Donna’s creative talents and natural instincts for fashion have come to the fore in the business and, as Blue Illusion has grown, so too has her confidence—both in her leadership abilities and her own sense of style. Today, as CEO and Creative Director, Donna is keenly attuned to global fashion trends and current looks on the streets of Paris. “I’ve always loved trends, and now it’s Max Mara and Fendi that excite me,” she says.

In her own wardrobe, Donna embraces the occasional investment piece from big brands like Chanel, Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. It’s these classic pieces that stand the test of time, says Donna. “I have a black Versace dress that I wore to a friend’s birthday twenty years ago,” she says, “but it’s still modern today.”

Dressing for today

While Donna admits to being “obsessed with denim all my life!”, she acknowledges that her style has shifted as she’s matured. “My colour palette has changed,” she says, along with a gravitation to more quality garments. “These days, I’m drawn to natural fibres—cotton, silk, linen, cashmere and wool,” says Donna. “I’m more comfortable in natural fabrications. I really love texture and style, and the perfect fit, of course!”

For many women, aging can mean a shift in priorities and, often, identity. Career changes, hormones, an empty nest—all of this can impact on your idea of fashion over 50. For Donna, being in her sixties has brought a new sense of freedom. “I wear what I want when I want,” she says. “I think being in your sixties is a time of empowerment—a time when you really know how to live life to the full.”

Style after menopause can mean liberation and experimentation. But it can also be a time when your wardrobe might need tweaking. “If you are feeling your confidence with fashion has shifted, then working with a stylist can really help you discover some key looks that make you happy,” says Donna. How to find your personal style after 50 doesn’t have to be daunting. Donna firmly believes that women deserve a sense of joie in dressing—at every age and stage of life.

The Blue Illusion difference

As a family owned and run business, Blue Illusion’s collections can’t help but feel personal to Donna. “My daughter, who is one of the senior designers here, is creating a special Mother’s Day collection,” she says. “It’s for both of us, and a lot about our personal style.” The duo looked to the streets of Paris for inspiration—seeing bold-coloured knits and a trend for denim—as well as to their own wardrobes. “I’m always bringing my wardrobe to work for inspiration!” says Donna. “It is absolutely an influence on the designers.”

Along with having one eye on future collections, Donna is thrilled to be launching Blue Illusion’s first ever collection to feature a bathing suit, and she’s hoping it will put a smile on women’s faces. “We just launched the Chyka Swimwear Collaboration,” says Donna. “It’s a new category for us and we are very excited!” The capsule includes a convertible one-piece swimsuit, a matching skirt and a sarong—all in a vibrant Patch Floral print—and is designed to flatter the figure and support a woman’s confidence.

“We want women to feel a sense of joie,” says Donna, “to feel confident as they experience every aspect of life.”

 “We all know that, when we look great, our confidence glows.”

 Absolument, Donna! Absolument!

If you would like to discover how to refresh your look and inject some joie into your own wardrobe overhaul, please book your personal appointment with an in-store Blue
Illusion stylist.