Flowers, flowers, flowers

HONEY A4147

It is January 2020 - and it is cold and windy - yet there is good energy and sunshine in the company of Creative Director Karen Simonsen and CEO Kamille Carolina Østergaard. Karen is Creative Director of her own company Karen By Simonsen, and Kamille is the driving force behind Izabel Camille and sister brand Sistie. KAMILLE & KAREN A moment with

Overall, it is easy to recognize similarities between the two women. The Passion! Their passion for running a successful business. The desire to create a unique universe for women who love design driven products and business. It sounds simple, but how does it become a reality? The fashion segment is complex and competitive, so we ask the ladies; what is really the key to success? – What does it take to be fulfilled within? - And how do you juggle business and family ties?

Karen Simonsen was recruited by Izabel Camille A/S to the Board of Directors in 2019. In the process Karen was inspired by the company’s vision and the people behind the company!

Karen: When I join a board, it’s not only about numbers and leadership. It is equally important that the brand displays a unique vision and a strong foundation to build upon. There must be potential, so I can see the brand evolve in order to meet the future. On a daily basis, I deal with the global trends that set the agenda for our needs as people and how to run a business in general. Today, we are not necessarily dictated by fashion trends - but we are choosing our own style and expressing who we are as human beings. Evidently displayed through our choice of design products and how we live our lives.

Aesthetics and a higher purpose are crucial for the consumer when purchasing any design product. Not only does that apply to fashion and design, but also to lifestyle and culture. “That is the essence of today!”

WORKING AS A CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND A BOARD MEMBER – HOW?

Karen: Generally, I am intrigued by challenges and tasks developing a design product or business model. I love my job as creative

Aesthetics and a higher purpose are crucial for the consumer when purchasing any design product. Not only does that apply to fashion and design, but also to lifestyle and culture.

THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF TODAY!

Karen Simonsen

director at Karen By Simonsen but I also love working with businesses that are facing breakthroughs based on innovative ideas. In the phase of breakthrough it is crucial to keep on the right path – make the exact right business decisions in order to stay on top of the success!

Board themes can be; “How to transform from a small player to a global player” or How do we grow a strong business based on digital knowledge and future tendencies? Or simple financial optimization. I love supporting and helping strong companies!

In Izabel Camille, there is action, Kamille who is the leader of the brand, works 24/7 – and she loves to develop her business!

THE PASSION, WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Kamille: I was born with passion for creativity and desire to create! And that has taken me to where I am today! – Without goals, you get nowhere, being an achiever is everything to me!

I love seeing my business plans turn into reality and I am super compassioned about my designs equally! However, my life is not divided into family, vacations and work. Both my mother and my oldest daughter are part of Izabel Camille. It all blends in, even though I feel I’m always at work, but I am also at home! And I love that about my life!

In the creative process I get inspired by listening to books. When reading; my choice always falls on business strategy or biographies by strong personalities. It is important for me to be in the making all the time. Every day I feel privileged working with a dedicated board as well as a fantastic Izabel Camille team.

To escape my simple life, I drifted into this world of fantasy - daydreaming about creating for the French couture houses – just to get some distance. From an early age I designed my clothes, and soon I realized that clothing was far more than just another dress or a jacket. I understood that fashion was art, culture born by a very large-scale industry with highly educated people behind. I was in love! Determined to become a part of this complicated but interesting business that created heartbeats, dreams, and culture. And somehow that was the reason for running my own business. I like being the master of my own house when it comes to the big decisions!

THE FUTURE, WHAT DOES IT BRING?

Kamille: I focus on design ideas and new development for Izabel Camille, as well as paying attention to charity projects and sustainability. Important parameters for Izabel Camille - and of course our new sister brand ‘Sistie’.

Globalization of the brands is also in focus, and we are collaborating with a lot of competent people, who know what it takes to launch our brands in Europe and Far East/ China.

Karen: This year I can celebrate my 10th year anniversary for my brand Karen by Simonsen - and with the right team in place, I am so ready for the next ten years!

“We are in the process of developing more sub-brands, embracing the future patterns of the consumers. Among other things, we are concerned with tech and sustainability. However, we are very conscious of maintaining our own unique design universe, because it is our DNA that carries the brand, ”concludes Karen.

According to Karen Simonsen, it is a necessity to stay curious and search for new inputs in order to stay on top of the fashion industry! “Too many people come and go in the fashion business and I feel very privileged to still be a part of it! - I think it’s because I’m constantly searching and thinking ahead. “

“I look forward to following Izabel Camille - and Sistie both as part of the board, but also as a consumer. It will be an intense and exciting journey!” says Karen Simonsen!