New ambassador for Horsham fashion brand

Captain Tortue, in Mill Bay Lane, sells women’s and children’s clothing, exclusively through its independent consultants. Founded in 1993 by Lilian and Philppe Jacquelinet, Captain Tortue is still a family business today.

Little Captain, for children (Capt’n Tortue) is the heritage brand and was the only collection for the first 10 years. Exclusive designs, luxury fabrics and a creative way of selling, makes Captain Tortue unique. Based in Aix en Provence, this inspiring brand epitomises the ethos of French chic. The UK division is based in Horsham, West Sussex.

Author, TV Presenter and Business Woman, Saira Khan, first graced our screens as the runner up on the inaugural UK Series of The Apprentice in 2005. Since then Saira has become a regular presence on British TV. She has presented several documentaries for the BBC on topics of personal interest and an edition of The Money Programme about entrepreneurial mothers. Saira has appeared as a guest on BBC and ITV shows, such as Countdown and Ready Steady Cook, presented the CBBC shows Trade Your Way to the USA and Beat the Boss and currently co-presents The Martin Lewis Money Show with Martin Lewis. She has just been signed up by ITV to present a new daytime game show airing in July 2015 and made her debut as a regular guest panellist on ITV’s Loose Women on Monday 15th June.

Saira also has her own brand of natural skin care, Miamoo, has published a book, P.U.S.H for Success and not surprisingly, is a sought-after motivational speaker across the UK.

Saira discovered Captain Tortue as a regular customer, when a friend became a consultant for the brand. As a high profile business woman, presenter and mother of two young children, she was initially seduced by the quality, style and affordability of the clothes. Collections that work together, across the seasons and also look great on TV!

Saira says, “As a busy working mum I don’t have time to visit shops or spend hours trawling through websites for clothes. What I love about Captain Tortue is that it gives me a capsule wardrobe of stylish, fashionable, practical clothes that are flattering and great quality - sold to me by best mate! I also love the idea that I’m helping my friend with her business, every time I buy something. Plus, the clothes are pretty unique, because they can’t be bought on the high street, so that’s a real bonus. Quite simply, they’re the sort of clothes that you just put on and forget about, leaving you to concentrate on what’s important.”

The relaxed, convenient way of home-selling is also a major plus, with its time-saving benefits and enjoyable, social atmosphere created by shopping with a group of girlfriends over a drink or coffee.

But more than that, the ethos of the company, which allows women to set up their own business that fits in with their lives, is close to Saira’s heart. It’s this powerful, unique combination, which has made Saira eager to wear the mantle of Brand Ambassador to raise awareness of this French fashion brand that speaks chic and empowers women.

Report and picture contributed by Deborah Hammond.