This week, we had the pleasure of celebrating the launch of our exciting new collaboration with British homeware brand, Birdie Fortescue.

We had an inspiring conversation with Birdie herself, who shared insights into her style, sources of inspiration, and where she plans to wear our collaboration dresses adorned with her exquisite prints.

Tell us about the collaboration and how it came about?

Natasha and Rupert are family friends of ours and we love seeing them when they are in Norfolk. I love the Beulah brand - their designs are simple, clean, elegant and above all classic, which is very much our ethos too. Through chatting together last summer we thought it would be fun for Beulah and Birdie Fortescue to collaborate using one of our prints on an iconic Beulah summer dress to encapsulate comfort, a relaxed style and the slow living we all crave at this time of year!

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

What a difficult question! I am influenced by so many things from all walks of life - whether it’s interior design and decorative objects, stylish people or the places I travel to across the world. When creating designs for our brand, my inspiration comes from architectural and decorative elements in the cities I visit. When it comes to fashion, I admire classic style icons, such as the forever chic Audrey Hepburn and later on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy - from her timeless street style looks to classic black dresses and understated luxury.

What has been your biggest highlight from your successful career, to date?

I have loved the various stages throughout my career but the most rewarding (and challenging!) has been building the Birdie Fortescue brand to what it is today. I am so lucky to work with a talented team both in the UK and abroad to achieve our goals in creating homeware our customers love - from start to finish the creative process gives me so much energy.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic and non fussy. I love wearing solid tones which work well together, as well as providing plenty of wardrobe-versatility, rather than lots of pattern. If I do choose to wear a patterned piece, it is as an accent to lift an outfit - similar to how I style interiors. 

If you could swap wardrobes with anyone, who would it be?

If I was 25 years younger (plus!) I would love to swap wardrobes with the uber cool Sarah Corbett Winder, who we are lucky to collaborate with. She has such style and flair, and a wonderful ethos of effortlessly throwing things together in a very natural and unique way. Her personal style is always such fun!

What are your wellbeing practices or rituals that have helped you through your career whilst having your family?

I really look forward to my weekend walks on the beach with the dogs and family! Whatever the weather, the fresh air and Norfolk coast is great for the soul. When it comes to the evening, if I have no plans, I tune into Netflix to unwind! My children are now grown up and living in London and Madrid, so it’s very important to me to plan trips with them which is always fun. Other family members, such as my seven step-granddaughters often visit us in Norfolk which is a real tonic and a wonderfully fun distraction from the working week. Having a lively houseful of friends and family brings me great happiness and inspiration!

What Beulah piece do you have your eye on this summer?

Obviously our collaboration dress! I think the Ahana is such an elegant and classic design – an essential and timeless dress to have in your summer wardrobe!

 Tell us about your favourite place to travel to, and any exciting plans for this summer? 

I have had a very busy Spring this year with trips to India, Uzbekistan, Spain and France so I am looking forward to enjoying the English Summer in Norfolk (when it finally arrives!). We also have a family holiday booked in France at the end of the Summer which will be wonderful! 

 What do you love about the Beulah x Birdie dress and where will you be wearing it? 

It’s elegant and simple and obviously I love the print! It’s feminine without being overly fussy, which is perfect for a summer lunch or my holiday in France later this year.