Boutique owner has global dream

AMBITION: Paulette Mouquet at her fashion shop on Waterloo Street, Oldham

ROME, New York, Paris... Oldham?

At first glance, it doesn't have the same ring to it as the fashion capitals of the world.

But French designer Paulette Mouquet has a very special reason for re-locating to the town from the home of haute couture, Paris.

Paulette has brought her ReadyLady Creations fashion house to Waterloo Street, in the town's Independent Quarter, in honour of the area's rich textile heritage.

"It seemed fitting to base myself here," said the swimwear and wedding lingerie designer, who also puts together her garments.

"Oldham has such strong links to textiles, being one of the biggest cotton producers in the world, so it feels good to be here and I want to connect with that. I didn't want to go to London and I know Manchester is really up and coming on the fashion scene."

Paulette worked for American Airlines at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, before turning her passion into a career.

She learned image consultancy and she also has her own make-up range on her French website. She's been selling her lines in France for a couple of years, including from a boutique on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Her next ambition is to launch Oldham into the fashion stratosphere by staging a north west fashion show, attracting the best and brightest designers from across the region.

She's starting with a show at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on July 16.

"I would like to hear from any designers in the area who would like to be part of the fashion show," said Paulette, who has invited friends and fellow designers from Paris to attend the event.

"I intend to hold the catwalk shows twice a year after that and really put Oldham on the fashion map."

Paulette has been helped in her venture by the government-backed Business Growth Hub, based in Manchester, and attended its Oldham Business Start-Up Workshop.

The organisation has helped her with the logistics of setting up the business, networking, meeting fashion tutors from Oldham College to explore involving students and arranging support through Manchester Growth Company's Textile Programme.

To find out more about the fashion show and buy tickets go to the 'Oldham International Fashion Show' Facebook page.