On 6th May 1954, at Oxford University, British runner Roger Bannister made history after completing the first sub-four minute mile. The moment of his triumph was immortalised through one of the most famous photographs in running history. Yet, what captured my attention upon seeing this photo was not Roger himself. Rather, it was a well dressed timekeeper in a long coat, sitting unassumingly in the background. My grandfather, Arthur Vincent.

The year the brand was launched.

As Gianni Versace once said “Don’t be into trends. don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” This way of thinking about clothes formed part of our philosophy, which I sought to bring to life through the pieces I designed. I wanted my values of individuality, self expression, care and attention to detail to reverberate through every facet of the brand. From the sourcing of the materials to the wearing of my garments, even to the story of the name, Florence Black.

Drawing inspiration from pre-1960s style and culture, Florence Black has now launched multiple collections, continuing to grow and innovate as it brings the highest quality capsule pieces to your wardrobe. Every item I design is considered from multiple perspectives; as a designer, as a stylist, as a conscious consumer, but most importantly as the wearer. It is a form of design to be lived in, to experience and be experienced in, dressed up and dressed down, time and time again. That is why the versatility of each item, the durability, the quality and how it fits into each collection, is of the utmost importance. Each piece plays a role within the collection as a whole, ensuring balanced silhouettes and considered proportions. My designs are brought to life through our master craftspeople, who use luxury fabrics from some of the most renowned mills in the world. But also through you, the wearer, forming part of the fabric of your own story, each time you put them on.