Introducing Pip Durell, Founder of With Nothing Underneath
Pip Durell, Founder of With Nothing Underneath
Meet Pip, Founder of With Nothing Underneath.
Join us as she shares the inspiration behind the brand, the importance of a good accountant and how she talks about money openly with her girlfriends.
Pip has combined her fashion knowledge and styling credentials with sustainability and her own very English, effortless approach to dressing.
With Nothing Underneath was founded with the aim to provide its customers with stylish basics from a company who cares, but not every woman's "basic" is a classic shirt. Many women and girls in the UK have their daily life hugely affected by period poverty, due to a lack of access to products. To help tackle this issue, WNU is proud to announce that they have partnered with The Hygiene Bank and are now an official Drop Off point based in South West London; our founder kindly invites anyone in the area to donate sanitary products, any donation, big or small, will be greatly accepted. These products will then be given to women and girls in the area who need them.
WEBSITE | IG: WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
“I was a stylist and Editor at Conde Nast and realised there wasn’t the focus on women’s shirts in the industry. For such a key component of all our wardrobes, and therefore our day-to-day lives, it seems to have always been an after thought.”
WNU
Why did you set up With Nothing Underneath?
I started WNU to create the perfect everyday shirt; we're female-founded, independently operated since 2017. WNU was inspired by men’s tailoring, and perfectly adjusted for women, the button-downs had to be sustainably sourced and stand the test of time.
WNU is all about simplicity - paired back, laid back, timeless, effortless shirts - just like the woman who wears them. Our shirts are not about trends or fleeting style moments, but about a wardrobe essential in which to live a life.
What is WNU’s ethos?
To give women the shirting they deserve; using the best materials, processes and practices for us and our planet, while committing to building a socially responsible structure in which to do business.
Who are your typical clients?
Anyone from 16 to 60. Shirts are for every woman and so are we.
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Did you have any doubts before you started, if so how did you overcome them?
Tonnes! You’d be a fool if you had none. I always remember my boss at Vogue, Lucinda Chambers, saying the day she doesn’t get nervous before a shoot will be the day she knows she needs to quit!
I don’t think I overcame the nerves but you just keep going don’t you? Fear of failure makes you work hard it turns out!
What were the main steps to setting up your business?
The manufacturing side was something I knew nothing about so setting up our supply chain was certainly the most challenging part to get started.
How did you attract your first customers?
Instagram! It’s an amazing tool that has made starting a business very democratic.
What are some of the issues that you would like to see addressed within the fashion industry?
Where do I begin? The hypocrisy around sustainability and greenwashing would be up there…
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What do you wish you had known before you started?
Everything or nothing? Ha! If I’d known more I don’t think I would have done it. The naivety of it all is comical.
What are you top 5 tips for someone starting their own business?
1. Know your market
2. Know your USP
3. Get a good accountant
4. Don’t rush.
5. Have a rock solid support system of friends and family who keep cheering when everything else is quiet.
Pip Durell, Founder of With Nothing Underneath
W E A L T H
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words?
A. Learning. Curve.
How do you define wealth?
Oo this is a big one. Surely on a broader scale with the latter definition of ‘a plentiful supply of a particular desirable thing’ then it has to be about your overall picture? Love, security, relationships, financial stability – it all needs to be considered.
What is the best financial decision you have ever made?
Starting WNU. I took my small savings and put it in – I’m actually very risk adverse so looking back I’m quite surprised with myself!!!
What did you learn about finance and money when you were growing up?
My mother was always very cautious, very smart, and made sure we knew the value of a pound. That not only gave us great security but set us up well for life as an adult. Waitressing as a teenager really made me realise how hard you have to work for it!
What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever received?
It’s not so much advice but its been the people who have taught me about basic economics; P&Ls and the importance of understanding your financial situation to plan and prepare for what’s next. It’s been a steep learning curve but I feel much more confident in my business now I am more competent with my spreadsheets.
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What tools or systems do you use to manage and organise your personal finances?
A good accountant!!
Who manages the finances in your household?
We each manage our own.
How often do you talk about money with your friends?
Whenever we need to. My girlfriend group is very supportive of each other’s careers and life choices and finances run through all of that.
What was your first investment, and where is it now?
In WNU. It’s not done too badly so far!
What is your most valuable possession?
My wedding ring.
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about?
Almost everything – I have so much more to learn about in regards to the finances of business.
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Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
Lots of different people – the advice I have received over the years from anyone kind enough to share has been key to running a successful business.
What was your first job?
PA to the Publisher at Vanity Fair.
What do you do to relax?
Bath. Pilates. Walking my dog. Eating pasta on the sofa in front of the tv. All v good.
What are your go to styling tips?
A good shirt works in any occasion. Always.
What’s next for you?
WNU is 5 this year, the team is growing, we’re hoping to get a flagship and move into the next step. All madness but very exciting.
What are you currently reading and listening to?
I’m very behind the curve and currently halfway through Where the Crawdads Sing, everyone was right, it’s wonderful.
I love an audiobook – Harry Potter on repeat mainly.
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