Coffee With Baukjen de Swaan Arons
of Isabella Oliver

Baukjen co-founded Isabella Oliver with Vanessa Knox-Brien in 2003, with the aim of providing unique, exclusive, high quality, made to last, maternity wear for women who love clothes but don’t want to sacrifice on style during their pregnancy. Baukjen lives in North West London with her husband Geoff and her three children, Oliver, Sebastian & Pippa.

We had a coffee with Baukjen to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.

What inspired you to create Isabella Oliver?
It all started when Vanessa and I were pregnant with our first children, Isabella and Oliver. There seemed to be a real lack of stylish clothes and it seemed ridiculous.

Vanessa used to be the head designer for Victoria’s Secret and my background is in marketing, so we knew that between us, we had the experience to make a successful brand.

Our aim was to offer an impeccable service so everything from the design of the clothes, the brochure and the website to great customer service and of course, reliable delivery were all vital.

What makes your product unique?
The fact that our designs are stylish but comfortable and practical, which is key when you are pregnant.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
It varies each day. Sometimes there's a lot going on at work and at other times there's lots to do at home. I’ve learnt that it’s all about reviewing and re-evaluating the balance every now and then to make sure each is getting equal attention. As long as the kids are happy and work is happy, I’m happy.

What’s your best selling product?
Without doubt all of our wrap dresses because you can wear them after pregnancy too; just wrap it a little tighter and it’ll last you for years.

How would you characterise your fashion style?
I tend to go for modern, polished, classic clothes which I'll accessorise with big statement pieces.

Who would you say is your style icon?
I love the chicness of Grace Kelly, she’s definitely a huge inspiration.

Who are your favourite designers?
Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney are amazing but my absolute favourite has to be Donna Karen; I adore everything she stands for.

Where do you buy your denim and why?
I don’t own a pair of jeans, I just live in dresses!

Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
Donna Karen and obviously Isabella Oliver. I wear our maxi cardi at least twice a week, if not more!

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
French Sole ballet shoes at the office and heels everywhere else.

I have a whole wardrobe full of Chloe, Sergio Rossi, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, Prada… I’m saving them for my daughter; she’s only three so hopefully she'll have the same size feet as me!

Where do you shop for your children’s clothes?
The boys get all of their clothes from No Added Sugar and Pippa gets all the hand-downs from Isabella’s (Vanessa’s daughter) wardrobe.

Do you ever buy food online and if so where from?
I always buy from Ocado. I was thinking the other day that I should change, but their customer service is so good that I’m really reluctant to.

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I go to an incredible dermatologist called Dr Frances Prenna Jones and she’s given me an array of products suited to my skin. I really can’t rate her highly enough!

What’s your signature fragrance?
There are a few but my favourites are Chanel Cristalle, Chanel no.19 and Gucci Rush.

What are your three must-have make up products?
My Dior mascara and a lipgloss in a sheer colour of some sort are my must-haves. Vanessa gave me a gorgeous Benefit eye palette for Christmas which I’m still trying to master.

How would you describe the style of your home?
It’s a complete mix but I love it. We have an orange floor in the kitchen - it's a bit mad but we’re Dutch and orange is our national colour! We've also got a very modern fireplace, which is on every night because it makes the kitchen look so warm and cosy... but then we have a very traditional bathroom!

Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
I love Danish furniture and buy a lot from The Conran Shop. I'm also a big fan of eBay. In fact, recently I bought the most amazing chairs which really complete the kitchen.

What was the last thing you put on your credit card?
A Smythson Nancy Clutch. I saw it in a magazine on holiday in Egypt last week and the first thing I did when I got back was track it down.

And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Amazon, Net-a-Porter, Matches and Anya Hindmarch.