WHAT WE LOVE: A gorgeous edit of size-inclusive designer brands including 11 Honoré’s exclusive namesake collection for women sized twelve plus.
WHERE: Conveniently online, shipping worldwide.
WHO: We chatted with Katie Murphy, VP client services.
THE SHOP
What is 11 Honoré known for? Size inclusive Women’s Fashion- including our just launched in house collection, The 11 Honoré Collection, designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Mara Hoffman, Rachel Comey, Christopher Kane, Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, Veronica Beard, and more. We launched our 11 Honoré collection at the end of June, and we are so incredibly proud and excited about it. We stand behind everything fitting absolutely true to size, carrying you through every season and working with your existing wardrobe. It’s laid back luxe and who isn’t ready for that?
What makes 11 Honoré unique? We are the first e-store to sell high end designer clothing in extended sizes.
What are the challenges selling online compared to a physical store? Can’t touch, feel or try on, but we have work arounds for this – a really great “try before you buy” program and personal styling experts to work 1:1 with our customers.
What are the advantages of selling online? During Covid times, we are so grateful to be online. Our customers can shop easily and receive their pieces within 24 hours.
Who are your customers? Our customers are women who haven’t historically had access to luxury fashion in their sizes. They are sizes 12-24+ and are business execs, doctors, lawyers, philanthropists, artists, mothers, teachers and they are ALL over the world. The average size of women in the US is a size 14, so our customer is everywhere!
Do you participate in pop-ups? Absolutely! Living online is great, but there is something to be said for an in person moment. We want to meet our customer and get to know her, her likes and dislikes, so any opportunity to host a party, participate in NYFW, partner with a fabulous brand – we are in! A bit challenging now due to social distancing restrictions, but we take 11H on the road and meet our clients IRL all across the world. Last year we did a series of pop ups and events in the Middle East. We have popped up in Nordstroms and partnered with amazing boutiques all over.
THE SHOPKEEPER
Katie Murphy, VP client services 11 Honoré (photo @madison_fender )
Who inspires you? My team at 11 Honoré. I am constantly challenged, pushed, supported by, exhausted by and lovingly teased by this amazing group of people I get to work with every day – we pour blood, sweat and tears into our business and I can’t imagine it any other way.
What inspires you? curiosity, loyalty, authenticity, pretty things.
Before I was a shopkeeper, I…. I can’t remember…lol. (I was an agent to fashion stylists, models, hair and makeup artists back in the day).
The hardest lesson learned in starting a business? You can’t be everything to everyone. Even if we want to be.
The best lesson you have learned since starting 11 Honoré? Listen to your gut, listen to your customers, listen to your team- it takes a village.
Your advice for anyone wanting to open an online shop? Don’t overcomplicate it. Most successful businesses are really simple- know your customer and just keep at it.
Which famous person would you like to visit your shop? Oprah!
If you weren’t a shopkeeper you would be..? A talk show host.
What are your five favorite shops? 11 Honoré, Net A Porter, The Real Real, Lido in Greenport, Violet Grey
Which Instagram accounts are you following at the moment? @11Honoré, @garyjanetti, @chrissyford, @nicolettemason, @the90sSupermodel, @vogue
I wish I could… destigmatize the size issue in fashion.
ON THE FUTURE OF RETAIL
I think seasons are done. I think the customer wants to buy quality pieces that will transcend seasons and be with her longer. She is fine with shopping online, but really appreciates the personalized service that many brands are offering now. It’s all about virtual personal shopping appointments!
