Annie Doble, a visionary in the fashion world, has carved out a unique niche by blending vintage charm with timeless elegance. From her humble beginnings at London's Spitalfields Market to establishing successful boutiques in Ibiza, London, and now New York, Doble's journey is a testament to her keen eye for style and unwavering instincts. Her brand, Annie's Ibiza, has become a destination for discerning clients seeking distinctive party wear that transcends fleeting trends. Doble's philosophy champions investment in pieces with history and soul, encouraging a sustainable approach to fashion that values longevity and personal expression. This narrative explores her approach to dressing for various occasions, highlighting how confidence and comfort are intrinsically woven into her sartorial choices.
A Deep Dive into Annie Doble's Fashion Philosophy and Retail Expansion
Annie Doble's ascent in the fashion industry began remarkably at the tender age of 16. In London's vibrant Spitalfields Market, she quickly distinguished herself with a stand brimming with curated vintage finds, cultivating a reputation among the city's fashion-forward youth. By her early twenties, Doble had transformed her entrepreneurial spirit into a thriving retail venture, launching "Annie's Ibiza" in the charming Old Town of the Balearic island. This boutique, akin to a treasure trove, rapidly became a magnet for an elite clientele, including style icons like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Amal Clooney, and Dakota Johnson. Operating on a modest personal investment of just €200, her success underscored her innate ability to connect with a sophisticated market.
Expanding her footprint, Doble inaugurated a London branch on Carnaby Street in 2020 and recently unveiled a new outpost in New York's bustling SoHo district. These expansions solidify Annie's Ibiza as a global purveyor of unique, conversation-starting party wear. Prior to the New York store's grand opening, Doble shared her personal strategies for navigating various dress codes and maintaining her signature style.
When contemplating her daily attire, Doble adheres to a regimen of "uniforms" tailored for different scenarios—be it for travel, design work, or managing her boutiques. This structured approach simplifies her routine, ensuring her outfits are consistently smart, comfortable, and classic. Notably, she eschews casual wear like sweatpants and trainers, a clear indication of her elevated aesthetic.
Confidence, for Doble, emanates from garments imbued with a rich narrative or distinctive craftsmanship. She delights in discussing the provenance or technique behind her attire, whether it’s a vintage archive piece or one of her own designs, finding empowerment in sharing their stories.
For early morning engagements, such as a breakfast event, Doble favors a polished ensemble comprising her silk Angelo shirt—a design resembling "silk armor" from her collection—paired with a structured Prada taffeta dress. Alternatively, she might opt for a Medici skirt and corset, always completing the look with an elegant long black coat.
Interestingly, the concept of a "casual" dress code presents a unique challenge for Doble, whose wardrobe is distinctly non-casual. She finds humor in this, often expressing a playful exasperation at the dilemma it poses.
Luncheons call for a refined yet coordinated aesthetic. Doble's preference leans towards tailored suit jackets with matching skirts, featuring designs like tartan or intricate thread embroidery. She values the cohesive and strong visual impact of coordinated sets, which she believes bolsters her confidence.
Costume parties are a particular joy for Doble, offering a perfect occasion to delve into her extensive archive. Her collection, spanning from 17th-century garments to contemporary creations, ensures she always has a fitting ensemble, allowing her to embody different characters and celebrate the historical breadth of her pieces.
Transitioning from day to evening, especially after a demanding workday, Doble finds rejuvenation in music and direct client interaction. In Ibiza, she heads to her store to engage with clients and her team, a process that invariably uplifts her mood. In her London office, a continuous playlist provides an energizing backdrop, underscoring music's integral role in the Annie's brand.
For impromptu after-work gatherings, Doble's go-to outfit formula is a structured black corset, a mini skirt, tights, and vintage 1990s Jimmy Choo heels adorned with a red rose. This combination offers a reliable and stylish solution for last-minute events.
Her interpretation of cocktail attire deeply influences her collections, with glass beadwork being a recurring motif. Doble is a staunch advocate for outfit repetition, viewing trends as unsustainable. She champions investing in timeless, cherished pieces that can be passed down through generations, believing that clothing should hold memories and be reworn with love.
For black-tie events, Doble embraces a blend of timeless elegance with a playful edge, incorporating intricate details like embroidery and beadwork to add a unique flair. Her perennial evening favorites include mini Egyptian dresses crafted from 1920s Cairo off-cut fabrics, adorned with real silver. These pieces are not only striking but also exceptionally comfortable, a crucial factor during Ibiza's warm summers. Another staple is her Divinus dress, celebrated for its flattering corseted shape and practical pockets, perfect for essentials like lipstick and her beloved film camera.
Annie's Ibiza's latest collection features the Mercer dress, drawing inspiration from the stained glass windows of Cádiz. Each design from Doble's studio is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a unique narrative, whether influenced by Florence's Gates of Paradise, an 18th-century vase, or ancient Ottoman metallic stitching techniques. Her insistence on carrying a film camera, rather than her handbag, which her boyfriend often carries, highlights her desire for spontaneity and hands-free enjoyment, with pockets in her dresses serving to carry small personal items.
Annie Doble's journey exemplifies a harmonious blend of passion, business acumen, and an unyielding commitment to timeless style. Her approach challenges the ephemeral nature of fashion trends, advocating for a more thoughtful and sustainable engagement with clothing. By infusing each piece with history and personal meaning, she not only builds a brand but also fosters a community that cherishes individuality and enduring beauty. Her dedication to creating garments that resonate with a deeper narrative encourages consumers to view their wardrobes as a collection of cherished memories and stories, rather than mere fleeting fads. Doble's influence extends beyond mere aesthetics, promoting a mindful consumption that values craftsmanship and longevity over transient fashion cycles.