Millie + Kathryn
Founded by London-based sisters Kathryn and Millie Allsopp, USISI·SISTER, celebrates sisterhood, and the sisters that are given as well as chosen. Run by Kathryn and Millie independently, the two women have combined their paths in fashion buying and design with the aim to create a brand with fluidity – a purposeful snapshot of modern yet feminine clothing and accessories.
USISI means ‘Sister’ [pronounced oo-see-see] in Xhosa, one of South Africa’s official languages where Millie and Kathryn’s mother grew up.
The essence of USISI·SISTER is about the community that can be derived from sisterhood – from the woman you work next to everyday, to your very own sister. There is a decade between Kathryn and Millie in age, yet each season both women found themselves buying the same pieces in different colours – from classic tailoring, contemporary eveningwear and statement accessories. This sparked the founding ethos of the brand, to offer elevated separates in two colours or variations – a nod to how no two shoppers look the same, just like Kathryn and Millie.
USISI·SISTER was described by Women’s Wear Daily as a brand with “a foundation of sisterhood, empowering women and addressing climate change through sustainable practices.” The collection is designed in London and produced in female-led ethical factories around the world, using sustainably sourced all-natural fabrics.
In The Studio
Kathryn and Millie have over thirty years of experience in the fashion industry between them – before launching USISI·SISTER, Kathryn worked as a designer and Millie as a buyer. Working within the centre of London’s fashion industry, the art and craft of fashion has always been a priority and a personal passion. Kathryn at the American jeweller Alexis Bittar, becoming Head Designer. Working in the atelier throughout these roles, the artisanship and craft of a beautifully made item is a constant inspiration.
Like her sister, Millie also chose a career in fashion, starting in New York and joining the buying team at Moda Operandi once moving back to London, joining Browns Fashion Buying team, the luxury British boutique and online retailer. With multiple continents and varying roles between the sister’s experience, USISI·SISTER has a global and conscious outlook on the world, always striving to create community through sisterhood and style.