Dolly Lloyd
Dolly Lloyd is a fashion designer, author, and creative director based in the United States, known for her luxury retail expertise and innovative design perspective. She graduated with a BA in Fashion Design and Retail Merchandising from Northumbria University in 2009, and during her studies, she opened her first luxury boutique in London. This early combination of academic training and hands-on retail experience laid the foundation for her personal fashion label, Teo Lloyd, and established her as a notable figure in luxury fashion, with her work featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, HELLO, and the Evening Standard. Throughout her career, Lloyd has held leadership roles as Creative Director for both Teo Lloyd and her own ventures, where she oversaw design, sourcing, manufacturing, and brand strategy. Her expertise spans tailoring, luxury apparel, and boutique management, emphasizing technical skill, craftsmanship, and creative innovation. Following her success in the London fashion scene, she transitioned to the U.S., applying her design principles to property and interior design projects while authoring a fashion-focused book and supporting philanthropic initiatives, including a children’s cancer research charity. Lloyd’s professional philosophy centers on creative curiosity, persistence, and following one’s passion over external recognition. She continues to explore opportunities that bridge fashion, design, and storytelling, combining her technical knowledge with a commitment to originality and luxury aesthetics. Her career highlights include her London boutiques, her personal fashion label, high-profile collaborations in the luxury sector, and her ongoing influence as an author and designer shaping modern luxury design.
• Northumbria University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family and their unconditional love and support. They’ve been the foundation of my creativity and everything I’ve been able to achieve, giving me the confidence and courage to pursue my passions and take risks in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my husband: never give up. He reminded me that persistence is where opportunity—and a little bit of magic—can happen. It’s a lesson I carry with me in every project and challenge I take on.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to follow your heart and trust your instincts. Choose a career you love, commit to learning and honing your technical skills, read widely to expand your perspective, and above all, never give up. Perseverance and passion are what turn dreams into lasting success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in fashion today is that creativity alone isn’t enough—technical training, such as tailoring, and formal education are essential to succeed. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to apply fashion design skills in related fields, like property and interior design, where principles of color, materials, and composition can create impact beyond clothing.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are family, perseverance, and creative curiosity. I focus on doing work I love and following my passion, rather than chasing recognition, because true fulfillment comes from commitment, creativity, and the people I share my journey with.