For our final Dai’namic Women Series, we reconnected with some of our original Trailblazers to hear about their journey with Dai, and how their favourite pieces have empowered them in their everyday lives. 

In today’s interview we meet Irene, the founder of luxury skincare brand Irene Forte Skincare. Characterised as the Mediterranean Diet for skin, Irene Forte Skincare is sold in over 100 stockists globally, and is B Corp certified.

Here, Irene shares her secrets to founding an internationally successful business and what advice she'd give other female founders on starting their own business.

Photo: Irene wears BAU Blazer Wool and Power Hour Pleat Pant Wool in Blue London Check and Low Key Eco Tee Black.

How did you build your brand?

I launched my brand over a four-year period. I was running spas for a hotel chain and I wanted to find a brand that was Italian, as I'm Italian and the spas were predominantly based in Italy, and that wasn't ‘naive natural’ but rather natural but scientifically developed. I wanted to use ingredients that we had in our organic farm in Sissy, and it went from there!

What advice would you give to other female founders that are about to start their own business?

I would say it's really tough, but to surround yourself with as many like-minded people in that industry as possible. It also helps to find people that complement your skill set. The key is you have to be ready to graft and give it your all.

Photo: Irene wears 24/7 Relaxed Shirt 2.0 White, Eco Layer On Top Ivory and Collateral Pant Lite Black.

What is your greatest achievement at work and life so far? 

I think my greatest achievement at work is launching the business, and for it to still be going and growing despite the challenges everyone has had to face.

In my personal life it would have to be having my daughter.

What are you reading, listening, or watching at the moment? 

I’m not reading as much as I used to, but ironically I recently read ‘Why We Sleep’ by Matthew Walker which tells you about the importance of sleep. It’s really good although it makes you feel a bit guilty when you're not getting those 8 hours sleep!

What is your relationship with fashion? 

I like comfortable things - I like baggy, but I also love wearing suits. You’ll always find me in flared trousers and heels to elongate my body!

What is your favourite Dai piece and why? 

I absolutely love that all the Dai things are super comfortable, which is my go-to when working, but if I had to choose it would be the new Bau Blazer Blue London Check and Power Hour Pleat Pant Blue London Check.

I love flared trousers so the Collateral Pant is a great trouser for me too. I love wearing it with the Eco Layer on Top to stay cosy but still looking polished.