It’s what unites sisters Rosie Van Cutsem and Lucia Ruck Keene, who grew up with a profound passion for fashion. They turned their childhood spent in a Regency manor house in Oxfordshire into one of the hippest brands that’ve even attracted the attention of royalty. Troy London established in 2013, Troy London has become known for its stunningly chic yet functional designs. The brand became known for its unisex appeal, even making it to the closet of the Princess of Wales, who wore many of their pieces including an eye-catching parka coat.
The sisters’ close-knit family dynamic is deeply rooted in their lives and entrepreneurial venture. William, Rosie Van Cutsem’s husband, is the godfather of Prince George. He enjoys one of the most remarkable friendships in history with the Prince of Wales. Lucia has been living at Delbury Hall in Shropshire with her fiancé, Jack Wrigley, their daughters Lily and Grace, and a variety of animals. As the sisters juggle motherhood as well as running a business, they never stop finding inspiration from their mutual upbringing.
A Family Affair
Rosie and Lucia are now spending time in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. Ever since they could remember, their parents had taught them the fine art of discussion and debate. Their background trained them to speak their minds with bravado. Rosie reflects on this familial dynamic:
“We were encouraged to discuss and debate from an early age, to have an opinion and not be frightened of putting our view across.”
This foundation has provided the groundwork for their collaborative approach to policy at the business level. Rosie handles the day-to-day running of Troy London, leaving Lucia free to concentrate on design. Arceneaux and Jacobson’s collaboration has been integral to growing the brand from a niche side project to an established staple in the fashion industry.
Back in the early days of Troy London, the sisters literally lived their brand. They weren’t even enough to fill one rail of coats at a busy Christmas market. Their story since then has been one of growth through learning and adaptation.
“It was a journey full of learning experiences, but also very much a family business,” one sister remarked. “Our older sister Kate helped with press releases and copy-editing, our mum helped with sales and our granny inspired a piece in our collection.”
The sisters have valiantly weathered the storms of entrepreneurship side by side. They, too, have made great efforts to stay connected as family. Rosie affectionately acknowledges her role within the dynamic:
“I try not to be, but I probably am the bossy older sister.”
Navigating Life and Business
Rosie and her family now live at Hilborough House, a country house in Norfolk. When the isolation of Covid-19 lockdowns became too much, Lucia moved out of her flat in Ladbroke Grove to be with their family. This arrangement allowed the sisters to collaborate closely on their brand while enjoying family time together.
Rosie shares insights about her sons’ involvement in family milestones, noting that Maximilian, Hugo, and Orlando will serve as page boys at Lucia’s upcoming wedding to Jack Wrigley. The wedding ultimately offers yet another moment for the sisters to celebrate their shared love of their close-knit family ties.
Troy London is abuzz with exciting new changes! The sisters are getting ready to release their new safari-themed collection, and they’re particularly excited to introduce a collaborative collection with socialite influencer Callie Coles. While doing so, they’ve found ways to stay innovative and fresh without losing touch with the vision of the brand their parents started.
Her obsession with detail has turned into a hallmark of their brand. She adds:
“I’m constantly sifting through different fabrics, to get the feel of them.”
This commitment means that every work they produce goes above and beyond to achieve beautiful results, maximizing their impact aesthetically and functionally.
“I would go through every stitch and detail, building up my knowledge.”
Surrounded by their family home for almost three years now, Lucia reflects on its significance:
Inspirations and Aspirations
As Rosie and Lucia tell you, they’re both inspired by their formative experiences. They design work that resonates profoundly with buyers physically, emotionally, spiritually … all the ways. Their designs express a sensitivity to craft and a concern for what works in day-to-day life.
“This is our home, and has been for almost three years, and is hopefully where we’ll live forever. So it’s special that we’re going to have those memories here.”
They are constantly adding to their collection. They pay tribute to where they’ve come from and look forward to what’s yet to come with open arms. Troy London’s story is a testament to how commitment to family often fuels ambition at home and in the workplace.
As they continue to expand their collection, they remain committed to honoring their roots while looking forward to future endeavors. The journey of Troy London underscores the importance of family bonds in both personal life and professional pursuits.
