INTERVIEW: Veronica Beard Co-Founders, Veronica Swanson Beard And Veronica Miele Beard, On Their Eponymous Label, What Inspires Them, VB Gives Back And More

Can you think back to a time when you were going from one place to the next absolutely dreading an inevitable quick turn-around and outfit change at home in-between Point A and Point B? Well, Veronica Beard, the sophisticated yet casual womenswear brand, has solved this problem for you. Veronica Beard clothing, shoes, and accessories are perfect for on-the-go women who need durable, fashionable, and versatile clothing that brings them from the morning through the night. While their roots are in fashion, they give consumers more than just clothing. Veronica Beard publishes informative blog posts that cover an array of topics, gives back to communities and people in need, and uses their platform to bring awareness to health and social issues.

We were lucky enough to interview the sister-in-law team and founders of Veronica Beard, Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard, about the company, its initiatives, and their lives as mothers and fashionistas.

Who is the Veronica Beard woman?

VMB: We believe our greatest advantage is that we are women designing for women everywhere! We love designing pieces that she lives her life in, making it easy for her to get dressed regardless of the occasion, her age, stage in life or profession.

VSB: We also want to design pieces for women who live a more casual lifestyle. That has been a focus for resort and going into spring.

During quarantine, how did each of you balance being mothers and wives, running your business, and working to support charities while finding time for yourselves?

VMB: It was hard, but I just tried to do my best for my family—I loved being assistant chef to my kids and I ended up taking most of my Zoom calls from my car. We also launched our non-medical leopard face mask (/veronicabeard.com), which is now available in our retail stores and online. For every face mask purchased, we will donate a mask to our #VBGIVESBACK partner of the quarter.

VSB: I don’t really have a home office, so I turned the basement—where my boys usually play knee hockey—into my bunker where I could get work done, practice yoga and take Zoom calls. I’ve spent so much time with my kids, who have missed a lot of time with me as I built VB over the years. There’s been so much pain during this period, but I will always remember being with them fondly.

Your VB Gives Back initiative is incredible! With so many charities around the country, how do you pick the ones to partner with?

VSB: Each quarter, we highlight a different woman and her charity, donating a portion of sales from every online transaction back to the cause all day, every day so that those who are most vulnerable can get the support they need. This quarter, we’re thrilled to be working with Sarah Alter and JDRF. When my sons’ best friend was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes it rocked everyone’s world. This incredibly gifted athletic boy had to rethink every part of his life. It was humbling to witness his and his family’s commitment to the new normal with T1D. JDRF became the resource and community for his mom, who is also one of my dearest friends, and their family. It was through her that I learned about the amazing work they do to advance science, improve the lives affected by T1D and find cures.

What are a few pieces from your summer collection neither of you can live without right now?

VMB: The Nikasha Tie-Dye Pullover, Carly High-Rise Kick Flare Jean, Elsy Embossed Leather Belt and Miriam Mules.

VSB: The Camilla Zebra Top, Arya Straight-Leg Cargo Jean, Josephine Floral Dress, Davina Crocodile Embossed Belt and Dacey Clog.

Your lines are sophisticated yet extremely versatile. What inspires each of you the most while designing and what does your creative process look like?

VMB: I’m always inspired by street style moments and seeing what women are wearing in real life. Our two perspectives are what make this brand so unique and genuine and while we don’t always agree on every minute decision or design detail, we are always aligned on the big picture when we’re designing a new collection.

VSB: I’m always inspired by past decades, but I love mixing new and old during the design process. When we’re having a conversation about a new collection or collaboration it’s so motivating because we feed off each other’s ideas and can come up with a concept that’s exciting and evocative of both our personalities—we’re very different in terms of our style—It’s an east coast meets west coast vibe.

What is each of your favorite trends this summer?

VMB: Anything tie-dye!

VSB: I’m loving all of the floral and animal prints!

For more information, visit veronicabeard.com.