Launching her first collection at 15 the ever successful Charli Cohen talks to Strong in Style about tackling mental health in fashion with her Shades of Blue campaign.
What made you start Charli Cohen?
I decided early on that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion and that I wanted it to be on my own terms. I started my first brand aged 15, which I ran for 4 years to learn about the different elements of running a fashion business and how the wider industry operated – this really served as my work experience. Whilst I was at uni (studying fashion design) I taught myself digital marketing and some coding, then started doing social media consultancy for small local businesses. I knew that I wanted my next brand to be very digital-focused and community driven. I also realised how uncomfortable I was with large parts of the fashion industry and was excited by the idea of creating something to counter that from the inside. I figured out the initial plan for CC during my final year of uni and used my graduate collection as a launch pad.
Tell us a little about Shades of Blue?
Shades of Blue is a platform to share, talk and collaborate to raise awareness around mental health. It is focused primarily within the creative industries, highlighting issues and abuses within these industries, as well as looking how we can navigate mental wellbeing in an always-on digital world. Right now it’s in its very early stages as a collection of articles I’ve written and am adding to. I’m also just about to launch the first product capsule and interview series under the Shades of Blue umbrella, called “Fashion is Bad For Your Mental Health”. The next stage is to collaborate with different artists, makers and writers, and to launch an event series.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
Depends on the day! Right now I’m obsessively wearing a piece that hasn’t gone into production yet called the Trojan Jacket. A couple of my staples are the Renegade Parka in Sand and the Saber Pant in Matte Black.
How would you describe the Charli Cohen customer?
Self-assured, free thinking and confident in the way that they want to express themselves.
What is your favourite workout?
Walking. I also love weights training and was lucky enough to train with some badass female power lifters when I was in my teens.
What motivates you to workout?
The headspace it gives me.
Where is on your travel wishlist?
Seoul and the US Pacific North-West.
Who is inspiring you on instagram at the moment?
I love @sofitee‘s mix of philosophy, fitness, mental health awareness and poetry.
What is on your playlist as you exercise?
Mostly grunge, metal and riot grrl. I’m loving Dream Wife at the moment.
If you hadn’t started Charli Cohen what would you be doing now?
Probably journalism or music.
Charli Cohen is available from charli-cohen.com.
