In early December 2018, during a sold-out fashion show in Shoko that we have
attended, we managed to get in contact with Clara Milles, a designer who started her own
business with her sister Fanny Milles. She was delightful enough to give us time from her
busy schedule to do an interview.
WHO ARE CARLA AND FANNY MILLES?
Carla and Fanny Milles are two sisters passionate about fashion. They started their own
business a few years ago by selling personalized dresses. In fact, their first shop opened in
2013. Carla Milles has a degree in engineering of production and is in charge of
communication. She contacts people to attend their fashion events and for display (lights,
singers, music, places, etc).
On the other hand, Fanny Milles was a model for +10 years. She naturally takes care of the
models on how they dress up, present themselves, etc.
PARTICULARITY OF THE DESIGN
What’s special about their clothes is that they are personalized according to each body
shape. As Clara Milles explained, there are 5 different body shapes (Hourglass, pear, apple,
ruler, round).
What they realized is that women wanted specific dresses and they were having hard times
finding the right size that fit them perfectly. Knowing that issue, they started to personalize
and create dresses.
At the Milles store, getting a dress done starts at ¢185 and customers can bring their own
material and choose the color.The great thing about this store is that customers are in the
center of every decision.
“ Our goal is to please and bring to life the imagination of the customer “
We want our customers to feel unique and good in their skins. For that, we listen closely to
their expectations and visions in order to design the desired product.
The whole process demands a lot of patience but seeing happy customers worth all the work
ADVICE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO LAUNCH A CLOTHESLINE
It is important to have the financial wherewithal and be secured. Then, after gaining
experience in that field you can open a physical shop.
The two sisters had to work in other jobs and save a little bit at a time in order to stay afloat
and to finance the shop they have now.
But bear in mind, to find the right time and not to rush things out. Focus on learning and
preparing well.
Be financially sufficient.
o $: develop your price strategy
o Be financially sufficient
o Know how: which is the making of the dresses.
o Market: have a strong knowledge of your clients
o Fabric: be able to adapt the price according to the different materials
For the future, they want to expand and open more shops around Barcelona as well as
renting their dresses.
Talking with the Milles sisters was fabulous, their story show great strength and that hard
work does pay off. The attention they pay to details is phenomenal and we definitely
recommend them if you have a special occasion either personal or professional.
The entire #InspiredCommunity wish them success in their future adventures and projects.
written by Dorine Kalombo and Audrey Laffont
