Abigail Ahern x Donna Ida

When Abi met 'Jean Queen' Donna, they discovered some surprising crossovers in styling yourself and styling your home, it's all about how you feel.

Read on for Abi & Donna's chat and discover the fusion of fashion and home.

It was so great to meet Donna and discover how our design philosophies for fashion and home fuse together. Ultimately your home and wardrobe should make you feel comfortable and confident, something both of our brands are passionate about.

Introducing Donna Ida

Donna Ida Thornton is one of the UK's most recognised denim experts and the founder of DONNA IDA, the premium denim and womenswear brand which launched in 2006. Known as the "Jean Queen", Donna has built her internationally recognised brand helping women find jeans that fit, flatter and inspire confidence, transforming the way denim is sold and styled.

Abi & Donna Overheard

We're dying to know...

Abi: How did you come about redefining denim? 

Donna: I love jeans, I’ve always worn jeans, but I couldn’t find the right environment to buy jeans in. We'd always just see girls in the Levis ads or Brook Shields, she'd pull out a pair of jeans and it was all about being the "Calvin Klein girl" and you just had to look effortless and amazing, but it's not always like that so you need somebody who can guide you. 

Abi: Are there any key tips in buying the right jeans?

Donna: Yes. So as long as you know your body. For me I know that I have a small waist, a big bum, and I'm short. Another customer might have a really short body and long legs, or a really long body and short legs. The most important thing that we need to do for ourselves when we're shopping for jeans, or anything else, is know your body shape. So find your best point. The same for you in home design, do you have a great kitchen? Go from that focal point.

Abi: Like us with interiors, we're always trying to step out of the box slightly. I feel like I want to do that with jeans. So, it's good to experiment, right?

Donna:  It’s good to experiment and work out what does look good on you. I think it was Tom Ford who said “Find your uniform.” When we’re busy and have limited time, we need to eliminate the decision making, but we also want to feel cool and comfortable, it's the same as when you have a cool space, you feel so much happier.

Watch The Full Chat Here

Donna Styled Abi in Hope

"Donna is a total genius and I couldn't stop smiling in the Hope Jeans - totally obsessed." - Abi

Discover

  • Finding Your Uniform

    Discover your own personal style, a style that you know works for you, one that makes you feel happy and comfortable every time. Pop that on repeat and you've discovered your uniform, a formula you can rely on to make you feel cool, calm and confident. Abi roots both her home and wardrobe in colours that are grounded, calming and connected to nature. Camels, khaki and browns, earthy shades that she has on repeat and applies to furniture, accessories and even her garden. Your wardrobe and home should represent you and what makes you feel good.

SHOP THE LOOK

Abi & Donna's Capsule Collection

Designed to help you with easy-to-style favourites that nail that effortlessly chic look, at home and on the catwalk.

Shop The Edit

Donna On Home

Abi: How would you describe your interior style?

Donna: Modern British elegance

Abi: What’s your favourite room and why?

Donna: My favourite room in all my houses has always my bathroom. I love a seat next to the bath, and to spend time in that room either in the bath, next to the bath, or getting ready for or unwinding from the day. For me it is a very calming space. I tend to enjoy soft shades in my bathrooms but I am also a fan of texture. Stone, brass, plaster, silver and natural fabrics are all key to me. I also love a velvet armchair or a sofa in there.

Abi: After visiting Abigail’s house is there anything that inspired you to take back to your own home?

Donna: I love the idea of a much darker library or sitting room, or kitchen even. Often we go into these spaces first thing in the morning or last thing at night and the feeling of being enveloped by colour is very attractive to me.

Abi's philosophy for home and wardrobe

❝Your look is never set in stone and evolves with you. Experimenting with colour, form and layers can unlock a new sense of style. Be bold, be confident and give it a go.❞

Abi x