British fashion designer Sophie Hulme is closing down her namesake handbag label in December of this year due to health reasons.
“As some of you may be aware, I have been battling with two rare medical conditions. Over the years they have become increasingly problematic so, after some difficult deliberation, I have decided to close the company after 11 years in business.
It was an extremely tough decision and it is with a heavy heart that I have had to make it. However, it is undoubtedly the right one. Ultimately my health, and its impact on my family, has to be my priority, especially now I have a little boy to think about.
My conditions are rare and very few people understand them. Some people suffer far more than me and many remain undiagnosed. I can’t imagine how isolating that must be. I hope that, in some way, by raising awareness we can help them.”
The Sophie Hulme company is donating 10% of the proceeds, from all of its sales until it closes in December, to charities that support people living with Sophie’s conditions. The charities are The Ehlers-Danlos Society and Kleine Levin Syndrome Support.
“I think it shows amazing strength to establish such a successful business, but even more strength and bravery to then be willing to walk away to prioritise your health and well-being,” stated International Executive Director Lara Bloom, who was delighted to meet Sophie recently. “We are very grateful to you for helping us raise awareness and supporting our mission.”
Sophie Hulme’s designs have enjoyed tremendous popularity and critical acclaim since her design studio launched in 2008, with high-profile stars, royals, and political figures in the UK regularly spotted carrying handbags from her collections. She won a British Fashion Award in the “Emerging Talent, Accessories” category in 2012 and was nominated for the Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2017.