From matching mini's to effortlessly chic co-ord’s, mother-daughter twinning has become more than just a fashion statements a way to celebrate connection, confidence, and style across generations. At the helm of this movement is Michelle Kearney, the visionary behind Freya Lillie & Femme, the British label that redefined coordinated dressing for modern mothers and their little ones. This International Women's Day month, we caught up with Michelle to talk about female empowerment, building a fashion brand from the ground up, and why twinning is here to stay.

 

What inspired you to start Freya Lillie and how does mother-daughter twinning fit into the wider conversation around female empowerment?

When my daughter was born 3 months early I knew I needed something to work around being home with Freya. I had always been involved with fashion and business so it was the perfect step. To be able to wear the same outfit as Freya and see her face, even now as a 10 years old. It makes us both happy and confident from within.

 

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating the women who inspire us. Who are the women that have shaped your journey both personally and professionally?

Honestly my main inspirations have come from books. Reading life stories from Michelle Obama to women who have set up their own businesses and want other women to succeed. Such as Sophia Amoruso founder of Nasty Gal and Sara Blakely of Spanx.

 

Launching and running a fashion brand is no small feat. What have been some of the biggest challenges, and how have you navigated them as a female founder?

We have had many obstacles such as Covid, Brexit and Living Cost Crisis to name a few. But my goal was to have a lifestyle business not make millions of pounds. And because I have kept it quite small I have been able to pivot and adapt.

 

 

Many mums love twinning with their daughters but want to avoid looking too matchy-matchy. What’s your advice for getting it right?

You don’t have to have the exact same outfit, simply choose the same colour. White linens are always a winner.

Left to right: @megancole_ | @themumlife_styled | @mrshanbrown 

 

Sustainability and conscious consumerism are big talking points in fashion. How does Freya Lillie approach responsible design and production?

We are a made to order brand which not only means minimal waste but also high quality clothing that lasts a lifetime. Our designs take into consideration how often they can be worn and we try to make the childrens clothing adjustable so they last years not months.

 

Fashion is such a powerful tool for confidence. How do you hope your designs make women and young girls feel?

I want them to feel like they don’t need to be part of a trend. I want them to feel individual, unique and confident knowing their clothing is not mass produced, but made with the best materials here in England.

 

 Left to right: @mercer7official | @sammyloulife 

 

Finally, what advice would you give to women who want to turn their passion into a business?

Just start, don’t wait for perfection because you will learn on the way and make so many mistakes and U turns. But that’s ok as it’s part of the process and the journey!

 

Shop the Freya Lillie collection at Tyde London HERE

 

 

Follow Michelle and her beautiful brand Freya Lillie @freya_lillie_