Women / Careers
Meet
Barbara Horspool Renowned for her meticulous style and timeless designs, we catch up with The White Company Clothing Director, Barbara Horspool to talk decision making, craftsmanship in fashion and her top picks from the AW16 collection
E
stablished in 1994 by Chrissie Rucker MBE, The White Company is coveted for its simple and sophisticated style, with punctilious attention to detail and affordable price tags. Ranging from home accessories to clothing and childrenswear, the brand maintains a strict philosophy of creating high-quality, beautifully designed pieces that will stand the test of time. Having joined the company in December 2014, Clothing Director, Barbara Horspool has an impressive 35 years of industry experience under her belt. A Firstclass honours graduate from Kingston Polytechnic (now Kingston University), Horspool studied BA Fashion Design after becoming inspired by the music and fashion scene of the 1970s. It was here that she met business partner Mark Betty and set up clothing label, “Blanche� in 1980, selling designs to stockists such as Joseph, Whistles and Harvey Nichols, to name but a few.
34 | Style Birmingham | Winter 2016
Words: Emma Walsh