Pearl Lowe shares her early passion for fashion, saying, “My mum said I was obsessed with clothes even before I was a teen.” From the age of 12, she had a sewing machine and was influenced by her parents, who ran a fashion business and a shop in Covent Garden. Although her mother hoped she would pursue a career in fashion, Pearl’s focus was on music at the time, aspiring to be in a band. Now, after years of designing and selling vintage-inspired dresses online, she feels that her journey has come full circle.

Reflecting on her family dynamics, she humorously notes, “Yeah. Betty steals all my vintage clothes. Daisy is furious — she’ll say, ‘Mum, you never used to let me touch those and Betty’s going to the festivals in them!’ But I’m like, ‘It’s 20 years later, I can’t fit into them now.'” She recalls that Betty even damaged a vintage Mulberry coat from the 90s. While Pearl and Daisy swap clothes, their styles differ significantly, with Daisy leaning towards a more androgynous look.

Fashion Highlights from the 1990s

As the frontwoman of indie bands Powder and Lodger, Pearl recalls the thrill of borrowing stunning outfits for events. She reminisces about an Alexander McQueen show where she wore a breathtaking silk dress. “Lee [McQueen] came up to me and said, ‘You look so great in that dress you can have it.’ I still have it and wore it to Daisy’s 18th birthday party,” she says.

Trends She’d Like to See Disappear

When asked about trends she’d rather not see again, Pearl expresses her dislike for flared jeans, noting, “I can’t bear them. They seem to have crept back, but I feel like skinny drainpipe jeans are coming back too — I see them everywhere.”

Admiring Contemporary Style Icons

When it comes to modern fashion icons, Pearl firmly believes that Alexa Chung exemplifies stellar style, stating, “She nails it every time.”

Style Transformation After Moving Back to London

After relocating back to London from Somerset, where she lived for 20 years, Pearl admits her style has evolved significantly. “When I moved to the country in 2005, I didn’t own a pair of flat shoes. I wore six-inch heels, suit jackets, and skinny jeans. Now, I don’t even own a pair of trousers,” she explains. However, she is keen to stay updated with the fashionable London crowd, noting her realization that many of her clothes are now a bit worn or stained.

A Cherished Collection

Pearl highlights her love for dresses as a constant in her wardrobe, stating, “I’ve been collecting them since I was 16, especially vintage floral crepe dresses. I’ve probably got hundreds.”

Casual Attire for Daily Chores

Even on mundane days, she opts for style when putting out the bins, saying she still wears a long flowery dress, albeit paired with slippers and a cardigan.

Finding Vintage Treasures

When it comes to shopping for vintage pieces, Pearl names some of her favorite destinations, including Rellik in West London, the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair, Portobello Market, and the Frock Me! vintage fair, where she recently hosted a stall.

A Sentimental Purchase

One of her most cherished possessions is a black dress with white piping, bought for her by Daisy when she started earning money. Pearl recalls visiting Virginia, a high-end vintage shop that closed in 2013, and how Daisy surprised her with the dress, which she has treasured ever since.

Memorable Outfits

Pearl fondly remembers, “I’ll never forget what I was wearing when I was at Glastonbury in 2003.” She reflects on a rather regrettable choice of gladiator sandals paired with a denim skirt, saying, “I looked terrible.”

Mother of the Bride Attire

As she prepares for Daisy’s wedding in June, Pearl admits she hasn’t found the right outfit yet and it’s causing her anxiety. She emphasizes the balance of looking motherly without overshadowing the bride, and wishes for a long chiffon cape dress in dark colors, hoping Daisy will approve.

As told to: Scarlett Russell