You were actually a founding member of The Fold almost from the start. Tell us what you’ve been up to since we last saw you?

Thank You!  It’s great to be back and to see the evolution of the brand. The Fold has come a long way since last year, and I am so excited to be a part of the team again. This past year I have been completing my MBA in Barcelona(yes, I miss the sunshine and warmth).

Besides enjoying the weather in Spain, I was developing the Marketing Club for my school, IESE. We hosted the first Annual Marketing Trends Conference and I am also actively working on the school’s London Marketing Tour. I love meeting new people and so it’s amazing to have a positive impact on the school while doing something I already enjoy.

Barcelona, Que Bien! What were some highlights of your time out there?

By far, the highlight of my time in Spain was discovering and over indulging in Café Con Leche’s. There is a magic ingredient the Spanish people put in their coffee that we will never find out. Besides Café Con Leche – Tapas Restaurants (Lolita’s Taperia- an absolute must), Gin and Tonics- Barcelona has gone mad for this drink, and yes, it is different there- again, magic ingredients.

In terms of places- my rooftop sundeck at my flat in Gracia(studying on the deck was a regular highlight), MontJuic- a perfect place to enjoy a view of Barcelona, and of course one of my favourite trips in Barcelona was to Bilbao and San Sebastian- great food, great people and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa is a work of art in itself.  I can go on and on, but I think it’s best if I end the list here!

So having moved back to London and embarking on a commute once again, can you give us an insight into some of your ‘handbag essentials’?

Anyone who knows me can attest to the following two items ALWAYS being in my purse- Moisturizing crème, and lip balm.  I’m addicted to moisture apparently. With the commute on the train though and little touch-ups required due to a few raindrops, the following items have made their way into my list of usual suspects:

Umbrella (always with me!) - Anti-bacterial gel - Benefit- “Hello Flawless Coverup”

On behalf of our country, I must apologise for this appalling excuse for a ‘summer’. Do you have any plans to escape the UK in the months ahead?

I think the UK summer is my favourite topic of late. I am heading back to Home Sweet home- Chicago in July where I get to play Maid of Honour to my best-friends wedding. I am looking forward to the super-hot weather- no matter hot muggy it may be! Beyond that I’m actually very excited to explore my new home (UK), weather and all.

There are so many places to see that are just a quick plane or train ride away, some of the faster approaching excurions: Oxford, Bath, Edinburgh. In fact, I’d love any of our reader’s recommendations of “must-see’s” in the UK! Feel free to post any tops or places as a comment to this blog. I’m sure I’ll be asking via Facebook as well!

You have seen the collection evolve since last January, but what is your favourite Fold dress?

The Bond Street with Leather has become my perfect go-to LBD. It’s so unique looking and fits perfectly!

Although I have also taken a special liking to the Shanghai Dress in Black. I love the cut of it and also it’s flattering simplicity. You have the freedom to style it as you please, which is something I really look for when adding pieces to my wardrobe.

I love the flattering simplicity of the Shanghai Dress, it is the ideal shift dress!

When you’re not jet-setting or working, how do you like to spend your time recuperating and relaxing?

Well, based on my “Highlights of Barcelona” answers, you won’t be surprised to find out that I spend most of my down-time exploring new restaurants and cocktail lounges.  Last weekend it was Brixton and their amazing food and antiques market. This weekend who knows?

As I live in Shoreditch, I have become addicted to the Columbia Road Flower Market.  There are so many amazing home décor shops, mini-art galleries and of course beautiful flowers that I have to keep on buying as I’m admittedly not the best caretaker.

Some of my favourite spots in Shoreditch:

Fix 126- Amazing coffee, friendly, laid back ambiance.

The Book Club- uber hipster lounge/restaurant/meeting space with very up-to-the-minute music.

The Breakfast Club- Yum. Enough Said- well, except that you must try the Bacon and Banana French Toast- it sounds odd, but it’s addictive!

The Shanghai Dress

• • Sale!

  Shanghai Dress Sesame

  From: £185 £125

Elegant pencil shape and cap sleeves. Effortless chic dress with edgy touches to take you effortlessly from the board room to the party.

Leather piping details complete the look on this heavy-weight stretch cotton shift dress. Fully lined with silk-mix stretch lining. An exposed zip at the back keeps this elegant dress up to date.

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Meet Connie Nam, the Fold Woman for this week, Co- Founder of astrid and miyu Jewellery.

Hometown Seoul, South Korea

Now living in London

Bio I grew up in South Korea and the U.S., worked in Asia (mainly Hong Kong) and moved to London in 2009 for my MBA. I did 5+ years of investment banking before my MBA, but was always passionate about fashion and dreamt of starting my own business at some point. So I took up a part-time fashion design course in Seoul before moving to London, and did my internship at LVMH during my MBA. I didn’t think starting my own thing would happen this soon, but I found the perfect partner (Jenny Orlova) in school and the perfect business idea, that I just couldn’t delay pursuing my dream any longer!

What was the inspiration behind astrid & miyu?

Jenny and I were both in finance, and since we had to dress conservatively, the easiest way to express our style was through accessories, costume jewellery in particular. But it was so hard to find good quality statement jewellery at affordable price points. While we would pay premium for branded bags or shoes, we didn’t care so much about the brand when it came to costume jewellery. We wanted to simply solve the pain we had.

We love the idea that a stylish dress can be a great way to maintain a chic and professional look at work. What advice would you give to women looking to accessorise in the workspace? 

Take sensible risks and subtly incorporate fashion trends into your workwear! For instance, you can flirt with the current neon trend by wearing a delicate neon friendship bracelet (like our silky stuff in lime).

What’s your Favourite Fold dress in the collection?

My Cooper Dress - it’s so comfortable and I love the fit! I also like the Shanghai Dress!

I love the fit of my Cooper Dress - it’s so comfortable! I also like the Shanghai Dress!

What would be some pieces you would style with it from the astrid and miyu collection?

I like to pair leather bracelets with professional attire. They are classy and fun at the same time. In the photo, I wore two different leather bracelets on each wrist: a-list and no time for you in black.

And finally, the London Olympics… are you excited or dreading it? Excited!

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Meet Sandra Donskyte

, founder of Bitch-Online. The online destination for sassy business women.

Hometown: Siauliai (known as Sun Town), and now living in Wimbledon.

Bio: My career in the UK started 5
 years ago and has always been changing and evolving. I started working in a Fruit
 Factory packing apples and grapes for Tescos, then was a waitress in a number of Hotel
 Lounge Bars across London. I also organised the first ‘World Strongest Man’ 
competition in the UK at Wembley Arena.

I am currently working four days a week 
as a Business Development Manager for a number of Law Firms and Legal Tech
 Companies in Europe, and spending 7 days a week on my founded Bitch Online.


What prompted you to start Bitch-online?

I was never interested or would pay money for magazines full of advertising, celebrity gossip and content that lowers women’s confidence. I wanted to provide the opposite, starting with the name. I loved the name for obvious reasons and aimed to create a magazine for myself and other bold, intelligent women in total control of themselves (or aiming to be). 



What has been your most exciting feature to date in Bitch-Online?


An interview with Petra Joy, female porn director.



Who would be your ideal woman to interview (past or present)?

There are many ideal women (Bitches) to interview. But would love to talk to Michelle Mone, Beyonce and Victoria Beckham about business secrets, personal branding and being in control…



Where do you like to escape to in your free time?

First of 
all I try to escape in my own mind. To complement it physically, I like surrounding myself with nature by walking in the parks or being by the river. If I feel I need an immediate escape, I go to a nice local cafe.



I was never interested in magazines that lowered a woman’s confidence.

What is your Favourite Fold Dress?

The Brompton Dress in Navy and Navy Leather are my favorite; an ideal business wear for women; while the Shanghai Dress in Black would be my second choice.

I would also choose the Jermyn Dress  in Crimson for its unique colour; a trully versatile shift work dress.

• • Sale!

  Brompton Dress Navy

  From: £185 £125
• •

  Jermyn Dress Crimson

  £275

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This has been one of our bestsellers … the fabulous Shanghai Dress. Flattering cap sleeves and an elegant neckline, this dress is a versatile, stylish piece that will be worn endlessly as part of your work wardrobe (and beyond!)

We’ve paired it up with a studded belt, faux fur gilet and smart briefcase. Wear it many ways, many times.

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This week we bring you more tips and inspiration from our The Fold Woman, Natalie Bedoya (wearing the Cooper Dress in Charcoal), who is based in New York.

From: Florida, living in Brooklyn Heights, New York.

Education: Harvard University, A.B., Duke University, J.D.

Current Role: Law Clerk for a District Court Judge in the Eastern District of New York.

A constitutional law buff who led the Duke Law Journal as Editor-in-Chief, Natalie decided to put her knowledge into practice through clerkships with a federal appellate judge in Miami and a federal district court judge in New York.  Natalie feels blessed to have an extraordinary business woman as her role model in both career and life – her mom – a successful entrepreneur and mother of four.

When your priorities are clear, your decisions are easy!

Natalie has just moved to New York and is navigating the work wear landscape of walking on brick-paved sidewalks to work, dressing for cold winters, and embracing New York City’s eternal love of black – all a stark contrast to Miami dressing.

Favourite The Fold Dress

The Shanghai Dress in Black – conservative but so chic; ideal for a professional look at a demanding work role.

The Shanghai Dress in Black is the ideal work dress for a professional business look!

Fave Brunch Spot

Bubby’s in DUMBO, Brooklyn – the fluffiest pancakes and an amazing view of the Manhattan Bridge and the new glass-enclosed waterfront carousel.

Best Career Advice

Find a mentor (or two) and nurture that relationship to the maximum.

Best Life Advice

When your priorities are clear, your decisions are easy.

Who is your ‘Professional Fashionista’ Role Model

The Chief Judge of the Eastern District of New York – her look is classic, elegant and polished.

Top Tip for NYC dressing

Buy a fabulous coat and don’t be shy to accessorize with color.

• •

  Cooper Dress Black

  £150

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Ingrid Chen is the fabulous, creative force behind our new, F/W 2011-12 Collection.  

Blending her vision of “professionally chic” from her Wellesley and advertising days, with her Parsons design expertise and education, and her understanding of what is comfortable AND flattering from her experience at VPL, Thuy New York and Mara Hoffman, Ingrid has a real eye for The Fold.  We have worked with the best NY technical and design teams (who have worked with Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu) and have chosen the best fabrics to create our luxe new collection.  To follow Ingrid’s design inspirations, check out http://www.sewchique.com!

Her favorite design?  The Shanghai dress.  A modern take on the Chinese qi pao / cheongsam – a throw back to her growing up in Hong Kong and Taiwan.  ”The Shanghai dress is conservative, yet sexy.  A studded belt will add a little glam rock to the look.”

We hope you love our new collection!  Happy shopping!

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