9 Questions with Lavinia Brennan Founder of Beulah London

Beulah London is a British womenswear brand with a powerful social mission at its core. Founded in 2010 by Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan, the brand was born out of a life-changing experience in Delhi, where the founders spent time working with women rescued from sex trafficking. They taught these women vital skills that enabled them to create products and generate an income, witnessing firsthand how sustainable employment can break the cycle of poverty and re-exploitation.

“Neither Natasha nor myself had any prior experience in running a business or fashion, but feeling compelled to make a difference and inspired by the incredible handcraft of India, we decided to create a fashion brand that, through our supply chain, would provide meaningful employment to vulnerable and trafficked women,” says Lavinia. “We have since been on a 15-year MBA crash course, learning invaluable lessons about both ourselves and the business along the way.”

Today, Beulah London’s collections are a celebration of timeless elegance, combining exquisite craftsmanship with a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. By working with artisans in India and Bangladesh, the brand not only supports local craftsmanship but also empowers women through meaningful, fair employment. Each piece in their collection tells a story of resilience, grace, and the beauty of purpose-driven fashion.

We love working in the fashion industry because….

We are privileged to have the opportunity to impact the lives of both the women who craft our dresses and the individuals who wear them. We work closely with all our suppliers to ensure transparency throughout our supply chain, striving to guarantee fair and safe working conditions for everyone involved in the creation of our pieces. Alongside this, we are committed to expanding employment and training opportunities for vulnerable women who may not otherwise have access to such prospects. With our boutique on Elizabeth Street, SW1W, we also have the privilege of building meaningful relationships with our customers. Dressing women for the special moments in their lives is a true honour.

Beulah London is best known for…

Our occasion wear dresses.

Our biggest achievement to date is…

Raising a young family and running a business – it’s hard but incredibly rewarding.

We’re inspired by…

We make it a point to visit India at least once a year to connect with our suppliers. Each visit leaves us inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the people, from the chaiwala selling tea to the women offering their hand-embroidered creations in the markets.

Indian handicrafts are a vibrant blend of traditional skills and cultural expressions, passed down through generations. With every visit, we fall even deeper in love with this timeless artistry.

The current fashion trends we’re loving are…

Vintage inspired pieces and buttercup yellow.

Our favourite piece from the collection are…

My favourite piece from our Spring Summer collection is the Mikela dress.

The inspiration behind the print was taken from a vintage kimono that we found on one of our sourcing trips.

The style is quite simple but when you put it on you instantly feel effortlessly elegant, helped in part by the beautiful silk linen which I always think drapes beautifully.

(Natasha) My favourite piece is the Sienna Floral Dress. I love the border print and vibrant colours – a season-less dress I can wear forever.

Our favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…

Since I was a little girl I have spent my summers going to an Island in Greece called Skiathos. There is a restaurant on a beach there called Diamantis that is only accessible (unless you’re a good climber) by boat – there is nothing that makes me happier than sitting under the shade, eating authentic (fresh) Greek food with my family.

I live in the Cotswolds with my husband and three girls. I love going for walks in the nearby fields where you don’t bump into a sole.