Arabella Pollen

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Arabella Pollen (born 22 June 1961)[1] is an English fashion designer and, as Bella Pollen, journalist and author of five novels published between 1997 and 2011.

Early life[edit]

Arabella Rosalind Hungerford Pollen, known as Bella Pollen, is the daughter of Peregrine Michael Hungerford Pollen, a former chairman of Sotheby Parke-Bernet auction house,[2] and Patricia Helen Barry.[3] Born in Oxford, she was raised in Manhattan.[4]

Fashion career[edit]

In 1981, Pollen founded the eponymous design company Arabella Pollen, described by The Independent as: "designer of crisp, colourful clothes for the young social set".[3][5] Among her private clients were Diana, Princess of Wales, Margaux Hemingway and Marianne Faithfull.[6] Between 1981 and 1994, the company was nominated for eleven major fashion awards.[which?]

In 1984, Arabella Pollen won the contract to design staff uniforms for the newly launched Virgin Atlantic Airways and created suits in the 'Virgin Red' that is still the airline's signature colour.[7][8] In 1990, Courtaulds acquired a minority share in the company, later increasing this to a majority stake. Arabella Pollen closed in 1994, following Courtaulds' withdrawal.[3][5] Pollen continued to advise the textile giant as a design consultant.[9]

Writing career[edit]

In 1995, Pollen became a writer, working as Bella Pollen.[3] Her third book, Hunting Unicorns, became a best seller in 2004.[10] Midnight Cactus (2007) was sold to Paramount Pictures. Summer of the Bear (2011) was an Oprah summer pick and a Richard and Judy best summer read.[10][11] Pollen has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers including The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator, The Observer and Vogue.[12][citation needed]

Personal life[edit]

Pollen's first marriage was to art dealer Giacomo Dante Algranti in 1985, with whom she had two children, Jesse and Samuel.[13] In 1995, she married David Macmillan, the grandson of former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, and director of the book publisher, Macmillan Publishers.[13][14] The couple have two children, Finn and Mabel.[13]

Bibliography[edit]

  • Meet Me in the In-Between (2018)
  • The Summer of the Bear (2011)
  • Midnight Cactus (2007)
  • Hunting Unicorns (2004)
  • B Movies, Blue Love (1999)
  • All about Men (1997)

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Weekend birthdays". The Guardian. 21 June 2014. p. 42.
  2. ^ Huda, Shireen (2008). Pedigree and Panache: A History of the Art Auction in Australia. Canberra, ACT: ANU E Press. p. 28. ISBN 9781921313721.
  3. ^ a b c d "Arabella ('Bella') Pollen (1961–), Novelist and fashion designer". National Portrait Gallery. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  4. ^ Pollen, Bella (11 May 2017). "My life in fashion: Bella Pollen". Financial Times. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  5. ^ a b Roger Tredre (20 May 1993). "Textiles giant axes designer fashion firm: The demise of the Arabella Pollen concern has shocked the clothing industry. Roger Tredre reports on the failure of an ambitious project – UK – News". The Independent. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  6. ^ "Dishy Designer Arabella Won't Let a Naughty Photograph Interfere with Her Plans to Pollen-Ate British Fashion". People. 22 (18). 29 October 1984. Archived from the original on 10 February 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  7. ^ "Our crew". Virgin Atlantic. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  8. ^ Kathy Field Stephen. "Virgin Atlantic Airlines: flying to London can be cheap – and fun, too". Christian Science Monitor. CSMonitor.com. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  9. ^ "Arabella Pollen – Fashion Designer Encyclopedia – women, suits, style, new, body, collection, dresses, designs, pants, world, look". Fashionencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  10. ^ a b Jardine, Cassandra (25 June 2004). "Hard times in a perfect world". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  11. ^ "The Summer of the Bear by Bella Pollen By Bella Pollen – Book Finder". Oprah.com. 1 July 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  12. ^ "Bella Pollen". The Spectator. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  13. ^ a b c "Arabella Rosalind Hungerford Pollen". The Peerage. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  14. ^ Thomas, Tony (1992). "Life after Kipling and Thomas Hardy". Business Review Weekly. 14 (34–37): 55. But director David Macmillan, 35, grandson of prime minister/publisher the late Harold Macmillan...

External sources[edit]

Stub icon

This article about an English writer, poet or playwright is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arabella_Pollen&oldid=1211462062"