Q&A with Deborah Fiddy CEO and Founder of Gingerlily
We chat to Deborah Fiddy CEO and Founder of Gingerlily
How would you describe yourself?
Founder and CEO of silk bedding brand Gingerlily, happiest being with my family and friends, lover of beautifully designed spaces, products and places and inspired by the beauty of the everyday.
Tell us a bit more about you
Born in the West Indies, I moved to the UK as a teenager where we lived in London and also had a place in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, so the best of both worlds. I began my career working as an in-house lawyer for Harrods before making the leap to establish Gingerlily in 2004. Mother to 3 fabulous children.
Who are your greatest influences?
I’m incredibly lucky to say that my parents have been my biggest influences. My father was an extraordinary businessman, and my mother has a truly beautiful eye for interior design. Together, they have been my strongest supporters with Gingerlily, shaping not only the way I run the business but also the creative journey behind our product designs.
You were the first to introduce silk-filled bedding to Europe over two decades ago. Looking back, what were the biggest challenges and proudest moments?
Gingerlily began in 2004 with just one product: a silk-filled duvet. At the time, it was the first of its kind to be introduced to the European market, and the journey from idea to launch happened remarkably quickly. One moment, it was simply an idea, research and notes on paper, the next I was in Shanghai meeting the factory team who would help bring it to life – a team we still work with as trusted partners today. In what felt like no time at all, we’d placed our first order for stock. When it arrived in the UK, we didn’t yet have a warehouse or proper storage solution, so it had to come to my family home. I clearly remember the articulated lorry turning up our little, residential street in Clapham, with the driver asking where our forklift truck and warehouse were. We just had to unload the boxes onto the pavement and store in the house whilst we quickly sought a solution. It was a slightly chaotic beginning, but also an incredibly exciting one, we were just so happy to get the business underway. I think one of my proudest moments was seeing our collections presented in Harrods, and then in Bloomingdale’s in New York. Seeing our products lining the shelves was, and still is, such a real ‘pinch-me’ moment. I felt the same thrill when we launched at Bloomingdale’s in Dubai this year. It’s such a joy to see our work shared in such wonderful stores.
What inspired you to specialise in silk, and why do you believe it transforms the sleep experience compared to other fabrics?
My background was originally in law, so founding a bedding business wasn’t the most obvious path. But I’ve always been fascinated by health and wellbeing, and when I discovered the natural benefits of silk, it completely captured my interest. The more I learned, the more I realised how extraordinary it is as a sleep material. Silk bedding is naturally resistant to dust mites, making it hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and beautifully hygienic. It’s also a natural temperature regulator, adapting to your body as you sleep so it feels comfortable all year round. Unlike other fabrics that trap moisture, silk’s exceptional moisture-wicking properties disperse it, helping to prevent that clamminess and restlessness during the night. It also helps keep hair smooth and skin soft, and for people with allergies or sensitive skin, including conditions like eczema, silk can make a real difference. Yes, it looks and feels wonderfully luxurious, but more importantly, it supports truly restorative, comfortable sleep and that belief is what inspired me to start this journey.
What does the perfect silk sleep sanctuary mean to you?
In today’s world, most of us are juggling hectic schedules, endless to-do lists, and more screen time than ever. That’s why the quality of our sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. How well we sleep directly impacts our wellbeing and how we feel during the day. I am a big believer in creating a nightly ritual to signal that it’s time to wind down; a hot soak with calming lavender to ease tense muscles, some gentle stretches, taking time with your skincare, perhaps a soothing or nostalgic hot drink, a night time playlist to drift off, a candle to set a tranquil atmosphere and a silk eye mask to block out light, perfect if your partner wants to read a little longer.
Beyond bedding, what other lifestyle accessories do Gingerlily offer to help aid sleep?
We also offer a range of Gingerlily silk accessories, including hair wraps, dressing gowns, and kaftans, each designed to bring a little luxury and ease to everyday moments. Whether for sleeping, a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, a relaxing evening at home, or lounging by the pool on holiday, they combine comfort, elegance, and effortless glamour. I particularly love our Silk Travel Set, which includes a silk eye mask, travel pillow, and neck pillow, allowing you to enjoy all the comfort and health benefits of silk wherever your journeys take you.
As we enter spring, what new collections can we look forward to from Gingerlily?
We are currently working on an exciting collaboration, set to be unveiled this autumn, all in progress at the moment, so watch this space. I love partnering with like-minded creatives to bring new patterns and colours to our silk collections. Our recent launch, ‘Seashells,’ was created in collaboration with watercolour artist and illustrator Alice Edwards of Memo Press, who is also a dear friend. It reimagines one of Alice’s delicate hand-painted clam shell illustrations across a collection of silk accessories, my favourite is the dressing gown. I love how this small emblem carries such nostalgia and a sense of place, evoking escapism and gentle reminders of sun-drenched shores and treasured holiday memories.
P.S.
Last book you read?
All the Colours of The Dark - Chris Whitaker
Last podcast you listened to?
The Rest is Politics
Dream buy?
A house by the sea in either Cornwall or Barbados.
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