
The Goelet Story
Meet Julia Aslet. Our Founder.
Like all good stories, Goelet is inspired by romance. Named after Mary ‘Mae’ Goelet, an American heiress of the Gilded Age, who moved to Scotland after falling in love with the 8th Duke of Roxburghe, Goelet is inspired by my own transatlantic love story and move from New York City to the United Kingdom.
The idea for Goelet was born out of my love of historical fashion and the golden age of elegance. I decided to create Goelet as a result of the difficulties I faced in finding something fabulous, glamorous and entirely unique in today’s fashion world. Instead of the avant-garde fashions of today, Goelet aims to take inspiration from the most beautiful, and wearable aspects of historical fashion.
Sustainability and craftsmanship are at the core of our brand. All our fabrics use natural fibres and come from UK fabric suppliers. Our dresses exude elegance and luxury while simultaneously caring for your skin. Goelet dresses are made in London in a women-owned garment studio where workers are well paid for their labour.
I am very proud of the clothing we make. The Girl in Pearls dress was designed for my appearance as the frontispiece in Country Life in June 2024. After hours of looking, I could not find my dream dress anywhere. So I decided to make it. Inspired by dresses from the golden age of couture and old Hollywood, it is crafted in timeless lightweight dupion silk, which drapes beautifully, and is lined in GOTS certified organic cotton. Made to last, the timeless elegance of the design makes it a dress you can pass on to your daughter and granddaughter.
With Love,
Julia Aslet
About Mary Goelet. Our Inspiration.
Mary ‘Mae’ Goelet was a prominent figure in New York’s Gilded Age, known for her grace and sophistication. Mary embodied the opulence of the era, but also had an eye for timeless elegance that transcended fleeting trends. Following love across the Atlantic, as the Duchess of Roxburghe, her fame as a figure of great beauty and refinement spread far and wide in her day.
Mary’s life reflects an appreciation for lasting elegance and romance, making her an ideal namesake for a brand focused on glamour and enduring craft.
Image of Mary Goelet reproduced with kind permission of the Duke of Roxburghe.
