DF Meets: Jane Frances

MEET
OUR FOUNDER

JANE FRANCES

LONDON BASED JANE FRANCES IS FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DEAR FRANCES, LAUNCHED IN 2016.

After completing her studies in Italy, Jane moved to Paris and split her time between the French Capital and Milan, where she practised the art of Italian craftsmanship at an artisanal family-run shoe factory alongside her once teacher and now mentor, Gianpietro Papa. “It was here that I developed my understanding of what I wanted Dear Frances to be” says Jane. “As a family business, they were passionate about the traditional craft of making shoes and the techniques that had been handed down to them from generations of local shoemakers. I was very lucky to be exposed to that and to learn of the many processes that go into making shoes - the incredible tradition of handmade shoes! I began to think about my own design identity and how I could blend the artisanal process with modern design. That’s what Dear Frances is about – the meeting of two worlds, tradition and modernity”

“Each of our collections are in some inspired by the art of furniture design. I’m drawn to the simplicity and structure of furniture design. Usually mid-century modern; Eileen Gray, Florence Knoll, Charles & Ray Eames – I simply love the paired back aesthetic and clean lines. They had such a focus on detail and finishings during that era. This focus finds its way into our design process. It’s at the heart of the inspiration for Dear Frances collections."

LONDON BASED JANE FRANCES IS FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DEAR FRANCES, LAUNCHED IN 2016.

After completing her studies in Italy, Jane moved to Paris and split her time between the French Capital and Milan, where she practised the art of Italian craftsmanship at an artisanal family-run shoe factory alongside her once teacher and now mentor, Gianpietro Papa. “It was here that I developed my understanding of what I wanted Dear Frances to be” says Jane. “As a family business, they were passionate about the traditional craft of making shoes and the techniques that had been handed down to them from generations of local shoemakers. I was very lucky to be exposed to that and to learn of the many processes that go into making shoes - the incredible tradition of handmade shoes! I began to think about my own design identity and how I could blend the artisanal process with modern design. That’s what Dear Frances is about – the meeting of two worlds, tradition and modernity”

“Each of our collections are in some inspired by the art of furniture design. I’m drawn to the simplicity and structure of furniture design. Usually mid-century modern; Eileen Gray, Florence Knoll, Charles & Ray Eames – I simply love the paired back aesthetic and clean lines. They had such a focus on detail and finishings during that era. This focus finds its way into our design process. It’s at the heart of the inspiration for Dear Frances collections."

“ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES FOR FURNITURE SHOPPING, OR GAZING, IS BETON BRUT IN EAST LONDON - I’M ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH ALL OF THEIR PIECES. IT’S BOTH A STORE AND A GALLERY SPACE AND THEY HAVE A GREAT EYE FOR MID-CENTURY SELECTIONS."

“When we can, the design team and I like to visit galleries and exhibitions in London to help inspire new seasons. We’re lucky to have some great options here in London – The V&A, The Hayward Gallery, Tate and White Cube are some of my favourites.”

“Iris is so very easy to wear, it's perfect with straight leg denim and also more dressed up with a mid-length dress for work. The heel height is easy and they're super flattering at the ankle - which is always a win! Rollo is the perfect transitional pair of shoes and they help to ground a dressy outfit. I’m actually really looking forward to styling them up with tights during the mid-winter season too.”