Founder of Sophia Alexia label on her favourite fashion
Founder of Sophia Alexia, Sophia Cartwright, who lives in Henbury, shares her style tips, her views on trend versus style and her one brush with debatable footwear
How did you get into fashion?
Art and design were always my favourite subjects at school. They were the spaces where I felt most free, most myself. From an early age, I knew I was destined to pursue a creative path. That passion led me to study both subjects more seriously, eventually completing a degree in Textile Design for Fashion at the London College of Fashion. It felt like a natural stepping stone toward building something of my own.
My mother was my biggest supporter. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to take the leap and start my own fashion label – Sophia Alexia.
I’ve always loved to travel, and growing up in tropical, warm climates deeply influenced my aesthetic. I was constantly drawn to the vibrant colours, flowing silhouettes and laid-back elegance of holiday style. Resortwear always felt like a form of escapism, clothing that transports you somewhere dreamy. I became obsessed with curating that feeling through fashion, which naturally evolved into launching my own resortwear and swimwear label.
Sophia with her mother, Hilary Cartwright, who she says has always been her greatest supporter, at a Mother's Day photoshoot in Barbados (Image: Sophia Alexia)
Describe your look
I’d describe my fashion style as effortless bohemian chic, with a touch of elegance. I love creating looks that feel natural and free-spirited yet refined and put together.
Favourite brand/designer
There are so many incredible and inspiring designers but I do love Zimmermann for its romantic, feminine aesthetic. The delicate prints, floaty fabrics, and attention to detail make every piece feel special yet wearable.
The Ibiza dress is Sophia's favourite fashion item (Image: Sophia Alexia)
Favourite fashion item
It would have to be our silk Ibiza dresses. These dresses truly are a staple in the collection and have become a firm favourite among our customers over the years. They're effortlessly stylish and incredibly versatile, perfect for dressing up or down depending on the occasion. The same dress can be styled casually with flats for the beach or dressed up with heels for an elegant evening look. The silk is beautifully soft and luxurious, yet lightweight and easy to pack, making it the perfect travel companion. The wide selection of unique prints makes them a favourite time and time again. It is a beautiful feminine dress that is timeless.
The Portofino dress is Sophia's go-to for dress-up occasions (Image: Sophia Alexia)
What you wear to impress
Right now, I’m absolutely loving our Portofino dresses. These dresses are truly statement pieces, perfect for weddings, date nights and special occasions. I especially enjoy accessorising them with gold jewellery and heels to take the look to the next level, adding an elegant and sophisticated touch.
What you wear to relax
I love pairing our palazzo pants with a simple white t-shirt. They are my go-to for long flights because they’re casual and comfortable, yet still sophisticated thanks to the subtle details like gold thread and tassels. The best part? I always arrive holiday ready.
Worst fashion faux pas
I’d have to say Crocs – though, in my defence, I only wore them on an elephant safari. Comfort and practicality definitely won over style that day. That said, it’s funny how they’ve made a comeback. I think fashion isn’t always about perfection. Fashion is also about comfort, fun and not taking yourself too seriously.
The Fiji skirt and top give tropical vibes (Image: Sophia Alexia)
Favourite fashion trend of all time
Without a doubt, boho chic. I’ve always loved the relaxed, free-spirited feel of flowy fabrics, earthy tones and intricate details like embroidery, tassels and gold accents. It’s a huge part of what inspires our brand too. So many of our pieces, from our Fiji sets to our palazzo pants, reflect that effortless boho elegance. It’s timeless, easy to wear and always makes a statement.
Best style advice
Wear clothing that makes you feel your absolute best – confident, comfortable and authentically you. Fashion should reflect your personality, not just trends. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it naturally shows in your posture, energy and presence. Confidence is the most stylish thing anyone can wear and the right outfit can completely elevate how you carry yourself.
At Sophia Alexia, our mission is to make every woman feel incredible in our clothing, no matter her age, height or size. We believe all women deserve to feel confident, beautiful and celebrated. Our designs are created to enhance that feeling, empowering women to express their unique style with ease and elegance.
Most stylish celebrity
I’m obsessed with Sienna Miller’s style because she’s basically the queen of the “I woke up like this” vibe. She is effortlessly cool and totally undone in the best way. She mixes boho with rock‘n’roll and vintage like it’s no big deal. Whether it’s flowy dresses or a leather jacket, she nails that perfect mix of chill and chic every single time.
Sophia loves to wear her palazzo pants for a relaxed look (Image: Sophia Alexia)
Which item has had its day?
Low-rise jeans. They've made a few attempts at a comeback, but for most of us, they’re a reminder of uncomfortable fits and constant adjusting. Fashion has evolved to embrace comfort, confidence and flattering silhouettes and thankfully, high-waists and mid-rises are doing a much better job of that.
What's next in fashion?
Fashion is evolving faster than ever, not just in style, but in values. The next era of fashion is about purpose-driven design. We’re seeing a rise in sustainable materials and conscious production with seasonless collections that encourage long-term wear over fast fashion. Our next chapter will celebrate bold, confident styles and prints that empower people to express themselves authentically, while honouring ethical practices and slow fashion values. We’ve got some exciting new launches in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to show you what’s coming.
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