The French daughter of the milliner Simone Mirman co-founded Sock Shop with her husband in 1983 because she believed that “people should be able to buy socks and stockings as easily as they buy newspapers”. A former junior secretary at Marks & Spencer, Mirman’s empire was a socking success and as a result, in 1987, she was named the 188th richest person in Britain. All was not to continue to plan and with the economic crash came administration and a sale of the business for a paltry sum. Instead of retreating to the country, this mother of three launched Trotters – which she termed “the first store dedicated solely to children” – in 1990 and has built it into a chain of six retail outlets. Sophie Mirman swims in The Serpentine all year round and loves to prepare meals with her AGA.
Two stories to keep beside you
Isabella Blow (1958 – 2007)
This wildcard was the muse of Philip Treacy and discovered Sophie Dahl and Alexander McQueen. A flamboyant deal maker, Blow had a “natural sense of style” and a truly brilliant eye. She left this world far too soon and is sorely missed.
Bettina Graziani (1925 – 2015, born Simone Micheline Bodin, also professionally known as ‘Bettina’)
A French fashion model and muse of Hubert de Givenchy, Simone Bodin was renamed Bettina Graziani by the designer Jacques Fath
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Souvenir, souvenirs…… que de bons moments !!!