Based in London, Isabella Oliver designer maternity wear oozes brilliant, easy-wear maternity clothing for pregnant women who won't compromise their sense of style.
When they were both expecting for the first time, Vanessa and Baukjen became friends, and their babies--Isabella and Oliver, arrived within weeks of each other. "It seemed ridiculous that we couldn't find maternity wear alternatives to the clothes we loved and knew worked perfectly for us." Baukjen. As a result, their new 'baby' - the Isabella Oliver brand - was born a few months later in 2003.
Vanessa, previously head designer at Victoria's Secret, brings impeccable design and flair to the Isabella Oliver brand. Her New York influence gives Isabella Oliver maternity clothing that sassy, metropolitan edge.
Baukjen, originally from Amsterdam but brought up in London, brings a chic European perspective to the brand. Her marketing background ensures everything from the distinctive brand, to 24 hour opening, overseas delivery, gift packaging and exceptional customer service that enhances every customer's experience.
What's your must-have item in your makeup bag?
BAUKJEN: MAC Mascara
and YSL Lip Gloss
VANESSA: Tweezerman tweezers and YSL Eye Cream
Same question, but for your airline Ziploc?
BAUKJEN: Evian spray , Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream
VANESSA: YSL Eye cream and YSL Cleanser
And, evening clutch?
BAUKJEN: Mobile phone and lipstick
VANESSA: Lip gloss and mobile phone
What brands are we most likely to find in your vanity?
BAUKJEN: Tom Ford's Black Orchid perfume , Mac and Chanel Eyeshadows, Shu Uemura Lip Gloss , Bobbi Brown Blush, Chanel Nail polish
and lots of Nars products
VANESSA: Chanel perfume , Darphin, La Prairie ceams and masks to name a few.
I feel prettiest when...
BAUKJEN: I have an outfit I feel good in and Vanessa has helped me with my make up for an evening out.
VANESSA: dressed up for a night out
If I were a magazine, I would be...
BAUKJEN: Vanity Fair or Harpers
VANESSA: Tattler (in my dreams!)
I am always searching for...
BAUKJEN: the perfect mascara and a foundation that is pale enough for my skin
VANESSA: the perfect Little Black Dress
My favorite place to shop is...
BAUKJEN: Selfridges in London and Bergdorf's in New York
VANESSA: EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE. (High fashion Boutiques, to TopShop, to American Drugstores)
The best beauty tip I ever received was...
BAUKJEN: apply Blusher correctly by smiling when you put it on
VANESSA: To get lots of sleep and be happy- frowning makes ugly lines!
My favorite beauty product from my past was...
BAUKJEN: any black mascara that did not clump
VANESSA: Darphin cleanser, toner and serums
My most embarrassing beauty moment was...
BAUKJEN: a few years ago I had my super light eyebrows tinted. The lady left the tint on too long and I had uber dark eyebrows for two weeks after – it was not a good look with my coloring!
VANESSA: Having a big spot in the middle of my nose or anywhere on my face, or having something stuck in my teeth and not realizing until the end of a romantic evening!
The first thing I do when I wake up is...
BAUKJEN: kiss my kids, brush my teeth, put my contact lenses in and cleanse my face.
VANESSA: Wash my face, moisturize and put my face on
The last thing I do before I go to bed is...
cleanse and moisturize my skin and pop a tiny bit of perfume on. Then read a few pages of news no matter how late it is.
VANESSA: Have a long hot shower and go through my entire grooming routine
I could never live without...
BAUKJEN: my kids and husband but if it's beauty related its mascara.
I could definitely live without...
BAUKJEN: feeling bad about saying “No”
I will splurge on...
BAUKJEN: make up, I am a packaging victim – I might not need the product but love the whole packaging element. Also, I Love shoes and bags which I think is so unoriginal but so true. Also I love statement jewelry. I think I have too much on this question!
VANESSA: Beautiful shoes, clothes, presents
I won't spend more than $10 on...
BAUKJEN: tooth floss.
If I wasn't in Fashion, I would be...
BAUKJEN: a film director or Pilot.
VANESSA: show jumper (in my next life!)
