Solace London Fashion - Designer Laura Taylor of Solace London
It's not enough to be a staunch minimalist in 2018's highly photographable, Insta-bait age of fashion. Laura Taylor and Ryan Holliday-Stevens aren't minimal purists, but they like a sleek line, sculptural elements, a slick cut, solid black and white with an occasional intense wash of color. The creative duo launched Solace London in 2013 to serve as a brand where "modern futurism balanced with timeless minimalism"—consider it simplicity with a twist, a quirk, a dose of character. Taylor just happens to serve as the ideal model for her brand—tall and elegant with an innate sense of cool.
BAZAAR.com asked Taylor to style her go-to piece, the item she just can't seem to stop wearing for three difference occasions. The Brit designer's wardrobe MVP is a pair of simple black pants. "These trousers are a staple in our collection. Over previous seasons we have created various iterations of them by changing the length, fabrication, and print," the designer explains. "They are versatile, they travel well (you can just throw them in your suitcase and don’t need to worry about creasing them!) and they’re flattering."
Look 1: Working Girl
"I’d wear this to the office. The T dresses it down but the shoes keep it interesting."
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The Creds: Uniqlo white T-shirt, Solace London "coatigan," Solace London pleated trousers, Solace London shoes.How does Solace London reflect your style?
Laura Taylor: Solace London is the meeting point between mine and Ryan’s (my best friend and business partner) personal taste and style. I’m quite refined and pared back—Ryan is more experimental. He really pushes my boundaries through the things he introduces me to. We describe Solace London as modern futurism balanced with timeless minimalism. I’d say the same could be said for my style.
Look 2: Fancy Dinner
"This is a look I’d wear to a weekend dinner with my boyfriend or friends, somewhere fancy. The silk top gives the trousers a more elevated feeling."
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The Creds: Solace London silk top, Leigh Miller earrings, Solace London pleated trousers, Celine mules.
Why did you want to launch your own brand?
LT: When we launched Solace London we were ready for the next phase of our careers. We’d been working for other brands for over a decade but wanted to start something that reflected our personal taste that we could develop and grow with no boundaries.
Look 3: Biz Meetings
"This jacket is light so can be worn by itself or over something. I like the pop of color it gives."
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The Creds: Loewe jacket, COS camisole, Links of London ring, Solace London pleated trousers, Prada mules
What have been the most challenging aspects of launching and running Solace London?
LT: The different hats you have to wear (metaphorically speaking!). You have to be adaptable, dynamic, and a problem solver. A day in the office rarely goes as planned.
What is your definition of success for Solace London?
LT: How you measure success is personal and changes over time as your plans develop and get bigger. We’re now five years in and work with the world's leading stores and have a wonderfully loyal customer base through our own e-commerce channel. When a customer takes the time to write an email telling us how much she loves her piece of Solace London and how incredible she felt wearing it, that’s success. It means I’m doing my job well.
Look 4: Weekend Brunching
"This is something I’d wear on a weekend for brunch. The top is comfy and slouchy and flats keep it feeling casual."
Courtesy
The Creds: Proenza Schouler top, Solace London pleated trousers, Tiffany bangle, Links of London ring, Celine shoes.
If you were to give one piece of advice for someone launching a fashion brand what would it be?
LT: Do it with someone you trust. Having someone to bounce ideas off is essential. Plus you have someone to celebrate the highs with, as well as get through the lows.
If you weren’t a designer what would you do?
LT: If I didn’t do this I’d want to be a detective in the police force.
Kerry Pieri is Harper's Bazaar's Digital Fashion/Features Director. Kerry oversees the fashion vertical for BAZAAR.com, including launching digital covers, styling celebrity features, and managing recurring features including Brand Watch and My Life in Three Looks. In addition, Kerry edits the “best of” each season, from shoes to bags, denim and coats, and is consistently looking for shifts in the fashion realm to lend a voice. Kerry formerly served as the Editorial Director of StyleCaster.com and as a producer at Full Frontal Fashion. She lives in New York with her husband Steve, and baby girl Lila Sky.
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