All eyes were on Pepa and her new venture back in 2016 when Prince George was spotted wearing one of her creations to celebrate his third birthday. Since then, she has dressed the page boys and flower girls for Pippa Middleton’s wedding as well as the bridal party for Prince Christian of Hanover. With her business growing from strength to strength, she shares that her big move to the British capital is one of the things that continues to spark new ideas. “I am a person who loves traditions and history, and London represents the city that has brought the biggest inspiration to me in creating Pepa London—it’s all about heritage, style, and the huge respect for traditions,” she says.
In this edition of Women Who Launch, The Sybarite speaks to Pepa about how she supports her growing team and how she was first discovered by the royal family.
Tell me more about your upbringing in Málaga
I was born in Málaga, where my father's family hailed from, while my mother's roots are in Granada, a magical city rich in culture and history, where I spent my childhood and attended university. I feel privileged to have grown up in the south of Spain, one of the most beautiful places on earth, offering an unparalleled lifestyle.
What made you decide to finally leave the corporate world and start your own company?
I had an idea that I couldn’t stop thinking about, and I was convinced it would be successful. Driven by that belief, I made it my mission to bring it to life. I was passionate about introducing a piece of my own culture to a new market, and I loved seeing children look like children.
Was it difficult for you at the beginning as you didn’t have a background in fashion?
The beginnings are never easy for anyone. I didn’t have a background in fashion, but my passion for it took me far. Along the way, I discovered my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, which proved invaluable in shaping the bigger picture.
Why are you so passionate about slow fashion?
I am passionate about slow fashion because it emphasises quality over quantity, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and communities. This approach fosters a deeper connection to the pieces we wear, with each item telling a story of artistry culture, and craftsmanship. It’s the kind of world I want my little boy to grow up in.
You’ve said that your mother was one of the inspirations behind your brand. How has she influenced the designs of Pepa London?
I’m the youngest of five and the baby in a family of 50 cousins! Growing up, I was always captivated by our family albums—photos that captured special moments like Sunday lunches at Granny’s and birthday parties with everyone gathered together. One day, my mother explained to me how and why they designed and crafted those outfits at home, often with the help of the family seamstress. We’re talking about the 1960s—a glamorous era when there weren’t many large clothing stores and fast fashion didn’t exist. Everything was made slowly and beautifully, especially when it came to children’s clothing, with the oldest child in the family receiving handmade outfits.
Your pieces have been worn by multiple young members of the royal family. Do you remember how you were first discovered by them?
Yes! Our brand was introduced to the royal family by some of their friends and family members a while ago. They believed our collections were a perfect fit, and since then, they have enjoyed our designs on numerous occasions. We feel honoured that our pieces have played a part in many of their family memories.
Do you have any tips for hiring and retaining talent now that you have a growing team?
Pepa London wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible team surrounding me. I’m passionate about learning from those around me and truly value their thoughts, ideas, and creativity. Over the past few years, my team has expanded significantly across all areas of the business. Each team member has qualities of ambition, drive, and determination, working to bring the brand’s core values to life and consistently striving for excellence in everything we do.
What do you love most about living in London?
I love how multi-cultural London is—you find all the most beautiful and unique brands here and the best food from around the world. The more I travel, the more I realise London is a fairy tale city. It has so many beautiful, different areas, hidden gardens, and open spaces. I feel it’s one of, if not the biggest, capital in Europe with the most personality and character.
Do you have any learnings raising your children in a multi-cultural household?
I believe my son Matthew is a very lucky boy, growing up in both a Spanish and English household. Both by husband Mike and I are deeply connected to our traditions and cultures and we strive to provide him with the best of both worlds. He speaks both languages fluently and equally enjoys the British and Spanish lifestyles.
You recently launched your Autumn collection and Curated Looks pieces. What makes this new collection unique?
This Autumn-Winter season is our best yet! We have dedicated time and thought to every single garment, ensuring the highest quality and craftsmanship. For me, the smallest details matter, which is why our designs are intricate and handcrafted inside and out. We invest a lot of effort into ensuring that the collection feels cohesive, and our Curated Looks exemplify this perfectly. Our clients can feel confident that our garments coordinate seamlessly and are made to last, with colours and textures beautifully matched from head to toe. This season, we’ve used coordinating fabrics across our Newborn, Baby, Girls, and Boys collections, allowing families to create precious memories together while always looking picture-perfect.
Pepa London
Website: https://pepalondon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepaandcompany
