ABOUT ME
Understanding my clients needs and wishes, sharing my knowledge and helping them to invest their time and money in a stylish and sustainable wardrobe is what drives me in my work. Whether couture, high street fashion, local designers or tailor-made pieces – I love creating individual looks which support my clients professional and social commitments.
Growing up in Glasgow, Scotland I was surrounded and inspired by art, design and fashion from a young age. After graduating with a degree in fashion design in London I began my personal shopping career at Selfridges. In Switzerland I established a personal shopping department for Jelmoli in Zurich. During this time I also presented a bi-weekly re-style television programme for `Lifestyle`, Tele Züri. I have worked in both television and film for a number of years, building valuable knowledge and experience.
I gladly offer my services to individuals as well as groups and businesses. Whether a dress code event, personal shopping, a wardrobe update– all appointments are tailored to your needs and wishes.
SERVICES
GIFT PACKAGES
References
- Ruth Lang
Rowena helped me figure out what cuts of clothing flatter my figure and put together a wardrobe including quality basics. She also helped me put together outfits with the pieces... Mehr lesen
20. March 2024Kerry Gilliland - HerholdtI spent the most wonderful 2 hours with Rowena. She looked for some outfits/looks in advance of our time and we were able to find together some wonderful basics for... Mehr lesen
3. October 2023Andrea Alberto EggerI recently had the pleasure of working with Rowena. From start to finish, it was a game-changer for my shopping routine. First and foremost, the convenience is unparalleled. No more... Mehr lesen
3. October 2023 - Alison Callaghan
Working with Rowena has been amazing! She has been so wonderful helping me think about my own personal style and look post-pregnancy/kids. She made the whole process fun and exciting.... Mehr lesen
3. April 2023V JamesRowena provided outstanding service and support at extremely short notice during a particularly busy time. I would highly recommend her services.
3. April 2023Tomas KellyI worked with Rowena recently and highly recommend her as a stylist/ consultant. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is really passionate about this space. Rowena... Mehr lesen
3. April 2023
- Ruth Lang
Rowena helped me figure out what cuts of clothing flatter my figure and put together a wardrobe including quality basics. She also helped me put together outfits with the pieces we bought together and what I already had. A few years later, I still wear many of these and still receive compliments. She is a wealth of knowledge of local stores and brands, where to buy what. She is a native English speaker and fluent in German. Also a genuinely nice person who cares about you as a client and helping you get the look you want. “It has to be love,” she would say if I didn’t love some aspect of a piece. Rowena pulled pieces ahead of time, so I would go to a shop with her and have a bunch ready to try on. Between that and her being a nice person to hang out, she makes shopping a much more pleasant experience for people like me who don’t usually enjoy it. A friend sent her husband shopping with Rowena for a suit for an event and she and her husband were very pleased with the results. So for men or women, German or English speaking, general wardrobe update or outfit for an event, I can without hesitation recommend Rowena.
20. March 2024 - Kerry Gilliland - Herholdt
I spent the most wonderful 2 hours with Rowena. She looked for some outfits/looks in advance of our time and we were able to find together some wonderful basics for my wardrobe.
3. October 2023 - Andrea Alberto Egger
I recently had the pleasure of working with Rowena. From start to finish, it was a game-changer for my shopping routine. First and foremost, the convenience is unparalleled. No more wandering through crowded stores or spending hours searching online. The personalized shopping trips, combined with the professionalism and expertise of Rowena, made this a five-star experience for me.
3. October 2023 - Alison Callaghan
Working with Rowena has been amazing! She has been so wonderful helping me think about my own personal style and look post-pregnancy/kids. She made the whole process fun and exciting. Can't recommend her enough!
3. April 2023 - V James
Rowena provided outstanding service and support at extremely short notice during a particularly busy time. I would highly recommend her services.
3. April 2023 - Tomas Kelly
I worked with Rowena recently and highly recommend her as a stylist/ consultant. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is really passionate about this space. Rowena brings a calm, professional and personalised approach to her work and I found her to be very good at listening to my preferences whilst also opening me up to new styles. I really enjoyed working with Rowena and would happily recommend her to anyone else looking for stylist advice / help.
3. April 2023
STYLE STORIES
Fashion Revolution Event
Recently I organised a personal style tour around Zürich for a group of ladies, our tour ended at the sustainable & fair event Fashion Revolution Switzerland.
Fashion Revolution is a global movement set up by fashion lovers, who enjoy style but want to wear clothes that are made in a safe, clean and fair way. At this event you can meet people showcasing unique sustainable designs and forward thinking concepts.
Here are some of my personal highlights from the fashion fair.
Felix Doll
I met the designer at this event and loved hearing about his journey in design and mission to create stylish, sustainable collections.
Jungle Folk
I have been following this label on Instagram for a while now and love seeing which remote villages in the world she is visiting to find the best fair and sustainable products for her designs.
Qwstion
Based in Zürich, you have probably seen some of their cool bags around town. If not, it is worth popping to their store on Badenerstrasse!
House of Aim
I loved the prints and modern cuts of this sportswear brand and am excited to see this label grow further.
Selfnation
Ever heard of tailor made jeans? Interested? Well, this is the address in town to find something in keeping with your figure, wishes and needs.
A New York Affair
My husband bought one of Jamil`s t-shirt at the event. A simple cut t-shirt dyed with birch. The t-shirts are dyed in a natural dyeing workshop by people with special needs.
Repair and wear!
Ideas but no experience? I know someone who can help you…
Fashion show by Villa Paul
I used to work with Mimi Frey and Doris Rickenbacher, they own Villa Paul- a sustainable and fair store in Baden. Both have a great energy and eye for style, the perfect pair to organise the fashion show for this fashion revolution event! Thanks for the invite!
If you would like to book a personal tour with me in Zürich or London get in touch!
Otherwise, keep an eye on my Facebook page to find out when I will be running my next event…
Spring Style Events
A big part of my job is knowing who has what and when!
Prior to my first style event of 2018 I`d been in touch with a number of contacts to find out when the full spring collections would arrive, I wanted us to be the first to shop the new collections in store!
Each event is different! For February`s tour I arranged a pre-selection of outfits and footwear according to each persons wishes- business wear, dresses to dance in, new wardrobe favourites, there was alot to try! We visited small boutiques showcasing labels from different corners of the globe and met the owners/ buyers behind these exciting stores.
If you would like to join my next event, contact me directly or check my facebook page for details, it would be great to have you there!
Here are some highlights from our first 2018 tour!
A BIG thank you to Modissa, Jelmoli, Burri Optik, Cos, Maud and Maison Julie for having us!
Mode Suisse
Mode suisse is the biggest fashion event on the calendar in Switzerland. You never quite know what to expect at one of their shows which I love! Its and important event for Swiss designers and in my opinion for Swiss culture. This springs – Edition 13 – “wow” moment was the showroom setting where collections were presented on models and you could meet the designers. A really nice, stylish, personal touch!
Here are some of my highlights from Mode Suisse Edition 13.
The Umbrella Shop
Come rain or shine, next time you’re in central London hail a cab and ask for “The Umbrella shop” every taxi driver will know where to find this hidden gem! With it`s Victorian shop front design and untouched interior you will be warmly welcomed into the world of walking sticks, dress canes, umbrellas and much, much more. Founded in the 1830s, this is the oldest umbrella shop in London.
James Smith & Sons works with established family companies from around Europe. Sourcing the highest quality components that they need to craft their walking sticks and umbrella collections. A few of the handles are still hand carved by craftsman in the uk and unique wooden handles are supplied from the forests of Europe and Asia.
Phil, the store manager gave me a tour of the store before opening hours. A real treat, as when the open sign was turned and the doors unlocked the daily flow of customers began. The store is brimming with a large variety of styles and functional designs. There are plenty of knowledgeable sales personnel on hand to advise you on which style would best suit your needs and give tips on how to take care of your purchase.
Which is the oldest umbrella you have in-store?
An 18th century walrus tusk and brass umbrella, the fabric would have originally been silk and the ribs made of whalebone.
I see you have a variety of styles in the cabinet, what type of umbrellas are these?
Here we have a drinking stick umbrella, which was popular in the 19th century, there`s also a games stick with concealed dice, a horse measuring stick and swordstick.
How would you describe the signature style of a traditional English umbrella and which is your personal favourite?
It should be functional and reserved in design. My favourite is the horn handle umbrella with olive wood shaft, as it is not only stylish but sturdy and comfortable to hold.
Which umbrellas would you class as essential accessories?
A small umbrella which fits in your bag, a sturdy, stylish folding design for windy days and a smart, formal style for weddings and funerals.
Do you have an on-site workshop?
Yes we do, we produce our own umbrellas, make alterations and of course offer a repairs service.
Thank you Phil and your team for having me at James Smith & Sons, armed with my new umbrella I will be ready for any stormy days and any April showers!
When I am working in London I like to uncover new shopping experiences and gain insight into the traditional stores which have influenced design as we know it today. If there is anything you would particularly like me to explore, please let me know so I can add it to my style stories for you!
Gift voucher
Still searching for the perfect present?
Let`s arrange a different kind of gift, something that will last long after christmas!
With this voucher you`ll give your colleagues or loved ones the chance to try on some new styles, find 2018`s wardrobe favourites and explore new boutiques and stores in town. There are two cards to choose from and many possibilities, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Spring street-style shoot
Let`s get colourful and creative, let`s celebrate womenswear and embrace this season with full force!
I teamed up with on-line platform My Girlfriend Guide, Globus and a fantastic group of professionals to realise this street-style shoot. We styled Lilian one of My Girlfriend Guides` readers, showcasing a selection of key looks and themes for this Spring/ Summer.
Why not try a new colour this season, perhaps it`s time to invest in some cool denim or a transitional trench?
Zurich – Spring – we`re ready!
Look #1
Top* Sonia Rykiel 219.00 Swiss Franks
Jeans* Marco Polo 179.00 Swiss Franks
Trench* Tara Jarmon 570.00 Swiss Franks
Bag* Gryn 379.00 Swiss Franks
Shoes Miu Miu Stylists own
*Available in Globus
The constant change in weather doesn’t make it easy to know what to wear when leaving home. Welcome, the stylish and functional trench coat! The trench has a cooler, relaxed cut this season and will be an important update to your wardrobe, come rain or shine.
Spring florals can be worn as a highlight or from top to toe, we are big fans of this blouse from Sonia Rykiel – pretty, powerful, positive and easy to combine.
Jeans are cut a little higher at the waist, the trouser leg either straight or wide and slightly cropped. Are you bored of your classic jeans? Why not invest in a re-constructed pair, with frayed hems, contrasting denim fabrics or denim tones?
Look #2
Jacket* Sandro 369 Swiss Franks
Trousers* Sandro 249 Swiss Franks
Blouse* Maje 199 Swiss Franks
Shoes Aldo Models own
Sunglasses Dior Models own
Bag* Furla: Metropolis 329.00 Swiss Franks
*Available in Globus
Add colour and a new energy to your wardrobe – it`s the season of colour confidence!
The focus is mainly on pink, orange or yellow; you can either wear one colour alone or be bold and mix it up! Balenciaga inspired us with their colourful mixes, as did Rocha with forest green, pink and blue combinations.
We love this super sleeved suit from Sandro in combination with the sky blue striped cotton shirt! Whether statement bell sleeves, ruffles or tie fastenings – sleeve detailing is a big theme that we will see predominantly in shirting this year.
With a flamboyant jacket like this you can easily smarten up casuals too!
Look #3
Dress* Sandro 399.00 Swiss Franks
Belt* Sandro 129.00 Swiss Franks
Bag* Furla: Metropolis 329.00 Swiss Franks
Shoes Aquazzura Stylists own
Sunglasses Shourouk Stylists own
*Available in Globus
Ok, we got caught up with the power colour theme here, but it looked so good on Lillian our model that we had to add it in! So, how to accessorize yellow? You can either go for a strong contrast like black, or, why not try metallic or nude accessories?
Look #4
Dress* Knitss 329.00 Swiss Franks
Blouson* Liviana Conti 279.00 Swiss Franks
Shoes Zara Stylists own
Sunglasses Westward leaning Stylists own
*Available in Globus
One of our favourite looks because it incorporates so many interesting themes such as athleisure, colour blocking and stripes. Styled with a cool bomber jacket this look creates a bold, sporty yet elegant silhouette. Statement stripes keep combing back every year, a good, fun investment for this spring/summer.
Look #5
Dress* Sandro 299 Swiss Franks
Blouson* Maje 279 Swiss Franks
Sunglasses Dior Models own
Shoes Vero Cuoio Stylists own
*Available in Globus
Soft pastels offer a fresh, feminine colour palette in spring/ summer 2017. We teamed it with a faithful blouson and studded sandals to make it a little more rock and roll.
A big thank you to Globus and the womenswear team for their collaboration on this shoot. A huge thank you to My Girlfriend Guide and their reader and model Lillian, you were fantastic! Thank you to the whole team who made this shoot happen- it was so much fun working with you all!
Hair and Make-up: Erica Gabriel-Büsser ericabuesser@hotmail.com Tel: 076 380 84 83
Photography: Claudia Remondino cremondino@hotmail.com
Styling: Sandra Nägeli and me, Rowena Downing
Here, some pictures from behind the scenes…
Style tour Zurich
Hello Spring! We are ready and waiting!
Last month I organised a style tour in Zürich, a chance to try on something new, break away from normal shopping routines, explore current trends and stylish collections.
A fantastic group of women from all corners of the globe joined us on this style tour- it was so much fun! After a breakfast apero of green smoothies, teas and cappuccinos we set off to our first address, Jelmoli -The house of brands- My colleague, stylist and designer Sandra Nägeli worked with me on this event. We highlighted key trends, shared stories about the origins of selected items and pre- arranged two outfits for each member of the group to try. Jelmoli has a fantastic shoe department, so we certainly couldn`t miss that out! We selected fitting footwear for each participant- adding a spring in their step as we moved onto other stores and boutiques around Bahnhofstrasse.
Let`s connect, experience and explore this city together! I will be offering various event packages throughout the year, so keep an eye on my Style Stories and Facebook page!
Thank you to all the ladies who made this event so special! Merci Sandra, It was so much fun working with you! Thank you Jelmoli, Herr Burri and his team, Claudie Pierlot, Tara Jarmon and all others involved… see you again soon!
Pitti Uomo
Yes, there was a lot of posing going on at Pitti Uomo in Florence and as I find myself smiling and writing, I have to say that I really enjoyed the show! I was inspired to see so many people taking pride in their appearance. At times it did seem a little theatrical in the main square but I had already decided that I would soak up all the inspirational ideas, styles, combinations and labels on show and accept the rest for what it was. Florence was buzzing! The perfect setting to showcase so many wonderful classic and contemporary brands.
The first edition of Pitti Uomo was held in Florence in September 1972. This winter (Edition no. 91) welcomed around 36.000 visitors from all over the globe. Pitti Uomo is clearly one of the most important international platform in men’s fashion, I hope to be back again!
Here, some style highlights from my trip that I would like to share.
Dress for Success
Success in Style and Business
In the last months I have been invited to talk at a number of Business Events.
I was recently invited to the international women’s group at Ernst and Young in Zürich.
We discussed many topics such as dress codes in various business settings, how to build an efficient and effective wardrobe, travel themes with tips of how to pack for business trips, my figure- my style, to name a few themes.
I love hearing peoples thoughts and opinions. So we opened up the floor to discuss a few themes such as:
– How low is too low for tops in business?
– Colour- where does the spectrum stop in Business?
– Tights, which tones are best when searching for the right skin coloured tights?
It was such a fun event with lots of interesting and fun ladies! Ernst and Young, thank you for having me. PKZ Women, thank you for sponsoring the Event, it was great working together with your team.
