Fashion boss Madeleine Thompson
Designer Madeleine Thompson, 38, is known for her cashmere knitwear. she lives in London and Hong Kong with her husband and three children. WHEN I was designing clothes for a department store’s own label in Hong Kong (I was born there, but went to school in England), they asked me if they could name it Madeleine Thompson — so they clearly loved what I was doing!
Young and naive, I almost said yes, but it gave me the idea to go it alone, even though I hadn’t a clue where to start.
On a holiday with my friend, Gemma, we were putting the world to rights and started wondering why flattering cashmere jumpers just didn’t exist. Fifteen years ago, cashmere seemed to exist only in twinsets for middle-aged ladies.
I was desperate to bring it into the mainstream with directional designs. Gemma told me to go for it — we all need a friend like that.
I found an amazing traditional cashmere producer, and when my first consignment of wraps, dresses and beanies arrived from the factory, they were so beautiful I didn’t want to part with them.
But then a friend who was a personal shopper for Tamara Mellon, the co-founder of Jimmy Choo, called and bought the lot.
Later, in London, I met the buyer for Net-a-Porter. I felt so out of place with my samples in bin bags. While I was waiting, I opened a Coke and it exploded over me and the walls. There was nothing for it but to wipe it up with the cashmere dress I had on before the buyer arrived. Luckily, she loved the collection — my tracksuits and rainbow stripes were an instant hit.
I have definitely spotted my influence on the High Street. I see it as a positive that others draw inspiration from my designs.
It’s hard to balance work with being a mum, and sometimes I do both badly. I’ll be carrying the baby and holding my three-year-old daughter’s hand while trying to fix a shipping delay. Children are never quiet at crucial times.
But I knew it had all been worth it last year, when I went to L A and saw my collections in four of my favourite boutiques. Now, stars such as Jennifer Garner, Michelle Monaghan, Naomi Watts and Katie Holmes wear my designs, and I’ve had a call about dressing two characters in a Hollywood movie.
As a mother, it is priceless to be able to be in charge of my own schedule. And I’m happy that I’ve made cashmere fun and cool.