Sartorial Symphony

- Anne Kurian

Andraya Smith is a picture of elegance and glamour. The Co-Founder of MeMe London, a quirky, stylish and trendy fashion accessories brand, oozes style when we meet for a quick breakfast at a café here in the city. If there is someone who can talk about style and looking effortlessly fashionable, it is Andraya Smith. In an engaging chat, we talk about her the brand she cofounded with her friend, her style secrets and her ideal shopping destinations.

Please tell us about the inspiration and origin of MeMe London.

My partner Alexandra Harrington and I were out shopping one afternoon. We both went to the till with new out its and spotted some great jewellery. After checking the price and deciding it was more than we were prepared to spend on costume jewellery we came up with the idea of creating our own line of great quality pieces at a much more affordable price point.

Alexandra’s husband gets all the credit for the name MeMe. He and Alexandra were in Paris celebrating his birthday when after a day full of shopping for Alexandra he proclaimed “uh Me, Me, Me, Me! Alex! It’s all about you!” Followed by “that’s what you and Andraya should call the business MeMe!” Although it was said in jest, we loved the idea and it stuck. As working mothers we adored the notation that sometimes it’s ok for it to be all about “me” which led to our tagline “it’s all about MeMe”.

I design each piece of jewellery with love in London. I am inspired by my travels and the current runways fashion. Each of the over 100 MeMe London charms are designed to bring the wearer love, happiness, luck, health or wealth.

When was the brand launched?