If you don’t know who Samantha Wills is, then you need to crawl out of that rock you have been living under for the past few years. This young woman is a role model to young entrepreneurs worldwide, proving that hard work begets success and that age has nothing to do with it.
Most recently, SW showcased her handmade couture pieces and SS13 collection atNYFW to leading bloggers, fashion media and buyers. Samantha is currently also an ambassador for the American Express ‘Realise Your Potential’ campaign which will provide three inspiring people with the chance to turn their dreams into reality.
We had the pleasure of chatting with SW about the collection, life plans and her career.
How would you describe the latest SS13 collection?
The collection consists of pieces that can be worn separately, or stacked and layered for an excessive bohemian luxe effect. They were designed to be worn from day to night, and to add an instant element of bohemia to any outfit.
Obviously you have seen great success in your career, what have been some of the “pinch yourself” moments?
There have been so many surreal moments! Being named a ‘break out star’ by the New York Times was unbelievable, and being nominated for the 2012 Marie Claire awards recently is another amazing achievement. The biggest success of my career though is whenever I spot somebody on the street wearing SW. That’s still the biggest thrill, and my greatest achievement.
Best place to shop in NYC?
Bleecker street has some amazing find & the back streets of Soho are a favorite
Best place to shop in Sydney?
Weekend markets are the best place to find inexpensive, one-off finds that you know no one else will have, I am also a big online shopper!
Favorite online destinations?
Shopbop.com for fashion in a hurry!
Who inspires you?
The SW girl is my biggest inspiration. She is definitely my muse. I love seeing how girls style their jewels and share them with us via instagram & Facebook, it is a very luxurious time to be able to be in business to be able to communicate that directly with our consumers.
What inspired the latest collection?
The latest collection is called Midnight’s sunrise. It is inspired by the concept of ‘stolen time,’ and the day beginning for lovers when it ends for the rest of the world. It is very much reflective of my own love story in NYC and my (gorgeous) partner Will, who showed me sunset in a whole new light.
As a young businesswoman, what are some of the obstacles you have faced and overcome?
I started quite young, so I was naïve about the structural aspects of running a business. I had the creative vision and a lot of passion, but lacked business knowledge. My business partner Geoff Bainbridge has a huge understanding of both business and creative, and when he came on board he helped take the SAMANTHA WILLS brand to a commercial level.
What can we expect from SW in 2013?
Many exciting things are happening for SAMANTHA WILLS in 2013. We’ve got a clutch range in the production stages, an exciting new SW FINE range launching (very!) soon, and some new home wares in the pipeline.
If you could breakfast with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
My boyfriend! I travel so much & so does he – our schedules usually command early mornings &late nights, so I would choose him as breakfast with him is rare!
13 Comments
Nice
Clever designer.
Love her stuff!
<3
Oh, she makes great jewellery, I own one of her necklaces and I love it 🙂 Hoping to add more to the collection.
I think I’m one of those rock liver underers!
love this
She’s gorgeous! Smart lady.
Haven’t heard of her before but very inspirational
Cool!
Love the collection!
Fantastic design
Love her collection and all her designs there amazing