S4, Ep7 – In conversation with Alex Eagle
11 April 2024
In this episode of Life & Smile Dr Reena is joined by a figure renowned for making her name in retail as the creative director of her eponymous luxury concept store, which blends fashion, lifestyle and elements of a gallery.
And that’s just the start.
Needing no introduction, it is of course Alex Eagle herself. Listen in full to discover just what it takes to make it work on a daily basis, her work ethic for when starting out in the industry and of course how she created her signature style of elevated classics.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
With a background in fashion media and PR, Alex shares how she has always dreamed of working in fashion and design. From a young age, she aspired to work at Vogue, become a designer, or a photographer — essentially everything she does now. She spent her childhood creating her own magazines and scrapbooks, later studying art history before landing her first internship. She began by assisting a stylist, then moved on to Sunday Times Style, followed by roles at Tank and Harper’s Bazaar magazines.
Alex admits that almost everything she has done has been deliberately aimed at building her career in the fashion industry — it’s all she can really remember.
Hard work was essential: arriving early, leaving late, and embracing the lifestyle fully. The work ethic of those around her became ingrained, requiring a “yes to everything” mentality. In those early years, she made sure to attend every show and be fully immersed, enduring long days running around in heels, back when cameras used memory cards and social media didn’t yet exist to instantly share ideas.
Later, Alex moved into PR for the British fashion label and retailer Joseph. She observes that fashion is always evolving, and when sourcing or designing, she gravitates toward wardrobe staples—classic pieces that stand the test of time. She’s especially drawn to menswear, appreciating the details, structure, and the art of pairing back pieces.
Today, with her own eponymous line, Alex places great importance on fabric quality and sourcing. All her furniture is made in the UK, and most of her clothing is produced in her Soho store, with cashmere crafted in London. Everything proudly British-made.
Over the past decade, both commercial and editorial fashion landscapes have transformed dramatically. The demand for instant news and fast-paced content is now the norm. Alex reflects on how social media has revolutionized the industry — during fashion week, everything can be live-streamed and followed in real time. This increased access has been a positive force for fashion, though it’s ultimately up to us how we curate our newsfeeds.
When asked about her proudest moments, Alex highlights her collection. She’s grown it carefully and deliberately, focusing on key wardrobe pieces that make a lasting impact.
Her weeks are varied. Based in Soho, her mornings typically begin with Pilates, making breakfast for her children, and often taking them to school. But every day brings something different, with meetings all over London.
Looking ahead, Alex wants to continue growing her brand and improving her work. She embraces a lifestyle approach, which includes the Alex Eagle Sporting Club at Oakley Court. Health and well-being are a major focus, and she’s eager to expand this passion by bringing together the best talent in the industry.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
A strong work ethic is crucial when starting out—say yes to every opportunity, and be prepared to be the first in and the last to leave.
Social media offers incredible opportunities today. It’s a powerful platform to broadcast your ideas, build your own identity, and create your own magazines.
Finding your unique voice is essential—there’s ample opportunity for those who stand out.
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain.
When exploring culture, focus on permanent collections—not just current trends—and seek out pieces that spark genuine interest and joy, especially those that aren’t overexposed.
In design, fabric is the foundation of everything.
The fashion industry is more accessible than ever—being an insider matters less now that everyone has access.
You don’t need to buy new pieces every season or chase trends; instead, focus on building a capsule wardrobe you can wear repeatedly.
You might also like
Previous episodes
S6, Ep5 – In conversation with Sophie Goodwin
In our latest episode of Life & Smile, we are delighted to welcome Sophie Goodwin, the renowned Editor, Advisor, and Creative Strategist, to Harley Street. As an industry great, Sophie has held the title of Fashion Director at The Times Luxury and Tatler and is an expert on all things style and design.
S3, Ep9 – In conversation with Freya Evison
Building and growing a business and brand as an entrepreneur ensures your role is constantly evolving on a daily basis. Through this podcast, Life & Smile, the conversation has advanced rapidly by bringing together some of the most successful leaders across many and often contrasting industries.
