Ten Minutes with Jules Reid

What’s a girl to do when her wanderlust (and empty closet) is thwarted by a dearth of vacation days? Thanks to Jules Reid now you don’t have to actually be a modern gypsy to look like one.  Whether you’re planning to rock the Casbah or the staff meeting, vintage shapes that reference both Lily Pulitzer and Carrnaby Street in an array of souk-worthy fabrics will ensure your look always translates as gorgeous. Here’s more from Jules Reid . . .

Oligoville: In five words or less, Jules Reid  is. . .

Jules: Fashion is passion.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Jules: A “gypset” girl, a gypsy-like girl with classic style. Someone who is familiar with vintage designs but loves a modern look. Bohemian but preppy and sophisticated all at once.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Jules: It has been my dream since I was in my early 20′s to have my own label. I have studied fashion and prints and trends in every spare moment that I have had.

Oligoville: Can you talk a little about your motto “fashion is passion,” what does that mean in terms of your work, your life, etc.?

Jules: I am so passionate about fashion. It is a way that you present yourself to the world, every day that you wake up. It shows through to your attitudes about life, religion, and even your religious beliefs.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Jules: David Hicks and Emilio Pucci.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Jules: Eight hours of family, eight hours of design work, and eight hours of sleep!

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Jules: I have on a Jules Reid maxi dress as I type, but in my closet is Pucci, Chloe, Lanvin, Tracy Feith, and J. Crew.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Jules: My black notebooks of ideas, my 2010 silver Barneys agenda, my makeup and my iPhone. Oh, and my Buba wallet.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Jules: Hiring a PR firm early on may not be the smartest thing to do. The brand needs to grow organically and take hold through word of mouth. Press will come.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Jules: Seeing women get so excited about their Jules Reid purchases.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Jules: I hope to be a household brand name, a name that most people recognize.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jules: Take it one day at a time, and believe in yourself.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Jules: Dave Matthews, Coldplay, and Natalie Merchant

Oligoville: Any last words?

Jules: Every day is a gift that should be taken to its highest level.