The quintessential fashionista, Michelle Heslop continually steps out in the best of local designs, thanks in part to having an entire boutique for a closet. As  the vivacious and benevolent director of The Bromwell Boutique in Woodstock, Cape Town, she has earned recognition for her passion for promoting local 
designers and providing them with a platform to showcase their creations.

Michelle Heslop
Michelle Heslop

As a result, she now lists Kia Johnson, Angel Campey, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Lu Chase among some of her celebrity clients.  After a decade in advertising as a communications hub manager for the Mad World Group of companies, she was asked to take over The Bromwell Boutique as director and curator after the much-needed rejuvenation of the landmark hotel. Three years later, the boutique proudly stocks 40 local designers and dresses some of the Espresso presenters .

Style tip?
Wear heels
you can
dance in.

“I think South African designs offer a very 
important fashion message and must be showcased, I would love to widen the scope even more and get even lesser-known designers from around the country as well as the rest of the continent.”  Heslop says that as a young girl growing up in  the Natal Midlands, her dreams went beyond the provincial town of Ixopo, where 

she enjoyed a conservative and sheltered upbringing. She was determined to be a professional dancer – which prompted a move to Cape Town to study performing arts at the Waterfront Theatre School – as well as a fashion buyer. Today she has the final say on which designers The Bromwell stocks, so it’s safe to say she has achieved both goals through hard work and tenacity, without so much as chipping a fingernail.

HESLOP WEARS

Heslop is pictured here wearing her trusted LBD by local avant-garde designer Lara Klawikowski. “I love that it’s no ordinary black dress, its wearable art – Lara is a genius.” A self-professed shoe fanatic, Heslop paired her fashion-forward dress with equally in-vogue shoes: “I bought these in New York, they are Vince Camuto.” She adds: “But I like to keep accessories to a minimum,” with only an Armani ring she bought on her last travels to add sparkle.

HESLOP RECOMMENDS

Style Icon? I really love Victoria Beckham – her minimalistic, chic and clean look. Favourite drink? Bubblyyyyy!!! I enjoy Mumm for special occasions and for everyday celebrations. Favourite restaurant? So many in Cape Town… I love Nobu at the One&Only, and Signal at the Cape Grace is like home to me.

Style tip? Wear heels you can dance in. Ultimate indulgence? Travelling. I indulge by making my trips as luxurious as possible. Movie everyone must see? August Rush. Secret to success? Hard work is not overrated. thebromwell.co.za

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