Helene and Gillian, the fifth generation of their family in the fashion business, were trained in the classic French tradition of design and pattern-cutting. After pursuing separate careers, the sisters joined forces in 1978, working from Gillian's Camden Town basement. An important early client was Joseph, who was beginning his rapid expansion.
Gillian's participation in a course for small businesses at the prestigious London Business School provided a springboard for the firm. Their key strategies became the creation of exclusive made to measure collections of tailored suits, dresses, separates and evening wear and the direction of their marketing towards top professional women. The firm's customer base includes politicians, a Royal Navy Captain (female), television presenters, merchant bankers, two finance directors and a very senior trade union official.
Increasingly though, the long arm of the law beckoned and equity partners in leading City solicitors' practices are now the mainstay of the business. The decision to move their workshop to Clerkenwell has proved popular, since they are now a short walk from the majority of their clients.
Barber Green has been in the vanguard of the revolution where pin-stripes, power dressing and male mimicry have been supplanted by cool elegance, sophistication and feminism. Helene and Gillian's philosophy is 'Look good, feel good - dress for success'.
Barber Green
Fashion Design
Studio 18 Craft Central, 33-35 St John's Square, London EC1M 4DS
T: +44 (0)20 7608 0362
Contact: Helene Green and Gillian Barber