DEBORAH BRETT

We are thrilled to spotlight our hugely supportive ambassador and Marfa Muse, Deborah Brett. With an extensive career in fashion journalism, Deborah cut her teeth at The Times newspaper, before moving into magazines including Harper’s Bazaar and Red Magazine.  Now Fashion-Editor-at-Large at Wardrobe Icons and a Founder Member of the British Fashion Trust, Deborah is also a hugely talented Ceramic Artist on the side. Deborah wears our Reversible Shearling Combo Quilt in blush, paired with her Shearling Hood or new Reversible Knitted Hood, as well as the new Convertible Rib Crew in Pale Pink, both at home in London and on a recent trip to the Lake District.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

I studied fashion design and textiles at St Martins and then changed to fashion journalism. It was an exciting time to be there. There was a huge amount of bubbling talent. McQueen was doing his masters at the time as was Hussein Chalayan. Matthew Williamson and Berardi were a few years above me and Stella McCartney was in my year and Phoebe Philo the year below. I left after graduating and started my career at The Times.

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE. HOW DO YOU USE FASHION TO CELEBRATE YOUR CULTURE? 

My determination and can-do positive attitude. I always wanted to work in fashion and after switching to journalism I wanted to write and style for newspapers and magazines. I helped out wherever I could, late nights in the fashion cupboard, doing test shoots to pitch to Saturday supplements, helping young designers style their shows and look books. I just wanted to work with other creatives.  This led to me being taken on by The Times newspaper where I stayed for five years. I then moved into magazines as the senior editor of Harper's Bazaar. I got to shoot their fashion shoots and celebrity covers and then moved into being their fashion features Director, editing all the fashion interviews, features and show reports. I then moved over to Red magazine and became a contributor for over fifteen years. Shooting their main fashion stories, covers and beauty shoots as well as writing their cover interviews. It was such a fun team and my work was always varied. I would consult for designers too, helping with their collections from ideas to staging catwalk shows, advertising shoots and even designing their stores. I'm now Editor-at-Large of Wardrobe Icons. I get to interview the most exciting women in fashion, interiors and beauty and sit down and have a conversation with them. I adore the little insights you get from these interesting and insightful individuals.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?

I joined Instagram after my second child was born, really as a way to express myself creatively. I really enjoyed the aesthetics - scrolling through pretty pictures just like in a magazine. Except it was my own content I was creating. I love the way it's developed into a showcase of all the things I love to do. From my baking and ceramics to kids fashion, highlighting new up and coming designers and encouraging others to be more creative - to take the plunge and be bold. Through my platform I've been lucky enough to do various collaborations with designers including Rae Feather and most recently Wyse London with my own capsule collection.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I love that I am bold and brave enough to embrace change. Magazines and traditional publishing are being challenged as are ways that designers can show and produce their collections. I feel excited to be part of that change, helping designers through the British Fashion Council's mentorship scheme, The Fashion Trust. As well as through my social media presence. I'm especially proud of my burgeoning ceramics. I started making four years ago, through local council courses and have truly been bitten by the ceramics bug. I make whenever and wherever I can. Currently in lockdown that has meant my garage, where I have set up a makeshift studio and where I made a collection in collaboration with Thyme England, a beautiful hotel in the Cotswolds.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND ASPIRING FASHION EDITORS?

I have always felt so lucky to know exactly what I wanted to do. If you have a passion for something then it never feels like a chore. Positivity and creativity attracts more of the same, so surrounding yourself with like minded people is key. And don't ever be scared to ask for help from those you admire. 

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR MARFA STANCE PIECES?

I bought my Marfa Stance Shearling coat as the perfect gift to myself when I got my puppy Winifred. I knew I would need something warm and practical. Something that I could throw over anything and still look chic and stylish. I love the shearling hood as it’s perfect for chilly morning walks. I wear mine over slouchy track pants and a chunky cashmere knit or peg leg jeans and a crisp mannish shirt. And always with a silly shoe. I love my shearling slides with alpaca socks.