Cuddle & Kiss, a chain of 13 lingerie stores, have opened in Japan this Autumn under the direction of Sheffield-based national award winning entrepreneur Julia Gash. Julia is the CEO of Bag It Don’t Bin It, an eco-bag company that makes sustainable tote bags under private label, as well as the curator and chief designer for Talented, an ethically-focused and ecologically-made fashion and accessory brand in Sheffield.
She started BIDBI in 2007 and ever since business awards have been flowing in – Julia was just awarded UK Director of the Year 2014 and Talented is shortlisted at Sheffield Business Awards to be announced next month. The Japanese conglomerate World Co Ltd., owners of Cuddle & Kiss spotted her talent too, inviting Julia to be the brand consultant and design director for the new lingerie store chain Cuddle & Kiss.
Julia Gash in Japan lingerie shop
Julia ran a lingerie shop from 2002 to 2008 in Sheffield, which became known internationally for its forward thinking approach to retail and lingerie designer collections. Now Julia brings a new approach to lingerie in Japan with her modern, nostalgic style that pays homage to European retro chic culture.
She said: “I’ve brought my knowledge of European lingerie design and retail and took on board the cultural difference to create something that’s fresh, aspirational and beautiful. It has been a fascinating journey, in which I have learned so much about the Japanese attitude towards femininity and sexuality and how it differs from the western perspective.”
