Interview with Georgie Le Roux, Founder of Gigi & Olive

If you are planning, taking part in, or attending a wedding this year, or just any year come to that, then you need to know about Gigi & Olive.

Founded by Georgie Le Roux, Gigi & Olive is your go-to online bridal boutique, catering for brides, hen do’s, bachelorettes and helps you choose the all important wedding gift. Their products reek of style, class and are clearly curated and chosen with care. Whether it’s cosy sleepwear from the Bachelorette boutique, the perfect Honeymoon accessory, or a carefully put together gift box full of wedding must-haves. There is undoubtedly a sense of togetherness with this brand that doesn’t only come from sharing a wedding experience with friends, sisters and partners. It’s part of Gigi' & Olive’s DNA to foster and encourage that feeling of being included in something great.

You can therefore understand why I was so excited to talk to Georgie myself to hear more about her brand and why she feels it’s important to promote other female-owned businesses. As well as to get some great wedding gift and hen party tips myself. Obviously.

What made you want to start Gigi & Olive?

When my sister got engaged, I was so excited to organise her Hen Party, and as her Maid of Honour, I really wanted to make the lead up to her wedding super special. However, I couldn't find what I wanted especially not all in one place. I spent hours trawling online, ordering one item from somewhere and taking it to get embroidered at another. As more of my friends started to get engaged and married, they told me how difficult and time consuming it was, to source tasteful and thoughtful gifts for bridal occasions. I wanted to remove the sometimes negative stigma that surrounded 'Hen Parties' and create an exciting opportunity for friends to celebrate the preparations for marriage with chic and thoughtful merchandise that will last past the party.

What is your favourite piece on the Gigi & Olive website?

My favourite item changes and is definitely one of the perks of sourcing new products. I think, especially in lockdown, I have loved the ‘Gifts for Bride’ section; seeing all the thoughtful, kind, loving notes that friends have written to brides that have had to cancel or postpone their weddings due to COVID-19 has been really special.  Other items that I love and would be my top summer picks are: Lemon Earrings, Atlanta Dress in Blue, Coral Scrunchie and the Hanan Black Swimsuit. 

You have your Bachelorette Boutique as well as standard bridal products, what made you decide to cater for the bridesmaids as well as the brides?

I couldn't find a website that catered to the Bride, Bridesmaids and the women going on a Hen that wasn't just throw away or one-use items. I wanted to create a place where you didn't have to go to multiple shops, but that we would cater to all your bridal occasions and gifting that was both chic and fun - from Hen to Honeymoon.

Your website specifies that all your products are handmade, is this kind of added quality important to you?

I think that quality is essential for the customers and me as a business. Sewing is such a skill, and I'm fortunate that I found a fantastic female-based company to help bring my vision into life. 

What three pieces of advice would you give brides-to-be when preparing for their wedding?

1. Don’t spend every last penny you have on your wedding; you have a life to enjoy on the other side. 

2. Don’t feel obliged to make people bridesmaids because you were a bridesmaid at their wedding, have the people around you that you want who make you feel comfortable.

3. There are often countless opinions you will have to listen to, nod your head, don’t get worked up, make sure the person you are marrying is happy, do what you both want and enjoy your day!

Plus what three pieces of advice would you consider absolute gold when it comes to planning a hen party?! (As we all know how difficult this can sometimes be!)

Completely! I think these would be our golden rules. 

1. Bride - This isn't a Stag; the aim here is not to embarrass or humiliate the Bride. The objective is to make it an incredible, unforgettable weekend amongst great friends. 

2. Group - Anything over 20 people gets tricky to organise. If you want to go abroad a group of 6-10 is the ideal number, and no you can't invite anyone on the Hen that isn't invited to the wedding.

3. Budget - Don’t assume everyone is on the same budget. Be upfront with the group with how much you are estimating it will all cost. Value for money is the most important thing.

4. Itinerary - Don’t over-pack the weekend. People get tired and want to relax. The best times can come from hanging out with a few sundowners or a bottle of rosé!

What other women inspire you personally?

Sara Blakely, Aurora James, Natalie Massenet and my mother, Amanda Le Roux.

Are there any other female brands that you take inspiration from when it comes to planning new collections or new lines?

So many - one of the amazing thing about Instagram and Pinterest is finding incredible new or existing brands. One of the most popular brands that we stock is called Sleeper, a female-run brand based in Ukraine. I love everything they do, they make beautiful clothes that are handcrafted, create beautiful imagery and always seem to be ahead of the curve - I think that’s so important when you have a business - keep moving, keep growing. 

You proudly say that you are a company whose products are made from a female production line and that you promote female-founded businesses, is supporting other women in business important to Gigi & Olive as a brand?

Yes, very. Female friendships, figures, role models, my mother, my sister, have played such a crucial role in who I am, and I want to champion women wherever we can.

I like to throw in a random question, so what is your (wedding) party trick?

This is such a great question. I’d have to go with - I’m great at setting people up! 

What is next for you guys (post the Coronavirus lockdown)? Is there anything in the pipeline that we should know about?

We are currently planning our festive campaign and products which I am so excited about - I love Christmas. It’s going to be decadent, charming, luxurious and curated. I think this year is going to be a big year for online shopping and as we move forward, Gigi & Olive will be expanding into other areas of gifting for women.

It’s clear that Gigi & Olive isn’t just a company with solely money in mind, but that Georgie has created a brand that wants to nurture, guide and advise women on their wedding days, and hopefully beyond. Plus, I’m not sure about you guys, but the idea that the Gigi & Olive team are thinking of expanding into more gifting for women, has me jumping for joy. Not literally of course, because jumping is not my forte until I’ve had at least one glass of wine.

You can check out all of the Gigi & Olive products via their website or, like me, become a frequent stalker of their Instagram for updates and new products.