#VOZWOMAN | Hilary France
We were recently graced with the opportunity to catch up with ultra fashionista, champion of the underdog, and long time VOZ ambassador, Hillary France.
Hillary is one of the most innovative fashion entrepreneurs we know. Passionate to help emerging designers gain a competitive edge, Hillary pioneered Brand Assembly, a NY-based startup that provides back end infrastructure and guidance needed to grow successful brands. VOZ was honored to be featured at this month’s Brand Assembly trade show, a component of Hilary's foundation which gives 60 carefully curated brands the opportunity to showcase their talent.
After orchestrating yet another successful year of market, Hillary found some time to answer a few of our questions about her experiences in the fashion industry, her major influencers, home life, and creative aspirations.
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic! I love mixing and matching colors and especially prints. I don’t shy away from trends either – I am up for anything! My colleagues and friends always comment “that’s so Hillary,” so I guess I do have a somewhat distinct style!
Where is home for you? What do you enjoy most about it?
I am a homebody. I love cozying up inside on a cold rainy day (especially like today). I feel most at home in the country upstate – I love the space, silence and the seclusion.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
My family and loved ones! My mom always reinforced hard work, truthfulness, and loyalty.
You’ve been in the fashion business for quite some time. How did you end up where you are today?
I love what I do! I also found a niche in the industry that I loved…combining fashion, creativity, and business acumen.
How do you love to have fun?
I am a simple person – fun to me is going to a great dinner with friends or family, walking country roads, and gathering around a fire!
Your business seeks to nurture and support emerging design talent. What is the impetus behind it, and how do you curate featured designers?
I love an underdog! There are thousands of extremely talented designers trying to break into the market each year, and getting their business off the ground is extremely challenging. We aim to take some of the operational and logistical burden off the shoulders of small designers so they can focus on promoting their brand and designing the best product. Also, we are so lucky to also have a platform like our tradeshow where we can handpick emerging talent to highlight and introduce to buyers on a global platform.
What about the current fashion landscape excites you the most?
I am extremely excited to see a new interest by the consumer in new designers, labels are not as important as they used to be and personal style has become a new inspiration and form of validation.
