London-based womenswear brand House of CB marks its 15th anniversary with major store expansions and a new competition to support female entrepreneurs.
House of CB, a London-based womenswear brand, is marking its 15th anniversary this year, having evolved from a small eBay shop to a prominent player in the international fashion scene. Founded in 2009 by Conna Walker, who was just 17 years old at the time, the brand has garnered a celebrity following that includes icons like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and members of the Kardashian family. Walker initially launched the brand with a £3,000 loan, and House of CB has since grown to encompass three UK stores and two in the US, with further expansion planned.
This year, the brand is set to launch a new 10,000 square foot store in Los Angeles and a 6,000 square foot location in Liverpool. Additionally, House of CB is renovating its Oxford Street store in London to increase its size to 45,000 square feet. The company offers a range of products, from shaping intimates priced as low as £9 to a strapless bridal gown retailing at £1,399.
In a bid to foster entrepreneurship among women, Walker announced a competition on March 8 for female entrepreneurs to compete for a £20,000 business fund. This competition, which is open for entries until April 1, will award three winners—one receiving £10,000 and two others receiving £5,000 each. The ten selected entries will be showcased on the House of CB website, with public voting running until May 10, after which the winners will be announced.
In a discussion with Drapers about the brand’s journey, Walker shared insights regarding her daily routine and business philosophy. “I usually start my day by checking in with my team,” she mentioned, emphasizing the importance of communication in a hands-on business environment. She describes House of CB succinctly as “crafted by women for women,” aiming to empower female consumers through bold, statement-making designs.
Reflecting on her proudest moment, Walker cited the transformation of House of CB into an internationally recognized brand as a significant achievement, along with the moment Jennifer Lopez wore one of their dresses, a moment she referred to as a “pinch me” experience.
Walker expressed gratitude towards the brand’s customers, acknowledging that House of CB has been part of important chapters in their lives, from prom dresses to bridesmaid attire. She candidly discussed learning from past mistakes and emphasized the importance of understanding customer preferences instead of solely relying on her personal tastes when producing items.
Currently, Walker noted that the brand’s cottage-core collections, first launched in 2021, are particularly well-received. The two top sellers, the “Kimmie” and “Rosalee” dresses, retail for £169 and £179, respectively, and have gained popularity as suitable outfits for wedding and race seasons.
In terms of inspiration, Walker pointed to the Australian womenswear label Zimmerman, founded by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann in 1991, highlighting the longevity of their brand and the importance of nurturing customer relationships. Walker considers trusting her instincts as a crucial lesson learned throughout her journey.
Looking forward, House of CB is prioritizing sustainable practices in its operations and is expanding its product line to include more environmentally friendly options. This includes the use of natural fibers and a commitment to minimizing waste through careful production processes.
Source: Noah Wire Services
