23 Jun 2022
MARLO MEETS: TROY LONDON
This week we're excited to announce our collaboration with TROY London. Our blog features the mastermind behind TROY, co-founder Rosie van Cutsem, who, together with her sister runs this hugely successful British clothing brand.
We delve deeper into life at TROY London, finding out a little more about this dynamic duo and what exciting plans they have in store.
Not only did we have the pleasure of chatting to Rosie, but we also teamed up with her to bring you a chance to WIN the perfect summer bundle worth over £650, including an Iconic his or hers TROY London Wax Parka and a luxury MARLO Hamper. Click here to Enter. (Ends 30th June 2022)
As an added bonus TROY are offering MARLO customers 20% OFF their luxury clothing range. Use code MARLO20 at check-out. To shop the range, click here.
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1. What inspired TROY London and when did it start?
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About nine years ago, Lucia and I were walking across the field near my new home and had both flung on these big unshapely coats that we’d borrowed to keep us warm and dry. I think I was wearing one of my husband’s jackets and Lucia one of our father’s old coats. It made us laugh that we thought of ourselves as style aware, but there didn’t seem to be many options out there for women. It was hard to find a waterproof coat that worked in the countryside but was even vaguely feminine with some elegance and a little edge. That was our lightbulb moment – we saw there was a gap in the market and decided to make stylish warm coats that worked as well in the country as they did in the city.
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2. What impact did the pandemic have on TROY London?
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It was a scary time for all of us - and whilst the TROY offices closed, fortunately they are located here on the farm in Norfolk so I was able to keep the orders going out with the help of family members. Slowly we reopened to staff working in isolation in different shifts and we made things work in the best way we could! I think we all craved some normalcy in those strange days. We found that the demand was actually really strong for British made deigns that kept the rain off and suited dog walking and outdoor socialising. In addition we raised money for Age UK and Duty to Care along with other fantastic charities looking after the vulnerable through those particularly difficult times.
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3. What's it like working with your sister?
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Family relationships are of course the most important thing so it was a big decision to launch a business together. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and of course the best way to wind each other up too (!) but you realise very quickly that taking a more professional approach to the way you interact is essential for success. There is a sisters intuition and honesty which works brilliantly, plus the ultimate knowledge that we share a very similar set of values and aligned vision for the business.
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4. What's at the heart of TROY London's ethos?
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It has to be effortless style for busy people. We don't want people to have to change out of it because it's raining. A lot of our clients tell us their lives are about being on a rugby pitch on a Saturday morning, doing the school run or walking the dogs, these are active busy men and women. We have a very strong British aesthetic in our designs, a lot of nods to heritage, equestrian and country pursuits and skiing, we know the interest and lifestyles of our clients.
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5. Put these in order of preference; red, white, rose, sweet and sparkling.
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Oooh now that depends on the occasion... but Sparkling, White, Red, Rose and Sweet. I think!
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6. Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?
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We really design for our daily lives and needs, testing every design with wear to ensure it meets to the demands that life throws at us all. We draw inspiration from shifting fashions, ensuring there is a contemporary feel to our pieces, whilst remaining timeless. We also look to vintage designs, whether picked up in a store or handed down in our family, to shape our collections.
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7. Describe your perfect weekend.
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I would love to start with a lazy breakfast and the papers... but the wonderful reality is a noisy faire with the children in their pyjamas, followed by lots of fresh air and a hearty lunch of spaghetti bolognese, roast chicken or fish and chips if we are on the sea. I love to find time to ride and to spend in the garden, particularly harvesting vegetables and fruit as I am greedy and always have my eye on the next foodie creation.
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8. Is there a book on your bedside at the moment?
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Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason - it is simply wonderful and has made me weep and laugh in equal measure.
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9. Do you remember the first time you spotted a stranger wearing your clothing?
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Yes! Lucia and I were driving through Chiswick in London, only to see a stylish lady walk past in our Fairweather Parka. We got so over-excited - it means a lot!!
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10. Lastly, are there any upcoming collections or projects that you're especially excited about?
We are thrilled to be building out our menswear line with summer pieces including the cotton drill tracker and utilitarian camo jacket. We have really enjoyed developing designs for men that meet our brand ethos of timeless style that performs, so now there is some Troy for everyone! We hope you love it.
If you love the sound of TROY London why not enter our competition for your chance to win one of their iconic his or hers Wax Parkas and a luxury MARLO Hamper. Click here to enter.
