Tory Burch on what inspires her—and the moments that drive her

She has been a cultural architect and fashion visionary ever since launching her eponymous brand in 2004, debuting her first collection from her Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan. In just two decades, Tory Burch has carved out a legacy that now stands proudly alongside luxury houses that took generations to build.

Her design language thrives on contrasts—the ease of bohemia, the grace of soft femininity, and the quiet strength of polished confidence—all converging to shape what we now know as the Tory Burch woman. Burch is more than a designer; she is a creative force in constant evolution. And her brand? A living, breathing entity that evolves with her.

Over jet lag-soothing coffee and squares of dark chocolate, Burch sits down with Bazaar India in Dubai to reflect on the moments India first captured her imagination—and how memory, meaning, and reinvention continue to guide her path.

Harper’s Bazaar: Take us inside the Tory Burch atelier. What unexpected sources of inspiration might we find if we rummaged through your workspace in New York?

Tory Burch: Oh my gosh, so much! You’d find loads of music and old CDs—we still play them. I’m obsessed with all kinds of music, so the range is quite eclectic. We also have a lot of 19th-century men’s haberdashery, various vests and original English rugby clothing— things that speak to silhouette and construction. You might even come across a swatch from my father’s dinner jacket, which he made himself.

HB: Twenty years ago, you presented your first collection in your Upper East Side apartment. Since then, what have been some of the most unexpected spaces where Tory Burch collections have come to life

TB: We’ve been incredibly fortunate to show in some amazing places. We approached it with the idea of celebrating iconic New York institutions, and showing at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was a dream— they’d never hosted a fashion show before. Then there was the Domino Sugar Factory, which was incredible. I love how each venue is so distinct, yet all so emblematic of New York. We’ve also shown at the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library. Every year, I think, “How do we top that?”

HB: If you could stage a Tory Burch show anywhere in the world, where would it be?

TB: That’s a tough one. I love Italy and Paris, but I also enjoy showing in the US. Actually, how about India? India has inspired me from the very beginning. The colours, the embroidery, the detail—it’s all been part of my aesthetic from day one. I’ve always been drawn to women around the world, and the women in India are so chic and sophisticated. I haven’t visited in far too long—I need to return soon.

HB: How frequently do you feel the need to refresh the brand? And how would you define a ‘Toryssance’?

TB: I love that word—‘Toryssance’. I’ve always been intrigued by evolution and reinvention. It’s not a scheduled process. When I started the business, I had a clear creative vision, but as it grew, I was pulled in many directions. When I launched the Tory Sport collection in 2015, it had a different supply chain and even a separate logo. Then, when Covid hit and Pierre-Yves joined, I stepped away from the CEO role and could finally focus entirely on creativity. So, while I wouldn’t say I’m reinventing, I’m always in the process of reinvention.

HB: The brand’s evolution has leaned towards ease, strength, elegance, and even comfort. How intentional is that balance, and who is the Tory Burch woman today?

TB: It’s about women—not defined by age, background, or demographics, but by a shared sensibility, a connection to how the clothes make them feel. If we can help someone feel confident, strong, powerful, and beautiful, then that’s our woman. We want her to make the clothes her own, in a uniquely individual way. I don’t like overly fussy or gimmicky designs. I talk about this often with my team—comfort is non-negotiable.

HB: In an era of fleeting Instagram trends, how do you keep the Tory Burch woman engaged? Amid all the noise, where does your creative compass point, and what continues to truly inspire and challenge you?

TB: I focus on what women truly want to desire. I don’t get too caught up in Instagram trends—following them blindly can dilute your brand. For me, it’s about quality and the integrity of design—pieces that spark an emotional connection. I want our clothes to feel timeless, yet distinctive. We may nod to trends, but we never chase them. Street style, films, or travel—inspiration is everywhere. It might strike while walking through Soho. Inspiration is easy—it’s the storytelling and interpretation that take work.

HB: Let’s imagine your dream front row. Who would be there?

TB: Recently, we’ve had an amazing mix—film director Janicza Bravo, artist Rashid Johnson, entrepreneur Martha Stewart (I adore her), and actors Uma Thurman, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Mindy Kaling, who’s a friend too. I love a front row that’s diverse and dynamic.

HB: In 2013, you were named Forbes’ self-made American billionaire. You once mentioned hesitating to use the word ‘ambition’ due to how it’s perceived in women. In 2025, what would you say to young women pursuing their goals, especially in relation to money?

TB: Don’t let anyone define your limits. I had to learn to trust myself and feel confident in my instincts. Tune out the noise. Tenacity, grit, and perseverance—that’s what my parents instilled in me. Grace under pressure is something I live by. It helps you stay focused, even in today’s chaos.

HB: Fashion has long reflected culture—and increasingly, it shapes it. How does Tory Burch navigate the intersection of fashion and social consciousness? What role do you think luxury brands should play in driving meaningful cultural dialogue?

TB: It all comes back to authenticity. The brands I admire stand for something. From the beginning, our mission has been to drive positive change, but it can’t be top-down. It has to be part of your culture, your hiring, and daily practices. You create space for honesty and diverse perspectives—that’s how real dialogue begins. I don’t want people around me who only say yes. I want honest, thoughtful conversations.

Images: Courtesy the brand

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