We meet Marielle Wyse, founder and owner of luxury cashmere company Wyse London. Words: Vicky MayerWhat made you set up the company?
I was a documentary maker at the BBC but gave up work when my kids were little then when they got a bit older I was looking for something I could do from home so I could still spend time with them.
I’m a big fan of cashmere but could never find the kind of jumper that I wanted at the price I wanted. So I decided to design my own as I thought there was a gap in the market for cool cashmere with detailing at a good price.
What’s so special about the products you sell?
I wanted Wyse London to be different but always very wearable so they’re never plain or boring. Everything has detail – from metallic leather elbow patches, to lurex threading, to sequin elbow patches to colour blocks. Coming from a French background, I’ve always been influenced by their sense of style – less is more. The shapes too are very wearable – from slouchy sweatshirt, to neat little Breton style jumpers which will suit most body shapes. And because I sell mainly online I can keep the prices affordable.
Who are they aimed at?
The products I sell are aimed at anyone who loves to wear cashmere. I have teenage customers right through to women in their 80s! Many of my customers are women like me, busy mums running around who just want to throw on something that’s stylish and casual at the same time.
Wyse London founder Marilelle
Do you have any famous customers?
Ruby Wax is already a fan – she looks fab in our colour block range, and I have promised to design a men’s range for Ian Wright.
Can your sweaters be worn by men too?
At the moment I design for women but I have had many men asking for a men’s range too so watch this space!
What are your favourite designs?
I love them all but I have a soft spot for my lurex designs. I also think the rainbow Breton and star sweatshirts are really strong and you can’t go wrong with the sequin elbow patch in any of the colours.
What’s new at Wyse London for A/W 2015?
We’ve got some great new stripy jumpers with contrasting edges, some cashmere onesies and more autumnal colours like burgundy and darker taupes.
How has your life changed since you launched the company?
My husband is bored to tears about me talking about cashmere – so sorry Ed! I’m up early in the morning sending emails, and always looking around me for a good colour ways or inspiration. Then there’s the whole promotion thing so there’s a lot to do for a one man band.
What’s the best thing about running your own company?
I love it when someone tells me that they’ve been living in my sweaters and they love them… and they’ve had lots of compliments! I also love how I managing to juggle my business with my family life.
See the full collection at wyselondon.co.uk