From the most sought-after designer pieces guaranteed to induce noughties nostalgia and sentimental moments, to the iconic pieces that are still treasured in wardrobes and closets to this day, we have hand-picked 6 years of sartorial highlights - with a bonus short story from the very beginnings in 2013.

Ann Whorrall, educator and lover of fashion takes leap of faith and turns passion into a small kitchen table business with just 6 designers. Each product added to online and parcel is carefully packaged up with the support of her daughters. The business name devised from youngest daughter ‘Olivia’ born in the month of May.

No. 31 Little Clarendon Street – located in Oxford’s fashionable quarter filled with historic buildings and stylish bars offers the perfect location for our first store. Inspired by artisan interiors and the bustling arts and lifestyle district, our boutique which was initially run by family and friends offers the ideal environment to showcase designer collections first hand.

Magnolia Pearl, Les Filles D’Ailluers and Ewa I Walla, presented in the Summer 14’ collection offered square neck shapes, classic swing shapes and crushed cottons, years later, passers-by look out for these iconic window displays, which have now and have become an enjoyable part of wandering through the streets of Jericho.

The website launches creating a platform for all products, styling content & online magazines –housing an urban-type look and feel allowing parcels to be shipped across the UK, Internationally and Worldwide. The summer of 2015 was spent building the team as customer demand and business requirements grew, Ann recruits small professional team to support with operations, photography, dispatch and processing, offering customers a seamless shopping experience.

The close-knit OM Team of 4 outgrow the home studio workspace and builds a new team ‘headquarters’ to just 1.5 mile away. Located in the picturesque village of Ashton Hayes in the Cheshire countryside on the outskirts of Chester, our showroom ensures you can discover innovative designer collections within a private setting whilst experimenting with your style.

Crea Concept’s Stretch Loose Fit Trousers in Black Stripe, presented in the Summer 16’ which later became the beginning of the timeless monochrome looks we saw across many designers. “A contemporary blend of style and individuality,” confirms Parisian designer Crea Concept, whose popularity proves that, understated casual dressing and simplicity is sometimes best.

With the buying support of Italian stylist and boutique manager Veneta –the brand segment offerings grow featuring Avant Garde, Romantic, Casual, Casual Luxury, Tailoring & Lux Accessories and Footwear. With over 60 designers covering French, Italian, Swedish & German designs, Olivia May support and celebrate the newest and most creative talent in the industry. Studio Rundholz has always been and still is at the forefront of our collections, we are proud to be ‘a go to stockist in the UK of Rundholz’.

As sales increase, Ann expands the team to employ PR & Marketing, In-house Creative Photography, Business Management even offering 12-month Internship program to local university students. ‘As Seen In Vogue’ Team push boundaries with styling & photography producing photography as featured in Vogue publication May, Today, our magazine posts often feature on the pages of national publications including Vogue, Living magazine and OX.

As part of the development for the brand – Olivia May incorporates a branding refresh and builds a bespoke innovative new website for offering added styling content, quicker payment options and a brand new OM Members zone. “Part of the strength and durability of the Olivia May brand has been understanding exactly what our customer needs and driving innovation to exceed their expectations when shopping” – Business Manager, Jodie Evans.

It may have been one of the most unprecedented year’s we’ve ever had to say the least, but that hasn’t dampened the hype surrounding our SS20 and AW20 collections with many of our customers coming to us for their style fix for the first time – in-store and virtually! OM Connecting has injected Olivia May with the opportunity to stay connected more than ever before, while bringing the latest news, stories, interviews, industry updates and style content from the sectors of fashion, people and lifestyle. We remain committed to our designers and our customers to be the leading platform where fashion-forward clients can share their passion and add a point of difference to everyday life.

The Olivia May Experience - Changing the Way You Shop

A Hidden Oxford