Adored by the Kardashians, micro-influencers and every 20-something girl who’s looking for a dress for a night out out, House of CB is *the* place to go to for figure-hugging, hour-glass illusion dresses.
ROOTS
Founded by 17-year-old Conna Walker in 2010, with a £3k loan from her father, the fashion house has exploded in recent years. Conna went on a furniture business trip with her family to China, where she discovered bandage dresses which weren’t available in the UK. She brought 30, uploaded photos on eBay, and so House of CB was born.
The house expanded, and she hired designers to create the now iconic designs. Initially the colour palette featured bright neon shades, before transitioning to more neutral pieces. Today’s collections feature a range of neutral, bright and floral prints. Designed 8 months in advance, the dresses are true icons which will make you stand out on your night out.
WHAT MAKES HOUSE OF CB STAND OUT?
Three key factors make House of CB stand out; striking a balance between these factors is notoriously difficult, but Conna has done the (almost) impossible.
- Price – Conna’s pieces are around the £100 -£200 mark, which is much cheaper than other high end brands and major fashion houses who have a similar quality of clothes
- Quality – the materials used are of superior quality and last. Indeed, I’ve had my pink metallic dress for many many years now (as evidenced by all those photos!)
- Design – figure hugging, hourglass enhancing, giving you confidence to embrace your feminine figure
THE FIT
House of CB dresses are nothing short of iconic. The figure-hugging dresses accentuate your peachy-gym gains whilst also creating an hour-glass figure illusion for those wanting more feminine curves.
I’d recommend visiting the 11,000 sq ft Westfield store – I’ve been a couple of times and the staff are super helpful with sizing!
In 2016, Conna launched sister brand, Mistress Rocks, featuring dresses and evening wear with a more affordable price point.
MY TWO FAVOURITES
Anyone who knows me, and especially at Uni, knew how much I l-o-v-e-d my pink House of CB dress – I’d think of any excuse to wear it. Pink party? Yes. Galentine’s Dinner? Of course. Masquerade Dinner? Why not.
It was the dress I wore to my 22nd birthday party, just a couple of weeks before lkdwn, and was the last dress I wore on a night out out. Oh the rich history!
I also love my gold dress with crystal-esque detailing – another iconic piece which made me feel like a Bafta award haha
IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR BEYONCE…
Conna’s career highlight to date? The week that the Queen herself, Beyonce that is, wore a House of CB dress every day.
Other celebrity fans include the Kardashians, Gigi Hadid and J-Lo, who wore a House of CB red vinyl skirt for 2014 album cover
If it’s got fashion royalty’s seal of approval, then you bet it’s got mine.
CONNA’S BEST ADVICE
The Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur provides advice to budding designers: you need to have a strong brand image and listen to what your customers like, as well as don’t like.
It’s no plain sailing; there will be ups and downs. Conna admits she created dresses that didn’t sell, and these experiences helped her to develop her brand identity more strongly.
MY FAVOURITE PICKS
Below I have sourced some of my favourite dresses, with 3 main occasions in mind… and Athen a few of my current faves!
DATE NIGHT
- Casimira satin midi dress in wine – here
- Myrna sweetheart-neck satin mini dress in olive – here
- Yasmeen panelled stretch-woven jumpsuit – here
SUMMER BBQ
- Christiana fuller-bust woven mini dress – here
- Carmen fuller-bust cotton-blend midi dress – here
- Bellucci floral-print midi dress – here
SATURDAY DINNER WITH FRIENDS
- Reva corset satin midi dress in black – here
- Janis corset satin midi dress in a peachy shade – here
- Charlene ribbed stretch-woven midi dress in yellow – here
MY CURRENT FAVES
- Nour cut out blazer in black – here
- Kara quilted-stitch satin mini dress- here
- Julianna corset mesh midi dress in blush – here
What are your favourite pieces? What’s on your bucket list? Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
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