Trinny Woodall, English fashion designer and author

Sarah-Jane Duncanson "Trinny" Woodall, born on 8 February 1964, is a highly influential English fashion and makeover expert, a prominent television presenter, and a best-selling author. Renowned for her direct yet empathetic approach to style, Woodall has spent decades empowering individuals to feel confident through their clothing choices and, more recently, through innovative beauty solutions.

Her remarkable career trajectory began in 1994, after dedicating ten years to the marketing industry. It was then that Woodall formed a pivotal professional partnership with Susannah Constantine. This dynamic duo quickly made their mark by co-writing a weekly fashion column for the prestigious newspaper, The Daily Telegraph. Their insightful and often humorous advice resonated widely, laying the groundwork for a broader enterprise.

Building on the success of their column, Woodall and Constantine expanded their reach by launching their own pioneering internet fashion-advice business, one of the early digital platforms offering personalized style guidance. This digital venture naturally transitioned into the world of publishing, leading to the release of their very first collaborative fashion-advice book, which cemented their reputation as accessible style authorities.

The duo's visibility soared when they were commissioned by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to host "What Not to Wear" in 2001. This groundbreaking television series transformed the fashion landscape, helping countless individuals navigate personal style challenges and embrace their unique body shapes. The immense popularity of the show propelled the release of their second book, also titled "What Not to Wear," in 2002. This publication was a phenomenal success, earning them a coveted British Book Award and selling over 670,000 copies, demonstrating their significant impact on the mainstream fashion discourse.

The creative synergy between Woodall and Constantine led them to co-author an impressive total of 11 fashion advice books. Several of these literary works achieved best-seller status not only in their native United Kingdom but also across the United States, collectively selling over 3 million copies worldwide. Their influence extended beyond advice; in 2003, they innovated the shapewear market with the launch of "Trinny & Susannah's Original Magic Knickers." This revolutionary range of body-shaping underwear quickly gained global traction, becoming available in 30 countries and redefining comfort and confidence in foundation garments.

After five successful series co-hosting "What Not to Wear" and expanding their global presence with influential appearances as style and makeover advisors on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Woodall and Constantine transitioned to ITV in 2006. There, they continued their transformative work, hosting new series such as "Trinny & Susannah Undress..." and "Undress the Nation," which further explored the psychological aspects of personal style and self-acceptance. Their brand expanded into retail as they became the faces of Littlewoods Direct, subsequently launching their own Littlewoods clothing range. This period also saw the release of their fifth fashion advice book in 2007, "The Body Shape Bible," a comprehensive guide designed to help individuals dress effectively for their specific silhouette. By 2009, they had embarked on their ambitious "International Makeover Mission" series, a testament to their global appeal and commitment to helping women worldwide. Throughout the 2000s, Woodall and Constantine filmed over 20 series across various platforms, reaching an estimated audience of over 30 million women in more than 31 countries, solidifying their status as international style icons.

In 2016, Trinny Woodall embarked on a new phase of her career, establishing herself as a regular and highly valued fashion style expert on ITV's popular morning programme, "This Morning." Her segments provided practical, accessible fashion advice to a wide audience, further cementing her individual authority in the industry. The culmination of her extensive experience in fashion, makeovers, and understanding women's needs led to her most significant entrepreneurial venture: the founding of Trinny London in October 2017. This innovative, digital-first global beauty brand revolutionized the makeup industry with its unique stackable, cream-based products and personalized approach, quickly garnering a massive following and establishing Woodall as a formidable force in the beauty world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trinny Woodall and Her Ventures

When did Trinny Woodall begin her career in fashion?

Trinny Woodall transitioned into the fashion industry in 1994 after spending a decade in marketing, marking the beginning of her collaborative work with Susannah Constantine.

What was Trinny Woodall's first major television show?

Trinny Woodall's first major television presenting role was co-hosting "What Not to Wear" on the BBC, which premiered in 2001 and became a cultural phenomenon.

How many books have Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine co-authored?

Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine famously co-authored 11 fashion advice books, several of which became international best-sellers, selling over 3 million copies globally.

What is Trinny London?

Trinny London is a pioneering digital-first global beauty brand founded by Trinny Woodall in October 2017. It is renowned for its innovative stackable makeup system and personalized beauty advice, designed to simplify and enhance daily routines.

What is the concept behind Trinny & Susannah's Original Magic Knickers?

Trinny & Susannah's Original Magic Knickers, launched in 2003, were an innovative shapewear line designed to offer comfort and confidence by subtly smoothing and shaping the body, quickly gaining international popularity and being sold in 30 countries.