Kindred Spirit - Caren

 

Caren Downie represents the very best of Kindred of Ireland with her wisdom, grace, and profound influence in the fashion industry. Over a 40-year career spanning roles at Topshop, ASOS, and as co-founder of Finery London, Caren has witnessed and been part of monumental shifts in how we approach fashion. As a mentor to us, she has been a real gift, and we are endlessly grateful for her generosity with her time, advice, and support. We have only come this far because of Kindred Spirits like Caren, who have a passion for championing young designers and brands.

We filmed Caren’s Kindred Spirit during our London pop-up. Having her in store with us, styling our pieces, and chatting about fashion was such a special moment. Her insight into the evolving fashion landscape resonated deeply with us, reaffirming the importance of thoughtful craftsmanship and heritage in today's world.

In our conversation, Caren reflected on how the industry has changed since she began her career. She recounted how fashion used to be relentlessly trend-driven—all about newness and constant turnover. The focus was on telling consumers what they should be wearing, with new products dropping weekly to drive sales and keep up with ever-changing trends.

Now, Caren celebrates a welcome transformation in fashion. Today, there is a growing emphasis on buying less, but buying better—making thoughtful purchases that reflect personal style and values. Consumers are becoming more connected to their clothing, appreciating where it comes from, who made it, and the craftsmanship behind each piece. Caren’s reflections align beautifully with our mission at Kindred of Ireland: to honour tradition, create timeless designs, and offer pieces that become part of your personal narrative as well as your wardobe.

We are incredibly appreciative of Caren’s mentorship and the profound impact she has had on our brand. Her support reminds us that the heart of Kindred is built on relationships—on people who believe in the beauty of slow fashion and the power of storytelling through heritage craftmanship.