Karen Radley, Founder of Scoop talks to Melanie Press about Press in Primrose Hill

Mel, you have a really interesting background – can you tell me a bit more about your fashion career to date?
I’ve enjoyed designing for Marc Jacobs & Ralph Lauren in NYC, Cacharel in Paris, and as Creative Director & Buyer for Whistles before opening Press.

Tell me a little more about the history of Press – when did you open up your shop in Primrose Hill?
Press opened in 2004, as a multibrand: we were the first boutique in the UK to buy Golden Goose, Issa, JBrand, Current Elliott & Belstaff.

You’ve recently moved around the corner to a new shop in Regent’s Park Road. Has this made a difference to your business?
Yes, significantly. We are much more visible. Retaining our regular customers and nurturing new opportunities too.

Along with the move, you’ve launched your own collection a few seasons ago. Can you tell me a bit a more about why you decided to do this?
As a fashion design graduate of St Martins – it was always part of the vision for Press. Our own collection plugs a gap that was missing from the collections I was seeing in the marketplace.

Do you have a certain “handwriting” in your own collection? ​
Yes. Longevity; designs that transcend the season, exclusive prints, and as much as possible made locally or within Europe. Limited editions. Fit is a priority; I like the garment to do the work for the wearer. Utility is considered so it’s an effortless experience for the end-user.

How do you choose the designers and collections you stock? ​
Exclusivity, rarity, newness, quality, integrity.

I hope you are attending Scoop in February at Old Billingsgate. Will you be looking for anything special at the show? ​
I always make sure to attend Scoop. I’ll be looking for new and exclusive collections with well-designed items at competitive prices.

Meet Mel at Scoop AW20 this February, located, for one season only, at the iconic Old Billingsgate.