Ophelia Fancy
by Jenni Piech
Fancy That!
In an age when women’s self-esteem is not exactly at an all time high, we’re always on the look-out for something which might help us feel better about ourselves.
 Whether it’s with chocolate, a glass of wine (or two…or three…), or bitching about celebs with your girlfriends. But forget about those methods for a moment, and be introduced to Ophelia Fancy; something which could really give your self confidence a boost!
Ophelia Fancy is the creation of Brighton-based duo, Emma Sandham-King and Stevi Jelbart. Their fabulous line of lingerie, bed-wear and uniforms is not only extremely flattering and fun, but it also won them the ‘Swatch Individual Designer Award’ in 2006, where they wowed the audience with their burlesque-inspired collection modelled by ballerinas! I couldn’t help but want to find out more.
nuts4chic How did you gals meet?
Emma We both studied together at Brighton Uni where we studied fashion with business. Although initially we only knew each other to say hello, it soon became obvious we worked in a similar way. Always the first ones in and the last ones to leave. We both studied very independently. When we left Uni we got together and discussed having a market stall together, spent one day making pants and Ophelia Fancy was born.
n4c So,how did you first become interested in design? And was it something you had always wanted to do?
Stevi When I was young I found little interest in plastic toys, I enjoyed cutting sticking, beading that sort of thing. I think both Emma and I grew up around artistic parents and that had a great influence on us. I can't really imagine doing anything else, although I was artistic I never really knew which side of art I wanted to be involved with, I just sort of fell into fashion design.
n4c What inspired you to create burlesque lingerie?
Emma Before we made our market stock we went to Portobello market to see what the other stalls were like, none sold silly frilly pants. So we decided to cover the niche market.
n4c How was the brilliant name ‘Ophelia Fancy’ born?
Stevi My Uncle Roy went to school with a girl called Ophelia Balls and we thought that was really funny and was quite fitting for our line of work. Em came up with the idea of changing it to fancy as a slightly less rude option.
n4c When creating new designs, what are the most important aspects for you?
Emma When we design a new collection for the catwalk, it has to comprise of attention grabbing show pieces but also more sellable pieces. We have to find a balance between both these factors to create an exciting and realistic range.
n4c I love your flattering sizing system (Pint size, Hourglass, Voluptuous, etc)! What made you decide to use those terms, rather than the usual (small, large)?
 Stevi Our friend Kim, who is only a size 14, was really put-out by constantly having to buy a large size in her clothes, doing very little for her self confidence. She suggested using other words, making the fuller figure ladies a little more comfortable when purchasing their garments. After our chat we also changed what would be our small to a size 12 making the 14 a medium.
n4c Not only is your sizing system flattering for women, your collections are also very feminine and sexy. Do you see yourselves as providing a way in which women can dress up, be a bit naughty and get a self-esteem boost?
Stevi We would like to think so. 70 percent of our orders are from women buying for themselves to surprise their lovers... Getting dressed up helps form an alter ego, something quite hard to achieve in your everyday smalls, hopefully women find confidence in our costumes.
n4c Is this aspect of your business important/valuable to you?
Emma Yes definitely, people will only buy our frillies if it makes them feel good.
n4c What kind of customers purchase your creations?
Stevi Women between the ages of 20-50, it's a bit wide but most women love frilly, pretty things: brides to be, mistresses & wives, burlesque performers, glamour models and porn stars, and the odd man for himself!
n4c So, what kind of feedback to you get?
Stevi We have a good few re-offenders so we guess it does the trick, our feedback has so far been nothing but positive, and we can’t thank people enough for their kind words, it makes it all worthwhile.
n4c And finally, what can we expect from Ophelia Fancy in 2007?
Loads more silly things! We have our new spring/summer 07 collection coming out in March and we are currently working on our Autumn/Winter 07 collection. It is all based on 1950s beach and ski wear.
To find out more about Ophelia Fancy and how to order, visit their website: www.opheliafancy.com
Or visit them at their Studio in Brighton:
Unit 26, Floor 6, New England House, New England St, Brighton .
Happy dressing-up!
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