About cold-wood

A fashion consultancy built on the belief that style should serve the person, not the other way around.

Our Story

How We Started

cold-wood began in 2014 in a small studio in East London. Our founder, having spent a decade in luxury retail, noticed something troubling: clients left stores with bags full of beautiful clothes they would never wear. The industry was excellent at selling but poor at actually helping people dress well.

We set out to do things differently. Rather than pushing products, we would listen. Rather than following trends blindly, we would focus on what works for each individual. The approach resonated, and word spread.

Today we're a team of fifteen consultants working with clients across the United Kingdom. Our studio has moved (twice), but our philosophy remains unchanged: fashion should make life easier, not more complicated.

What We Believe

Our Values

Authenticity Over Trends

Trends can be useful signals, but they should never override personal authenticity. The best-dressed people aren't those who wear the latest things—they're those who know what works for them and wear it with confidence.

Sustainability Matters

The fashion industry has a significant environmental footprint. While we can't solve this alone, we contribute by encouraging thoughtful purchasing: fewer, better pieces that last. A well-curated wardrobe is inherently more sustainable than constant consumption.

Inclusivity Is Non-Negotiable

Fashion has historically excluded many bodies, ages, and identities. We reject that entirely. Our consultants work with people of all sizes, ages, genders, and backgrounds. Everyone deserves to feel good in their clothes.

Practicality First

We love beautiful clothes as much as anyone, but beauty without function is limited. Every recommendation we make considers your actual life—your commute, your workplace dress code, your weekend activities, your climate.

The People Behind cold-wood

Meet Our Team

Our consultants bring diverse backgrounds and specialisations, united by a shared passion for helping people discover their style.

Eleanor Marsh

Founder & Lead Consultant

Former buyer for Selfridges with 20 years in fashion. Specialises in professional wardrobes and colour analysis.

Marcus Chen

Menswear Director

Trained on Savile Row before joining cold-wood. Expert in tailoring, fit, and building versatile masculine wardrobes.

Adaora Okafor

Creative Stylist

Background in editorial styling for fashion magazines. Helps clients who want to push boundaries and express themselves boldly.

Sophie Williams

Sustainable Fashion Specialist

Former consultant for ethical fashion brands. Guides clients interested in building environmentally conscious wardrobes.

Our Journey

Key Milestones

2014

Founded

cold-wood opens its first studio in Hackney, East London, with just two consultants.

2016

First Corporate Client

We begin working with a major law firm, offering group styling sessions for their partners.

2018

Team Expansion

Growing demand leads us to expand to eight consultants and move to a larger studio in Bloomsbury.

2020

Virtual Services Launch

Circumstances push us to develop comprehensive remote styling services, which prove popular nationwide.

2022

Sustainability Commitment

We formalise our approach to sustainable fashion, partnering with ethical brands and vintage dealers.

2024

10 Years, 3,000+ Clients

We celebrate a decade in business having helped over three thousand individuals find their style.

What Makes Us Different

Our Approach

We Listen More Than We Talk

Before we offer a single recommendation, we spend time understanding your life, your challenges, and your aspirations. Style advice without context is useless advice.

We're Not Salespeople

We have no financial relationship with any retailer or brand. Our only incentive is your satisfaction. When we recommend something, it's because we genuinely think it's right for you.

We Teach, Not Just Tell

Our goal is to make you more confident in your own choices, not dependent on us forever. We explain the reasoning behind our recommendations so you can apply similar thinking independently.

We Respect Budgets

Good style isn't about expensive clothes. We work with whatever budget you have and never make clients feel they need to spend more than they're comfortable with.

Curious About Working With Us?

We'd love to hear about your style challenges and goals. Reach out for an initial conversation—no commitment required.