Instinct for fashion

This is an anniversary year for Cindy Marritt; thirty-five years since she first opened the doors of her fashion business in Sutton Bridge. Caroline Bingham visited to talk about trends and the sheer fun of fashion.
“I couldn’t explain to you where that time has gone,” Cindy began, “I had no background in fashion but I followed my instinct and I have never regretted that decision for a moment. It is still the excitement of dealing with customers on the shop floor, watching their reactions to new collections and introducing them to different ways of accessorising and building an outfit which still gives me so much satisfaction.”

Cindy’s original premises were only three doors away from the shop today but the space was quickly outgrown. The move to 108 Bridge Road gave space to create a more luxurious shop floor area, a dedicated occasion wear room, spacious changing facilities and relaxing seating for customers and their partners. At the start of this year the shop was closed for a week to allow a redecoration of the whole premises.

“I am very excited about the new Spring/Summer collections for 2015,” Cindy continued, “because colour is back; strong and vibrant colours which make me so optimistic for the summer. Customers travel abroad all year round and are buying for cruises and longer haul sun holidays. I have built a very strong understanding of how my clients want their wardrobes to work and buy with them, and sometimes even individuals, in mind.”

Cindy showed me a new range from Irish designers Naya, which is the complete capsule wardrobe, from bias, asymmetrically cut, flowing skirts to sheer tees and tops, co-ordinating jackets and slip on dresses.

“Cut from jerseys, mesh fabrics and cool cottons, this collection is lightweight, crease defiant and cross-generational. Teamed with statement jewellery this is a collection which really can take you anywhere, anytime,” said Cindy.

Colourful Capri pants and 7/8th ankle length trousers are elegant and flattering, when teamed with the softer lines of oversized tops and jackets.

Cindy is especially excited about a new coat range which she has sourced, reversible with contrasting trims, the four colourways range from more restrained black/camel to a very funky black/white/spots/stripes combination. “They are a great find because they are lightweight, waterproof, wonderfully designed and perfect for slipping over a top or jacket on a cool evening or when a shower threatens,” said Cindy.

The Lebek collection of casual separates is new for 2015 and well-known names such as Frank Lyman, Betty Barclay and Marble are always eagerly awaited by clients.

Each season, Cindy attends wedding fairs and organises two or three charity fashion events which showcase the new arrivals and raise funds for local causes. The most imminent is a show in Peterborough but Boston West Golf Club will host a daytime fashion show on 22nd April, for which tickets are now on sale.

Cindy explained: “The shows feature nine models of a broad age range to illustrate how versatile fashion can be across the generations. Clients who have been with me since day one may be more mature but they still want to follow trends and we can build their look with possibly a more relaxed fit or more discreet sleeve length.

“We can also build an outfit on the catwalk to show hats, shrugs, jewellery and other accessories. I always have members of the audience coming to me afterwards to say how much they learnt about getting more from their wardrobe.”

Cindy and her three other staff members share a love of the glamour and fun of fashion, which is infectious to myself and their customers alike.

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