Crafting Angry Olivia : The Coachford Family

The Coachford family, an esteemed and time-honored lineage, has long been celebrated for its extraordinary skill in manipulating lace as though it were the most delicate and elastic of materials. The origins of this illustrious business trace back nine generations, preceding the births of Leïla and Billy, with the visionary Diane Coachford at its helm. Unlike the current generation of Coachford women—renowned for their impeccable and luxurious attire—Diane was the daughter of a humble fruit seller. Driven by necessity, she taught herself to sew in hopes of supplementing her family’s modest income. Initially dismissed by her parents, her passion soon garnered her fame when she crafted the most intricate lace pyjamas for the daughter of the local Countess, a creation that marked the beginning of the family's legacy.

Throughout history, it was whispered that wherever Coachford lace was found, prosperity followed. This reputation arose not only from the intricacy of the lace but from its exclusivity. The craftsmanship was so exquisite, and the price so exorbitant, that any man who glimpsed a woman adorned in Coachford lace was said to propose on the spot. The most affluent women from across the globe vied for the rare privilege of owning one of the fewer than one hundred pieces produced annually. The Coachford family, ever mindful of their heritage, prioritized the quality of their work over mass production. To possess such a coveted item was to secure one's place beside a future ruler or a man of great influence.

It was into this esteemed lineage that Billy and Leïla were born. Their mother, the ninth-generation matriarch of the Coachford dynasty, now presided over the family business with the assistance of her children. Billy, inheriting his father’s astute business acumen, managed the finances and ensured that the family’s primary suppliers remained exclusive to them—a formidable task, given the lavish gifts offered by competitors in attempts to lure them away. Yet, the Coachford family had a secret weapon: they shared ownership of the business with their suppliers, offering substantial financial incentives to the descendants of these partners, provided they remained loyal and did not collaborate with competitors. Leïla, on the other hand, inherited her mother’s creative genius. She revitalized the brand, infusing it with a modern flair that captivated a younger audience, thereby ensuring the company’s continued success.

Following a cordial dinner with the Bell family, the Coachfords returned to France, where Leïla assisted her mother in crafting a new collection titled Le Fauve—a French term meaning "The Beast." This vibrant and audacious collection, with its bold colours and striking designs, quickly became one of the most successful in the family’s storied history.