Coffee With Heidi Gosman
of Heidi Klein 
 Heidi Gosman is co founder of the iconic one-stop destination holiday boutique, Heidi Klein . Heidi lives in Beaconsfield with her husband and their ten month old baby Maddy.
We had a coffee with Heidi to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about all about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.
 What inspired you to create Heidi Klein?
It all really started when I was going to the Maldives for a bit of winter sun with my boyfriend at the time and I just couldn’t find any nice swim and holidaywear. In the end I just settled on something (rather than loving it) and realised that something was missing.
Penny (Klein) and I were both working as retail management consultants and we got chatting and thought that we should do something about this.
Winter sun was definitely on the increase (especially for Brits) so after a lot of research the business plan began. A year later we opened our first store in Westbourne grove and it’s been a year ever since. And now a very smart re vamped website.
What makes your product unique?
I think our expertise really. We buy in a lot of brands and we really talk to our customers to find what they're happy with and what they feel is missing from the market.
We've found that people tend to be looking for a great fit with support without compromising on style and from that we've now offer a huge range of swimwear that has hidden support but still looks great and, makes women feel sexy.
How do you get a good work/life balance?
I love work so it’s not really an issue separating the two. I live in the country as well so as soon as I’m out of the city and walking the dog I instantly relax and because I travel a lot with work I really get the best of both worlds.
 What’s your best selling product / label?
Our mix and match range is really popular because it’s very rare that a lady is the same size on top and bottom yet so much swimwear only comes in one size.
Our one pieces also do really well; they’re sexy without showing too much flesh. When Katie Holmes wore her an Eres one piece hast year, they absolutely flew out the door!
How would you characterise your fashion style?
Very classic. I’m usually in jeans and a white shirt or a grey polo neck with boots or pumps.
Where do you buy your denim and why?
I love Radcliffe Denim . They have a great selection and they’re a really good fit for me.
Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
I love Tanya . She does some really gorgeous chunky cashmere which is really wearable. And you can dress it up or down which is great.
I bought a sort of riding jacket cardigan with a huge collar from her a couple of months ago and I’ve literally worn it to death.
If you’re buying luxe lingerie where do you head and why?
I think Elle Macpherson Intimates has some really beautiful underwear. She’s got the whole thing just right; really gorgeous pieces but not completely ridiculous prices.
 Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Flats! Occasionally I wear heels but mainly I’m running around in flats! I love French Sole - I’ve worn them for years!
I want to try some Pretty Ballerinas but haven’t got round to it yet, I just always seem to end up in French Soles.
Where did you shop for your maternity wear?
I did most of my shopping at A Pea In The Pod when i was in New York. Their range is divine and they sell online which meant I could still buy when I was back over here.
Where do you shop for your daughters clothes?
Everywhere! I love wandering down Walton Street but she’s very lucky to get anything from there. I adore Marie Chantal but would equally buy her basics things from Marks and Spencer .
Do you eat organic and live an eco conscious lifestyle?
I do eat organic if I can especially for Maddy and we really try and push it at work with recycling and not printing emails but I know we could do more. Hopefully one day we’ll use organic material for our line because I do think it’s very important.
 What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
Other than Heidi Klein (of course) I love MD Formulations . We use their products in our Notting Hill Beauty Salon and they really work well on my skin.
What’s your signature fragrance
Miller Harris L’air De Rien . I love her fragrances and she has actually helped us put together our fabulous coconut scent.
Which skincare brand do you depend on?
Other than MD Formulations , Clarins for their sunscreen SPF 40 – no woman should ever be without a serious SPF sunscreen!
What are your three must-have make up products?
Mac Lipliner in Spice, Lancomes L’Extreme Mascara in brown and By Terry’s Cooling Bronzer . I’ve also recently discovered Marks & Spencer Autograph Soft Powder Blush and I’ve had so many compliments that all my friends have been running out to get their hands on it too; it gives a really lovely fresh and healthy look.
How would you describe the style of your home?
Modern mixed with French and Swedish antiques. And always hundreds of flowers!
 Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
Cox and Cox have some lovely home accessories and Graham & Green for furniture. I could spend hours browsing on NicholasHaslam.com so it's probably a good thing that you can't buy off his site yet!
And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Crocus - I’m a bit of an aspiring green fingered goddess and Amazon for books. |
