Clare Hornby, founder of the British fashion brand Me+Em, has overseen significant growth as the label expands into the American market. Since launching in 2009, Me+Em has built a reputation for offering women contemporary yet timeless clothing, with a particular focus on flattering fits and quality fabrics.

The brand’s origins trace back to Hornby’s childhood, inspired by a memorable pair of striped trousers she made with her mother. Despite being teased at school for the bold garment, that experience laid the foundation for Hornby’s commitment to designing clothes that help women feel confident and authentic. “I feel this unbelievable responsibility to women that they should always feel like the best version of themselves when they put on anything from Me+Em,” she said.

In the financial year ending January 2025, Me+Em reported a 24 percent increase in revenue to £147.9 million. The United States has become a key growth market since Me+Em opened its first American store in 2024, with revenues there surging 61 percent and now representing 32 percent of the brand’s total sales, second only to the UK. The company currently operates seven stores across the US, with plans for three more in the near future.

Breaking into the American fashion market, which can be challenging for British labels, has been driven by Me+Em’s focus on the "quality-price equation." Hornby notes that unlike many brands, Me+Em has avoided wholesale channels, allowing it to control margins and maintain product integrity. Additionally, the brand fills a gap in the US for clothing that balances trendiness with classic appeal—a niche Hornby identified years earlier in the UK.

One surprising insight for Hornby is the consistency in Me+Em’s best-selling products across markets, with similar styles proving popular regardless of geography. The brand appeals to a broad demographic, attracting both affluent customers who previously favored luxury designers and more budget-conscious shoppers, though some longtime customers have expressed concerns about rising prices. Hornby counters that the brand’s expanded price range now offers options from entry-level jersey palazzo pants at £59 to higher-end pieces like British tweed jackets retailing around £650.

Me+Em counts a number of high-profile figures among its fans, including actress Helen Mirren, who recently wore a fitted red jacket from the label at the Toronto Film Festival. Members of the British royal family, including the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara Tindall, as well as television presenter Claudia Winkleman, have also been spotted in the brand’s clothing.

Hornby, 57, based in an upscale area of London, embodies the brand’s ethos herself, favoring modern, understated elegance over overt luxury. “I want to look modern in an understated way. I don’t want to look too expensive,” she reflected in a recent interview.

With its steady expansion in the US and continued strength at home, Me+Em is positioning itself as a key player in accessible, stylish women’s fashion on both sides of the Atlantic.