At just twenty-four, Coco is already exceptionally industrious. Having trained in pattern cutting at The London College of Fashion, these days she divides her time between working for her mother and running her own fashion label: Coco Conran. Her ethos is startlingly simple, as are the beautiful clothes she makes, all by hand. As she explains, ‘My interest is traditional and technical: I focus on the form, fit and functionality when making each garment. I use complex pattern techniques to tailor well cut, stylish clothes that are immaculately detailed, unapologetically simple and comfortable to wear. My clothes are made-to-order and made to last. I am passionate about sustainable fashion, using natural fabrics to create uniquely elegant, timeless pieces that will last you a lifetime.’
Here, she tells us about her latest eBay obsession, why Instagram makes her feel right at home – and how she’s on a constant binge-watch of her grandfather’s favourite show: Poirot.
My favourite website...
At the moment it has to be J. Parkers. I have just ordered lots of bulbs and plants for my garden. I probably scoured the website at least once a day when I was deciding what to order.My favourite app...
I was only recently introduced to the eBay app and now I am totally addicted.
My favourite podcast...
Anything art market related. My fiancé listens to a few different ones when we go to bed, and they send me straight to sleep.
My most recent buy online...
Lots of antique plates and platters from eBay. I am collecting them for my wedding next year.
Last book you read...
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.
Favourite Instagrammer...
It has to be Maker&Son. It’s my dad and brother’s company and lots of the content is filmed at my dad’s house, so I feel at home when I see those relaxing videos.
Favourite tech gadget...
A phone charger – my phone is always out of battery!
The most useful gadget/item on your desk...
My Pattern Master, a special ruler for pattern cutting, or my fabric scissors. Both are absolutely essential to what I do.
Most useful digital resource (website/app etc) during lockdown...
Strava. During lockdown we stayed at my Mum’s house in the countryside and the whole house started running every day. It became quite the competition.
Most inspirational digital resource during lockdown...
Instagram. I loved seeing what people were making and cooking. We did lots of amazing cooking during lockdown.
First thing/app you look at on your mobile when you wake up/in the morning...
My emails and Instagram. I love seeing the early morning daily post from my Uncle Jasper.
Last thing you binge-watched...
I seem to be on a constant binge watch of Agatha Christie’s Poirot, which was also my Grandpa’s absolute favourite programme.
Favourite brands have you discovered online...
In lockdown, I discovered @doorstep_flowers – it is local to my area and delivers lovely fresh flowers weekly. Also, we started using Oddbox, who deliver fruit and vegetables weekly to our house.
Social media allowed me to meet...
Lots of fabulous customers who I am very, very grateful for.
The best digital advice I've been given...
Be yourself.
My screensaver is...
A photo taken in my Uncle Jasper's house in Greece.
My standout online memory...
Receiving my first order!
Do you have any online rules or resolutions?
Not bringing my phone into the bedroom to not disrupt my sleep.
The Internet. On balance, a force for good or ill?
Like lots of things, there are good and bad sides.
By Nancy Alsop
October 2020
READ MORE
Felicity Cloake
Alastair Hendy, The Walking Magazine
Sophie Warburton
