Fox & Taylor is an ethical loungewear brand founded six years ago by Michelle Buttery. Here, she tells FRANK about her incredible fashion career journey and how the threads of sustainability, versatility and luxury have been woven through it.
For me, Fox & Taylor is not just a boutique brand; it is a testament to the passion and love for fabrics that started at a young age.
It began with my beloved grandmother, Cathleen Fox, who introduced me to the enchanting world of garment making.
She had a treasure trove of beautiful fabric cuts in her closet, and I would spend hours admiring them, carefully selecting the one that spoke to me.
Together we would work tirelessly on patterns and bring our creations to life on her old Singer sewing machine. Little did I know then that this journey would eventually lead me to create Fox & Taylor.
My passion grew stronger as I pursued my education. Through fashion college and my degree and master’s programmes at De Montfort University, I found myself drawn to the realm of contour fashion.
The art of designing and crafting garments that beautifully contoured the body became my true calling. Lingerie, corsetry, couture dresses – these were the canvasses on which I could express my creativity.
During my studies, I had an incredible opportunity to spend a term in Helsinki. This was a dream come true for someone with a passion for travel like me.
During my time there, I stumbled upon a small silk shop that left me awestruck. The vibrant array of colours and textures of the silks ignited my imagination.
Inspired by the city and its captivating sunsets, I created a collection titled “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
I incorporated elements from traditional costumes, blending them with the colours of those magical sunsets. It was a collection that truly captured the essence of my experience.
After graduating I embarked on a successful career in the lingerie industry. I had the privilege of working for renowned brands such as Agent Provocateur.
Here, the boundaries of design were limitless, and I had the opportunity to select the finest fabrics and create the most intricate and dramatic pieces. It was an exhilarating start and a playground for my creative mind.
Yet, my wanderlust remained. After a decade in the industry, I set off on a transformative journey, exploring South America, India, and Bali, eventually settling in Australia.
I worked for a boutique silk loungewear label in Melbourne. It was there that the spark of starting my own company truly ignited.
While lingerie was challenging to produce at a boutique level, I realized that silk loungewear could be the foundation of my dream venture.
Years passed, and I spent six incredible years living in Asia, working with some of the best large-scale lingerie brands in the industry.
I gained invaluable knowledge collaborating with esteemed fabric suppliers and factories. Finally, the time felt right for me to pursue my long-awaited dream. I moved from Hong Kong back to Vietnam, where Fox & Taylor was born.
With a commitment to using only natural fibres, I carefully selected beautiful silks from my trusted supplier, with whom I had built a strong relationship over the years.
Teaming up with a talented seamstress, I set to work on creating the first collection for Fox & Taylor.
My vision was to design pieces that were simple, sophisticated, and versatile – garments that could be mixed and matched with wardrobe staples and adapted to suit individual tastes and styles.
I loved pairing my silk trousers with my favourite white trainers and a plain black or white T-shirt or wearing the silk kimono with boyfriend jeans and sandals.
These were pieces that could be worn for any occasion, whether it be lounging at home or stepping out with confidence.
While my love for silk, particularly sandwash silk, was unwavering, I wanted to find a fabric that was both sustainable and affordable for consumers.
It was during a trip to Paris for an exhibition that I discovered vegan silk. This cupro blend, derived from the discarded parts of the cotton plant, was a game-changer.
Vegan silk is not only plant-based and cruelty-free but also boasts an ultra-luxurious quality and an incredible hand feel.
It is hypoallergenic, anti-static, stretch-resistant, and incredibly durable. Moreover, vegan silk adapts to the body’s temperature, keeping it cool in summer and providing moderate warmth in winter.
At the heart of our collection is the Amor vegan silk pyjama set. Crafted from this luxurious fabric, it comes in two stunning prints.
The Boho print features a captivating large-scale floral design in rich red, neutrals, and burnt orange, exuding elegance and charm.
On the other hand, the leopard print, with its black and toffee hues, strikes a perfect balance between playfulness and sophistication.
When it comes to our prints, I collaborate closely with talented artists to create designs and colour palettes that embody the essence of my brand.
I strive to offer prints that are timeless, easy to wear, and trans-seasonal, eschewing fast fashion trends. The longevity of our products is of utmost importance to me.
Additionally, we carefully curate our colour palettes to ensure they flatter a wide spectrum of skin tones, promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
In addition to our vegan silk collection, we offer eco-friendly lounge leggings made from an ultra-soft and supportive fabric derived from recycled plastics.
With their stunning leopard print, blending subtle ruby wine and soft black bean tones, they effortlessly complement your wardrobe staples.
The leggings are designed for the multifaceted modern woman—perfect for lounging, sleeping, or even hitting the gym.
The fabric’s breathability and incredible softness are second to none. You have to touch and wear them to understand their unique value and flare.
In creating Fox & Taylor, we not only want to elevate your loungewear game but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
We understand the importance of conscious fashion choices, and our commitment to eco-friendly practices extends beyond our fabric selection.
From our packaging materials to our manufacturing processes, we take every step to minimize our environmental impact.
Through my journey of self-discovery, travel, and years of honing my craft in the fashion industry, Fox & Taylor has become a realisation of my dreams.
In combining beauty, versatility, and sustainability, I hope that when you wear our garments, you feel confident, comfortable, and connected to the world of fashion in a way that is both conscious and captivating.
Fox & Taylor is more than just loungewear – it’s an expression of self-care, confidence, and the celebration of you.
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