House of CB, a British designer lifestyle womenswear brand, was founded by Conna Walker in 2010, the brand quickly ascended from its humble beginnings on eBay to becoming a fashion empire beloved by celebrities worldwide. This blog post explores the journey of House of CB, tracing its evolution from a teenage entrepreneur's bedroom in London to an international fashion powerhouse.
What is the House of CB?
House of CB is a London-based women's fashion retailer founded by Conna Walker in 2010, initially known as Celeb Boutique. The brand specializes in affordable, designer-inspired party clothing, focusing on creating an hourglass silhouette. Its product offerings include evening dresses, accessories, fitness lines, and a bridal collection. House of CB uses a strong social media presence, engaging influencers to boost visibility. Notable milestones include collaborations with celebrities like Beyoncé, Khloé Kardashian, and Gigi Hadid. The brand has diversified and is available at major retailers like Nordstrom and Selfridges.
Timeline
- 2009: Conna Walker starts selling wholesale fashion items on eBay under Celeb Boutique.
- 2010: Official foundation of House of CB.
- 2014: Rebranded from Celeb Boutique to House of CB, transitioned to in-house designs, key expansion via social media.
- 2016: Gained significant celebrity endorsements, solidifying presence on the red carpet.
- 2019: Opened standalone stores in the UK and US; Walker was described as a young designer mogul.
- 2020: Continuation of in-house designing and rapid market expansion.
- 2021: Sustained growth through innovative marketing strategies despite global challenges.
- 2022: Expansion of flagship locations, further establishing an international presence.
- 2024: Reached 4.5 million Instagram followers, continued global expansion, with new plans for locations like Dubai.
Foundation and Early Years
2009: The journey of House of CB began when a 17-year-old Conna Walker started selling wholesale garments on eBay under the name Celeb Boutique.
2010: Officially founded in 2010, House of CB was born out of Walker's bedroom in London. Immediate success on eBay encouraged her to build her website to provide a more bespoke service.
Building a Brand
2014: Conna Walker transitioned from selling wholesale items to creating her designs, marking a significant turning point. She rebranded Celeb Boutique to House of CB to reflect the brand's new direction and identity. The same year, the company embraced social media, particularly Instagram, which became a critical tool in cultivating the brand's image and expanding its reach.
2016: House of CB's designs gained traction among Hollywood celebrities, with notable names like Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, and the Kardashians donning Walker's creations. This year marked the brand's significant arrival on the red carpet, cementing its reputation for affordable luxury.
2019: House of CB expanded its physical presence by opening standalone stores in key locations, including the UK and the US. Conna Walker's relentless drive and innovative marketing strategies, especially her savvy use of social media and influencer collaborations, have been crucial in scaling the business.
Rapid Growth and Market Expansion
2020: House of CB's pieces, characterized by their form-fitting, feminine designs, continued to appeal to a diverse customer base, expanding its market presence both online and offline. The brand’s commitment to designing all pieces in-house in London became a fixture in its identity and selling point.
2021: Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, House of CB managed to sustain and grow its market presence, further leveraging its strong online sales platform and adapting to the shift in consumer buying habits.
2022: The brand's flagship store in Westfield, Stratford, became an iconic location, symbolizing Walker's rise from a market stall in Dalston to a prominent figure in the global fashion industry.
2024: As of May 2024, House of CB boasts 4.5 million followers on Instagram, a testament to its formidable social media presence and ability to engage with a vast audience. The brand has expanded its retail footprint, opening stores in strategic international markets, including Australia and plans for Dubai.
