Delta of Phoenix
The beautiful thing about Instagram is that you can discover start-up brands like Delta of Phoenix who live and work just around the corner from you. I was immediately drawn to the frenzy of colour and bold shapes created by Fran on her Insta grid. Her style is unapologetically glam with body positivity at the forefront of everything she does. This girl is one to watch and we’re excited to see her new collections. We chat sustainability, the best beer garden in town and her plans for the future…
What’s your connection to Tunbridge Wells?
I currently live and work in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, yet I grew up here too. I moved back a year or so ago to start Delta Of Phoenix, and it’s been wonderful!
You’ve recently launched Delta of Phoenix, tell us more?
Delta Of Phoenix is my sustainable womenswear brand, all garments are made with love & TLC. I hope to build a brand that represents all women and to create garments that are bright, fun and oh so glam.
What inspired you to start Delta of Phoenix?
I’ve always dreamt of being my own boss and I’ve always been obsessed with the fashion industry and design, so it was an inevitable dream to fulfil. During my time studying for a degree in Plymouth, the business name was decided while reading Anaïs Nin’s; Delta Of Venus.
What’s your brand ethos?
• All garments are handmade and made to order by me.
• I always offer a custom/bespoke sizing option at no extra cost; this is the beauty of making garments to order, ensuring the perfect fit.
• I always strive to empower women; I’ve been in total awe of all the strong and wonderful creatives I’ve worked with this past year and Delta Of Phoenix will always uphold positivity, inclusivity, and kindness.
• I’ll always use eco-aware fabrics and trims; i.e. locally sourced from small businesses, recycling end-of-roll fabrics, reloving refuse, and secondhand fabrics.
• I will ALWAYS support body positivity. Delta Of Phoenix celebrates ALL bodies.
Where can we buy it?
All garments are available to shop on my website or on Depop! My aim is to stock locally, there are so many wonderful independent boutiques in Tunbridge Wells!
What have you learned from lockdown?
Lockdown has taught me that the creative design element of my work is the element that makes my soul shine, and following this revelation I’ve decided to indulge in this luxury and release a couple more collections within a year.
I’ve also learned that belly-laughing with friends is a luxury I won’t ever take for granted again and that Dunorlan Park is just beautiful on these summer evenings.
What’re your favourite things to do at the weekend?
On the weekend I plan Delta’s photoshoots and mini-shoots! I love the design process and shoot construction. These shoots allow for creative collaboration and the opportunity to network, and I’m so lucky to have worked with so many incredibly talented creatives this past year. When I’m not shooting or sewing on the weekend, you’ll find me eating/drinking. I recently went to Vittle And Swig for the most glamorous brunch ever.
What does the rest of 2020 look like for you?
2020 is still unclear! I plan to go with the flow and to focus on designing and the other good-for-the-soul creative elements. My most immediate plan that I hope to carry out is Delta Of Phoenix’s second fashion-film. The first, for KAWAAKARI ’19 collection, was just so wonderful - Watch HERE
Tell us five things you love about Tunbridge Wells?
1. Prince Of Wales - where I currently work part-time to be able to support Delta Of Phoenix. The most wonderful group of people to work with, the garden is a true hidden gem in central Tunbridge Wells!
2. Sopranos – my partner and I visited weekly pre-lockdown, purely for the out-of-this-world cocktails and goats cheese. The staff are just so incredibly friendly and always go out of their way to make us feel welcome.
3. Dunorlan Park – I’d never really been to Dunorlan before, but as it’s around the corner it was a saving grace during the lockdown.
4. Jazz On The Pantiles in the summer! I’ll really miss it this year. I’ve just never experienced anything like the Jazz anywhere else I’ve lived, a guaranteed glamorous evening once per week!
5. Basil’s chocolate digestive cake – of course!
Fran would like to offer a 10% discount for all OTW readers using code: OTW10 when you shop online.
Photography by Chloe Newman / Models: Shannon Pagee, Sheerah, itsfunso