Posted on March 14 2016
Founded by Alice Goldsmith and Georgie Parr in December 2014, Dotty Dungarees does exactly what it says on the tin.
Inspired by their own children – Dolly and Otto – who are always looking for their next adventure, the brand was born. Everything is designed for exciting escapades and daring deeds, for remote jungle explorers, champion show-jumpers, hot air balloonists and fairy queens.
Here they chat to us at House of Coco and tell us more…
When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
Georgie and I have worked together since we left university – in a variety of jobs – so when we both had babies we realised a 9-to-5 job was no longer an option. We both grew up in dungarees yet couldn’t find the perfect pair for our own kids… so we decided to make our own! We started in December 2014 and it’s been non-stop ever since!
Whats your background?
Nothing to do with children’s fashion! It’s been a steep learning curve…
How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
Two! Just me and Georgie… Georgie tends to focus on the manufacturing, while I stick to sales. But in reality the lines are very blurred and we pretty much share all tasks. It’s great working with someone you completely trust, we can bounce ideas off each other and be totally honest when they are crap.
If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
That’s a really tricky one. I think a lot of people starting out waste time and money on things they think they can’t do themselves. We certainly did. So if I started again, I’d have the confidence to go it alone before I paid for expert advice.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
Finding the time! I have two young children now – a two year old and a newborn – so I struggle to carve out time for work. It’s usually late at night or escaping to cafes when one’s at nursery and the other is asleep…
Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
I have a phobia of nail varnish – I feel like my nails are suffocating! Very weird, I know.
2016 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
Global! We are already stocked by some lovely boutiques across the UK and Europe, but we will be fixing our sights further afield…
To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
Receiving our first order! The idea that we had created something that other people really love was a fantastic feeling.
Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
London – always lived here, hopefully always will.
Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Nivea (for chapped lips), Chantecaille moisturiser, and Laura Mercier Mascara (I am very blonde so I look almost albino without it!)
Style means….?
Confidence.
Best thing about London to you?
The parks.
Statement shoe or statement bag?
Shoe – although I rarely have occasion to wear them! My two year old probably spends more time in my heels than I do.
If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
J Brand Jeans (and I do!)
Favourite love song?
If I can Dream by Elvis Presley
Best place for a coffee?
The Olympic in Barnes (but for hot chocolate)
Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
I wear a bracelet with “This Too Shall Pass” engraved on it; always a good reminder that nothing – good or bad – lasts forever.
Guilty pleasure?
Keeping up with the Kardashians
If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In bed – asleep! (although I’d regret being so unadventurous in the morning)
In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
We’ve got adorable little dungaree shorts coming out for the summer, as well as dresses and of course dungarees. Dungarees are a timeless classic and perfectly practical for little adventurers.
We will continue to perfect our designs and make the sweetest, most comfortable dungarees which can be passed down to siblings and friends and even kept for the next generation!
We want to be known as ‘the’ place to go for dungarees for little ones, somewhere that Mums know they can find the perfect pair.