SSNY Takes Over London!
By: Jainab Jahra
As we reminisce about our most cherished moments from this year’s London Fashion Week, we turn to two of our incredible interns, Isabella Marino (Brand Marketing Relations) and Adeline Shea (People Operations). These talented young women had the unique opportunity to accompany our founder, Samantha Siu, on an exciting journey to represent our brand at the industry’s most dazzling events.
Read below about their firsthand experiences, from behind-the-scenes highlights to unforgettable encounters on fashion’s grand stage!
Was this your first time visiting London? If so, what were some moments that made your experience unique?
Isabella: “Although I've been to London before, I had never fully experienced authentic afternoon tea, so I am incredibly grateful to have shared this experience with Sam and Addy for the first time. We ordered lovely finger sandwiches and delicious sweets to accompany our tea, and we enjoyed wonderful conversations about supporting each other to the best of our abilities. It was an unforgettable experience, and the tea was undeniably spectacular. Additionally, Addy and I visited the Tower of London to photograph some of our bracelets. I had the privilege of modeling our Renaissance Romance bracelet, which is 18k gold and 2.5 micron gold-plated, and our Rising Phoenix bracelet, which is silver with rhodium plating. The photographs turned out stunning, and I was honored to pose with the jewelry at the tower!”
What were you most excited about before the trip & did anything turn out differently than what you were expecting?
Adeline: “Going in, I did not want to limit myself to any expectations for the trip. I stepped off the plane in Heathrow with a jet lagged but open mindset, happy to enjoy anything thrown my way. I believe this mindset worked in my favor because working at Samantha Siu has taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability, especially in the fast-paced world of fashion. At Samantha Siu, I have observed our small business face various complications, but Sam constantly advises it is important for us to move on and find new paths for success. To share a laugh though, we did confront numerous issues the first day of our trip. Bella, Sam, and I were exhausted from our collective lack of sleep. To counter that, I built a make-shift dog bed out of couch cushions and slept for an hour on the floor. Bella slept beside me on the couch, white noise blasting so loud from her Beats that I could hear it too.”
Tell us about the Samantha Siu dinner! What was the vibe like, how were the people?
Isabella: “Samantha Siu’s iconic London Fashion Week dinner took place at Bacchanalia Mayfair, a venue rich in history. The statues in the room where the event was held were over 150 years old and served as authentic historical artifacts, adding a deep ambiance to the setting. Coincidentally, the jewelry we displayed complemented the atmosphere perfectly, and Sam was incredibly creative in showcasing the pieces. The guests who attended were not only fashionable but also exceptionally kind. Many of them wore pieces from Samantha Siu, which was wonderful to see. Black PR Group worked tirelessly to cultivate a brand-representative environment, exceeding all my expectations. Addy and I were able to greet guests, take photos, and assist with setting up the remaining displays that needed extra support. Being in that space felt like a true honor, surrounded by so many hardworking individuals who have made their mark in the industry and made me appreciate the significance of Fashion Week.”
How did it feel to represent Samantha and the rest of the Samantha Siu team at London fashion week?
Adeline: “I continue to feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent a women-run company, especially on such a prestigious stage as London Fashion Week. Being part of a cultural moment that showcases global talent and innovation in fashion was both inspiring and empowering. It was an honor to stand alongside a brand that not only values design, sustainability, and inclusivity but also champions strong, creative women in the industry. Seeing the hard work of our team come to life on an international platform reinforced my admiration for the dedication, vision, and passion behind Samantha Siu. This experience deepened my appreciation for the impact of women-led businesses in fashion and strengthened my commitment to supporting and uplifting female entrepreneurs in creative fields.”
If you were to highlight one key moment from the whole trip-which one would it be?
Isabella: “Choosing just one moment from the trip is incredibly difficult. Some of the highlights included meeting several members of our London team at Black PR, where we enjoyed delicious food and gained valuable insights about the company. I also attended multiple fashion week events, including Wanni Fuga and our LFW dinner organized by Samantha Siu and Black Pr. Additionally, I explored various restaurants like Bacchanalia Mayfair, The Ivy, and The Ned. Overall, the trip was a holistic learning experience, especially for someone like me who is new to the industry. I gained a deeper understanding of our brand, London culture, and the work culture in the fashion field, as well as what it takes to present ourselves as a highly reputable brand.”
Adeline: “My favorite moment in London was tea time with Sam and Bella. We dined at the Ned, where we enjoyed several cups of tea, mini sandwiches, and biscuits. While I sat in my emerald lounge chair with my matching floral emerald tea set, I said to the girls that I would want my own tea time restaurant in my prospective castle. This comment sparked a whole debate over the logistics of my once innocuous idea turned into Addy’s Restaurant Castle Island/Business Empire. The point is, it was fun to bond with my girls and play British for an hour.”