Ally Capellino

English brand created in 1979. After studying fashion at the Middlesex Polytechnic, Alison Lloyd (London 1956) began her career with her business partner Jono Platt, initially producing only accessories. The brand’s curious name was meant to be the Italian translation of Little Hat, but once they realized the spelling mistake they decide to keep it all the same. In the 1980s they added a women’s prêt-à-porter line, designed by Lloyd, to the production of accessories. Her style is a free interpretation of English tradition: dressmaking inspired by the 1940s and ’50s, the country, tweed, everything reimagined with a modern and humorous touch. For the Summer Collections, they always use linen. In 1986 they launched a men’s line, followed in 1990 by a sportswear line called Hearts of Oak. The following year they launched Mini Capellino, a children’s line. In 1996 the sportswear line was shut down and they opted for a “diffusion line” called simply “ao.” Their first single-brand store opened on Sloane Avenue in Chelsea in 1997. Alison Lloyd has always preferred to work behind the scenes and consolidate her success, the reward of being prudent, rather than subjecting herself to the ups and downs of avant-guard fashion. She sponsored a retrospective dedicated to Jean Michel Basquiat at the Serpentine Gallery in London. Alison Lloyd founds Capellino Design, of which she is the sole owner. Her first customer is the BHS chain of stores, for which she creates men’s, women’s and children’s wear lines.
Goa Corporation is appointed her agent in Italy. For the Autumn-Winter 2003 season, women’s hats in leather and wool and cashmere gloves extend the accessories line.