The inspirational women behind Gemini & our much-loved brands
 

Sahara, The story behind the brand –

Founded in the 1970s by Suzy Coppersmith-Heaven, Sahara has been creating clothing for independent, free-spirited women for over 40 years. A family run business with a mother-daughter team leading the way. Suzy is a naturally creative person with a passion for travelling taking inspiration from her travels throughout South East Asia and the network of creatives she’s met along the way.  The fabulous collections from Sahara combine quality, natural fabrics and unique, traditional weaving and sewing techniques, along with classic British styling infused within the designs. With her ethical principles of Fairtrade forming the basis for the deeply rooted values by which Sahara still stands firmly by today the brand has spent years working with sustainable family-run factories, and now many English factories too.

The mother-daughter team has managed to find the perfect balance to working life together, the powerful duo and their trusty team have been bringing us gorgeous collections year after year that never disappoint. Using their clothes to try and communicate with the customer, they know that she cares about sustainability and the environment but also that she wants to feel vibrant and stylish.  Sahara wants to be designing and producing clothes that will last a lifetime. It’s also about the spirit of the woman.

Sahara mottos ‘we are all grains of sand, and each one is individual and unique.’ This relates to the Sahara customer and means a lot to the team behind the brand. “It describes what we are and acts as a reminder to be true to ourselves. It reflects our free-spirited attitude, which we hope will live on through our collections season upon season.” Tiffany, Director  

Mama B, The story behind the brand –

Mama B was founded in 2008 in Lingua in Ivrea, Northern Italy at the base of the Italian Alps. Behind the brand is a close family team, Sara, her husband Ezio and brother Luca tirelessly working to produce, in their own words, a collection that is, “deconstructed in fit and in the mind. A collection for today’s practical woman, dynamic and urban. Simple essentials with close attention to the materials and lines that she wants to have in contact with her body and soul”

Sara began her journey designing beautiful jersey pieces for her very own boutique, giving her a connection between her own customers and her designs, the true essence and secret of Mama b’s success today. The boutique is still open today and is filled not only with Sara’s own designs but added pieces of heavenly jewellery, accessories, and books. An inspiring space that truly reflects the Mama b handwriting. Sara reinvents her showroom every season with artistic effortless displays, thoughtful & personal touches to re-energise her designs.  

With a passion for ‘made in Italy’ fabrics, production and labour along with Sara’s dedication to warm earthy Italian colours & tones, plus the use of natural yarns is inspirational. Her eye for detail & awareness of her environment is something that is displayed throughout her collections season after season and is forever evolving.

“I think every woman is important and should be considered for what they really are, with their differences and fragilities. I don't have a specific idol, but I admire every woman that defends her rights and continues to fight for them.”  Sara, Founder & Designer 

Caroline Svedbom, The story behind the brand -

Founded in 2013 by the designer Caroline, the brand quickly established itself internationally. Taking inspiration from South Europe, Swedish designer Caroline Svedbom has created a successful concept with her unique, colourful and feminine jewellery. The sparkling jewellery is handmade with carefully selected materials and Swarovski crystals.
Being the fourth generation within the industry, Caroline has had a lifelong passion for designing jewellery. Her vision is to bring joy and colour into the lives of women of all ages and in all contexts – adding sparkle to an everyday outfit and glamour to a party dress.
Caroline Svedbom’s jewellery is handmade at the company’s family-run studio in Greece, where attention to detail and quality is taken in every step of the process.

As the fourth generation in the jewellery industry, Caroline has a lifelong passion for jewellery. Her grandfather started a jewellery company in 1935 which was eventually taken over by her father. From an early age, she was allowed to attend jewellery fairs around the world. Many of these were held in northern Italy, where her passion for beautiful, sparkling jewellery in bright colours was born.

Gemini, The story behind the brand –

Founded in 1985 by Claire Wright, Gemini has evolved from a small independent boutique to a leading independent multi-channel retailer in the heart of Stratford Upon Avon, and we are proud to have been awarded the Drapers Multi-Channel Independent of The Year Award 2019. Claire is the owner and inspiration behind everything Gemini and although the brand and team have evolved over the years she is still as involved as ever.
“I live and breathe Gemini and enjoy nothing more than selecting products that I know the Gemini customer is going to love”. Claire Founder & Director