Ann Whorrall explains why, just four months after opening her Olivia May shop, she is looking forward to showcasing her ranges in the town’s Fashion Week

When Ann Whorrall was looking for somewhere to showcase the fashions she was already selling online, Oxford stood out for many reasons.

As well as wanting a vibrant, eclectic city location, Ann was also looking for somewhere where she would be the only boutique showcasing a combination of the ranges she loved, and the city was the perfect fit.

She opened her first shop – Olivia May, in Little Clarendon Street – in October and now she is looking forward to taking part in Oxford Fashion Week, which runs from Monday to Friday next week.

“The ranges we stock are like nothing else you’ll find on the high street – the fabrics are incredible, the cuts are so unique and the finishes always really stand out,” says Ann, who has a background in education and a passion for not only clothing, but the design and production process as well.

“We cater for women who have really individual style and want to find items that reflect their personality.

“Oxford Fashion Week is the perfect place for us to show off what we have to offer.”

Olivia May will be showing lines in the Couture and Designer categories.

Entering the fashion world was a complete change of direction for Ann, who has four daughters and is originally from Cheshire.

A growing love for clothing and an interest in really understanding the journey that a garment takes from the sketch pad to her rails led to her initially setting up an online business and then the shop in Oxford.

Ann sells high-end ranges from designers including Magnolia Pearl and Ewa I Walla all over the world as well as from Little Clarendon Street.

She selects designers with global acclaim but has chosen to stay with those who she can get to know personally and really understand the motivation and inspiration behind their designs.

“The fabrics, structure of the garments and methods of production all fascinate me,” she says.

“It’s not just the end look when someone tries on a piece, but the way the materials gather and fold, and the result of different colours combined that makes you say ‘wow’ when someone stands in front of the mirror in the shop. I love being able to tell customers the story behind the garment they are wearing.”

The shop is named after Ann’s youngest daughter Olivia who was born in May.

Ann, her husband and the children have a great love of art and culture, with two daughters studying art at Central St Martin’s and Cambridge. This love will see Olivia May showcase art and poetry this year and take part in Arts Weeks as well.

Staff member Mary Elizabeth Grace is a keen writer and her poetry was displayed in the shop windows and posted out to other local businesses for Valentine’s Day.

“I love being in a job that allows me to show my creative side and I also love matching designers and garments with the style and personality of our customers,” says Mary, one of three shop assistants working at Olivia May.

Ann was keen to bring together a young, creative and dynamic group of people to help them grow and develop their individual aspirations.

Fellow shop assistant Rhiannon, who is 18, also shares Mary’s sentiment regarding the ranges at Olivia May and matching them with a customer’s style.

Rhiannon hopes to study Fine Art at Oxford College and Ann is keen to support her career development.

“I’m proud to offer retail opportunities that aren’t just about pricing stock and standing behind a till. Everyone who works with me is instrumental in what we do – showcasing designers, acting as a personal stylist for a customer, growing our brand. You’ll see from our Facebook page that my staff are fantastic at showcasing new lines when they arrive in store,” says Ann.

* You can find out more about the designer ranges stocked by Olivia May at oliviamay.org or on their Facebook page Olivia May Clothing.

* More details about Oxford Fashion Week at oxfordfashionweek.com