As the founder of Never Fully Dressed, Lucy Aylen’s world is nothing if not colourful. The brand’s Instagram feed reads like a kaleidoscope of colours, playful prints, and fun fabrics. Lucy’s multi-hued vision and maximalist approach to design has seen Never Fully Dressed move from strength to strength, counting Beyonce and Lena Dunham and some of their customers. Ahead, GRAZIA speaks to the woman behind the brand about what brings her colour-soaked clothes to life…
GRAZIA: Why do you think Never Fully Dressed (NFD) appeals to women in the Middle East?
Lucy Aylen: Having versatile designs in luxe fabrics, with bold prints and creative styling resonates well with the fashion conscious Middle Eastern women who likes to dress up both day and night.
GRAZIA: Do you have a favourite piece you’ve ever created?
LA: I absolutely love our brand-new Rainbow Alesha which is super stunning, easy to wear, versatile for all shapes, sizes and ages whilst retaining a chic feel for an everyday or dressed up garment.
GRAZIA: Describe the NFW woman in the 3 words?
LA: Inspirational, joyous, supportive
GRAZIA: What’s the best thing about working with a team of women?
LA: I am so proud of the women we work with and how we support working mums, young women starting their careers, mature women wanting to continue to develop their skills, and generally all women that strive to expand our brand. I love how we all support each other whilst injecting a sense of empathy across our team. Women are amazing.
GRAZIA: Why was size inclusivity and representation important to you?
LA: Size inclusivity is like any form of inclusivity to me, it is how you learn, how you are inspired, how you lead growth. It is so much more interesting to see our dresses on women of all sizes, shapes, ages and backgrounds. It is so amazing that we get to work with such diversity, we love to see the confidence NFD inspires through this.
GRAZIA: Top three trends for autumn/winter 2022?
LA: Multi-way products are key this A/W; they allow customers to invest in statement pieces to wear over and over again. Soft tailoring for layering to take through seasons. And finally, party (how fun this is back!) – glam dresses and accessories to bring this look to life.
GRAZIA: Must-have NFD piece that every women needs to own this season?
LA: Our vegan leather Jaspres, taking an iconic NFD staple to a transeasonal, timeless piece. I personally love the chocolate, it feels chic, current and can be worn with a tee, a blazer and of course statement boots.
GRAZIA: Favourite celeb to ever have worn NFD?
LA: The biggest celeb for us is Beyonce – love, however my favourite would have to be Lena Dunham. Two amazing, very different women that we are very flattered to have worn NFD
GRAZIA: For those who don’t know, where can women in the Middle East shop NFD?
LA: Namshi, Ounass and www.neverfullydressed.co.uk
