With Tory Burch

Everybody knows Tory Burch. Her famous logo is dawned on ballet flats strutting the streets of Madison Avenue, handbags draping the arms of women out for a night on the town, sunglasses guarding squinted eyes on brisk, sunny days. Indeed, everyone knows Tory Burch, but few people know that it took this incredible entrepreneur a mere ten years to build a company that has 150 stores worldwide and a presence in more than 3,000 department and specialty stores.

Tory had but her kitchen counters and a few trustworthy colleagues to begin conceptualizing the company that has now won out over top American brands at the top of people’s wish lists. From her kitchen to New York Fashion Week, Tory took her lifestyle brand to the next level, using her natural born talent, her “yes” mentality, and her experience working for Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren and Harper’s Bazaar to make her long-time dream of becoming a fashion designer come true.

For so long, we have admired Tory from a distance, itching for the opportunity learn more about her. We recently got the chance to sit down with her to talk about her incredible brand, her everyday inspiration, her experience in the fashion world, her beautiful family and advice she has for those who wish to create companies of their own as well.

I noticed a void in the market for beautifully designed, well-made pieces that didn’t cost a fortune.

BWB: What sparked your idea to got it alone and create your own company?

While working in PR and marketing for designers like Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez, I noticed a void in the market for beautifully designed, well-made pieces that didn’t cost a fortune. I began developing the concept for our company when I was taking time off of work to be with my boys. Then September 11th happened. The idea of launching a fashion brand felt frivolous. In the following year, I found myself watching a lot of CNN, and a commercial about starting a small business kept airing. Its message, to be brave and follow your dreams, was exactly what I needed to get started…

Eclectic details on easy silhouettes have been part of our DNA since the beginning.

BWB: Every artist has a vision. How do you stay true to yours with a brand in such high demand?

We focus on design and fit—eclectic details on easy silhouettes have been part of our DNA since the beginning—but every season we push ourselves to evolve and come up with new ideas. Inspiration can come from anywhere; as an idea develops and the collection comes together, I think about taking things further but staying true to our DNA.

BWB: You’ve been in the fashion industry for a while now. What are some tricks of the trade you’ve picked up along the way?

Think of negativity as noise, be authentic, always be curious and know that at the end of the day—it has to be about the product and your customer.

BWB: Do you have any secrets to share about balancing a busy family life with work?

Balancing work and family is incredibly challenging. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach—everyone has to find a solution that works for them and aligns with their personal values. For me, it helps to have clear priorities: my boys come first no matter what. Time management is key and I’ve gotten very good at multitasking.

I use our new fragrance Jolie Fleur Rose and our lip color in Pas du Tout.

BWB: What is your everyday beauty routine? Do you have any favorite beauty brands?

Getting my three boys out the door on time every morning is a bit of a challenge so my daily routine is quite minimal—it’s amazing what a tinted moisturizer can do. I also use our new fragrance Jolie Fleur Rose and our lip color in Pas du Tout—definitely a less is more approach to makeup.

BWB: What is your wellness routine in the city?

I workout for 45 minutes most mornings—it keeps me feeling energized throughout the day. I also drink a lot of water—I love fresh coconut water—and I wear sunscreen every day.

I love our crochet lace caftan in marigold and our long, graphic tunic worn over cropped wide-leg pants.

BWB: Can you tell us a little bit about what you have planned for the Spring 2016 collection? Any special items we should be on the lookout for?

For Spring, we were inspired by how beauty is found in unexpected places, and how, as time passes, it leaves an imprint on things—a patina that creates a beautiful effect over the years. There is an emphasis on contrast: natural fabrics paired with iridescence; neutrals with brights; simple shapes with texture and intricate embroideries. I love our crochet lace caftan in marigold and our long, graphic tunic worn over cropped wide-leg pants.