Fashion Fille
Not ‘Fill,’ Not ‘File,’ The Story of Family, Fashion, and a French Touch
After receiving countless questions about Fashion Fille—its origins, its mission, and, yes, even how to pronounce it—I realized it was time to share the full story. What started as an idea has evolved into something far more meaningful, deeply rooted in my background and shaped by the values passed down through generations. From my early education inspired by my grandfather’s vision to the legacy of innovation set by my great-grandfather, Fashion Fille represents not just my journey, but the rich tapestry of family influences that continue to guide me.
Fashion Fille is more than a blog or a brand—it’s an embodiment of generations of ambition, creativity, and the determination to forge one’s own path. The journey to founding Fashion Fille is rich with stories that extend beyond my own life, interweaving with the lives of family members who instilled in me the values and inspiration that continue to guide me. To understand what Fashion Fille truly represents, it’s essential to delve into the heritage that shaped it, the pivotal moments of discovery, and the vision that propels it forward today.
The French Connection
When I named my brand and platform Fashion Fille, I wanted to capture a sense of identity, purpose, and heritage, something that felt distinctly me. And a big part of that feeling came from my background and early life experiences, where French culture had a lasting influence. Let’s settle one thing right off the bat—it’s not pronounced like “file” or “fill,” but like the French word for “girl” (pronounced [fee]), just as you would hear it in France. That particular pronunciation means a lot to me; it nods to my early exposure to French, which came from my family and their insistence on language as a gateway to the world.
Growing up, my grandfather—Pop Pop as I call him—strongly valued the ability to speak multiple languages, though he himself never had the opportunity to learn one. His work in international business took him around the world, but language barriers were often a challenge he wished he could navigate more easily. To ensure his grandkids didn’t face the same limitation, he encouraged my siblings and me to attend a French immersion preschool from the ages of three to six. For four formative years, we spent our days hearing, speaking, and learning through French, which shaped not just our language abilities but our outlook on creativity, culture, and connection. This immersion created the foundation of my relationship with French language and culture and taught me to see things through a lens that would later feel very natural as I explored the world of fashion.
When the time came to build my brand and I was brainstorming names, I chose Fashion Fille because it connected me to that heritage in a way that was still forward-looking. The French word for "girl" felt sophisticated yet approachable—qualities I strive to bring into my work. And in the world of fashion, where identity and presentation are key, Fashion Fille seemed the perfect balance of who I am, where I come from, and what I aspire to create.
A Lasting Legacy
My French education may have built the foundation, but my connection to fashion was part of my family’s story long before I was born. Growing up, I heard stories of my great-grandfather, Grandpa Nate, a man whose creativity and entrepreneurial spirit laid the groundwork for my own journey. He was the founder of Liz Originals, a groundbreaking fashion line that recognized the market’s need for affordable luxury long before that concept became mainstream. At a time when many admired Elizabeth Taylor’s elegant but costly designs, Liz Originals offered a more accessible alternative without compromising quality.
Liz Originals was, in many ways, the original “dupe” brand—pioneering the idea that fashion could be both aspirational and accessible. My great-grandfather understood that fashion wasn’t only about exclusivity; it was about aspiration. This insight has resonated with me throughout my career, reminding me that true innovation addresses both beauty and practicality.
My connection to my great-grandfather deepened when I shared my growing interest in fashion with my great uncle. Until then, I had only heard snippets about Grandpa Nate and seen the one cherished Liz Originals piece my mother kept in her closet. But when my great uncle saw my genuine interest, he shared a world of family history with me: original sketches, carefully preserved designs, and vintage advertisements that once graced fashion magazines. Holding these artifacts felt like unlocking a time capsule. I was filled with a sense of purpose, realizing that I was uniquely positioned to carry forward this legacy. I wasn’t just exploring fashion—I was stepping into a family narrative rich with creativity, resilience, and ambition.
The Evolution of Fashion Fille
What started as a simple name and a concept soon transformed into something multifaceted. Initially, Fashion Filleserved as an outlet for my creative expression—a blog where I shared insights on fashion trends, analyzed fashion news, and gave career advice. The platform extended to an Instagram page and a weekly email newsletter, providing a way to engage directly with an audience of fashion enthusiasts. These early projects helped me find my voice, refine my approach, and establish a community around shared interests.
As my experience in fashion marketing grew, it became clear that Fashion Fille could evolve into something more substantial. The skills I had developed and the connections I had built allowed me to expand from a blog to an independent fashion marketing consulting firm. This was more than a pivot; it was a natural progression that aligned my professional ambitions with my personal mission to help others find their voice in the fashion industry.
Today, Fashion Fille stands as a modern platform rooted in a rich legacy of ingenuity and ambition. It blends the pioneering spirit of Grandpa Nate’s Liz Originals and the forward-thinking mindset instilled by Pop Pop. Each project, blog post, and client collaboration contributes to a larger narrative that celebrates creativity, heritage, and the courage to pursue bold ideas. Fashion Fille has become synonymous with thoughtful strategy and creative expression, providing unique value to the fashion community.
The Future of Fashion Fille
As I look to the future, my goal for Fashion Fille is to continue building a space that seamlessly merges creativity with strategic thinking. I envision it as a resource for fashion enthusiasts, marketers, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are inspired by both heritage and innovation. Through consulting services, in-depth content, and collaborative projects, Fashion Fille aims to honor lessons of the past while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fashion marketing and storytelling.
What sets Fashion Fille apart as a consulting service is its commitment to blending heritage-driven insights with modern marketing expertise. My approach uniquely fuses an appreciation for fashion's rich history with innovative strategies tailored to today’s fast-paced industry. Each project is treated not just as a task but as an opportunity to tell a meaningful story that resonates deeply with audiences.
In essence, Fashion Fille is more than a brand; it’s a love letter to the people and experiences that shaped me. Pop Pop’s encouragement to think globally and Grandpa Nate’s bold approach to filling market gaps are foundational to the work I do. By continuing to grow Fashion Fille, I am not just building a career—I am weaving my chapter into a family legacy that is as rich, multifaceted, and enduring as the designs and stories that inspire me every day. Thank you for being here. <3
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆