For our latest In Conversation With, we sat down in the Devon family home of Beyond Nine’s founder, Naomi Raybould, and her mum, Jenny. Together, they reflect on Naomi’s childhood in Brighton, Jenny’s iconic fashion of the 1980s, and the generational inspiration that shaped our new collection, North Laine ’85. From Jenny’s original jumpsuit — the catalyst behind Beyond Nine’s very first design — to their shared perspectives on style, motherhood, and identity, this conversation is a heartfelt look at the threads that tie family and fashion together.
Naomi wears the Ruth Spice Knitted Jumper.
Naomi, we know one of your first designs for Beyond Nine was inspired by one of Jenny’s 1980s jumpsuits. Can you tell us a little about that piece and why it stuck with you? Jenny, do you remember wearing it?
Naomi: It really stuck with me because of the colours — one was this amazing bright turquoise, the other a bold fuchsia pink. I first thought of it during my first pregnancy, when I struggled to find clothes I actually wanted to wear. Then in my second pregnancy, Mum gave me one of her 1980s jumpsuits. What I loved most was the comfort — but I also realised my mum’s versions had always been too short in the body for me. That’s what ultimately inspired the very first Beyond Nine jumpsuits: taking that same sense of ease and fun, but adapting the fit so it really worked for women like me.
Jenny: Yes — in fact, Naomi even contacted the woman who originally made them to see if she could create one for her. She never responded, so Naomi decided, “Well, I’ll just make it myself.”
The turquoise one I had was made from a heavier fleece-backed fabric — I wore it through the winter, layered with boots, chunky jackets, and pieces underneath. At the time, everyone else was wearing frilly, flouncy Laura Ashley dresses or patched jeans with plackets, so a bright turquoise jumpsuit felt completely different. But I loved how comfortable it was.
Then, when all the children arrived in the springtime, I switched to a lighter jersey cotton version in a vivid fuchsia pink. I have such strong memories of wearing it — including breastfeeding in it at a very posh restaurant in the south of France, where my younger brother got married. It caused quite a stir; I simply slipped down the shoulder with a muslin over me and fed at the table, which was definitely frowned upon back then!
Motherhood doesn’t really change — we all step into it a little blind, a little blasé, and completely unprepared. But what I remember most from those days are the friendships that carried us through.
Jenny wears the Kitty Washed Black Denim Jacket and Huxley Black Mini Grid Linen Trousers. Naomi wears the Jill Black Jumpsuit (launching 28th September).
The new collection, North Laine '85, draws on your childhood in Brighton. What do you each remember most about that time — Naomi, growing up, and Jenny, mothering during that era?
Naomi: I remember my clothes so vividly. My absolute favourite was this amazing navy polka-dot set in sweatshirt jersey — it had a rara skirt with matching poppers on the top. I adored it and wore it constantly.
Jenny: Yes — always with white tights! Even as a toddler you were determined to dress yourself. You were very clear on what you liked, on your colours, on what you would and wouldn’t wear. I probably influenced things by saying no to certain choices, but whenever you had time alone with your dad, Hugh, he would happily take you shopping at Hennes.
Naomi: That’s how I ended up with my favourite ever coat — Mum would never have let me buy it. It was a pink puffer with a multi-coloured pattern, and I absolutely loved it. But Mum was mortified
Jenny: I still remember meeting you from a work conference — you arrived proudly wearing that pink coat. I turned to Hugh and said, “Really?” and he just replied, “Well, she chose it, and she’s going to wear it.”
Naomi wears the Ruth Spice Knitted Jumper and Daisy Black Textured Cotton Trousers.
Let’s talk style. What were your favourite looks or wardrobe staples in the 1980s?
Jenny: For me, style at that time was always dictated by cut and comfort — clothes I could live in around the children. At work, too, I often just wore what made me feel like myself. In my first professional job as a psychologist, I turned up in baggy denim dungarees, Doc Martens, and a brown puffer. My boss looked me up and down and asked, “Are you going into school like that?” And I just said, “Yes.” He didn’t dare say it was inappropriate. That was the moment I realised I was going to dress how I wanted, in what made me feel comfortable.
I also had these soft, brown, tweedy wool trousers that I wore endlessly. That’s the thing about clothes — the ones you reach for again and again are the ones that just feel right, the ones you don’t even have to think about.
Jenny wears the Peggy Washed Black Jersey Top and Remi Mulberry Gingham Denim Jeans (launching 21st September).
How has your approach to getting dressed changed over the years — from your 20s to now? Has motherhood or grandmotherhood influenced how you get dressed or what you feel good in?
Naomi: I think there’s much less distinction now between what I wear for work and what I wear at home than there used to be. Motherhood definitely changes how you dress — practicality becomes essential. But I also feel that many of us lose a bit of our sense of self because of that. We end up dressing for ease — clothes that can handle being on the floor with the kids or sticky hands — rather than for how we want to feel.
Beyond Nine really started from that place: wanting to create clothes that were practical and comfortable, but also beautifully cut, in quality fabrics, and that still felt like me. So many of us just default to leggings and baggy t-shirts, and I wanted to offer something different — pieces that worked for the realities of motherhood, but still allowed you to feel confident and yourself.
Naomi wears the Kimi Mink Knitted Jumper and Tori Mid Wash Cotton Drill Trousers (launching next month).
Naomi, as a mother now yourself — and Jenny, now a grandmother — what are the things you no longer want to compromise on when it comes to clothes and how they make you feel?
Jenny: I suppose I’m at a stage now where I just won’t compromise — whether it’s on comfort, colour, or cut. For me, the quality of the material is everything. I like to wear clothes that last, which is why I still have jackets from 25 years ago that I wear and love. People often ask if something is new, and I’ll say, “No, it’s at least 20 years old.” There’s nothing better than pulling something out from the back of your wardrobe and realising how much you still love it.
As for being a grandmother, I don’t feel I dress because I’m a grandma — I dress for myself. The only adjustment I make is practical: if I’m gardening, I won’t wear my best linen trousers. Otherwise, it’s about wearing what makes me feel good, regardless of age or stage.
What does Beyond Nine mean to each of you, personally?
Naomi: Beyond Nine really does feel like my fourth child. It’s so tied to who I am and my sense of identity — it’s been such a big part of my life for almost a decade now. We’re eight this month, which feels wild, because my eldest is ten, so the brand has grown up alongside my children. In so many ways, it’s completely blurred into my life — sometimes in difficult ways, but mostly in wonderful ones. It really is my whole being. I live and breathe it. And honestly, I don’t think any business can thrive without a founder who is fully invested, who believes in it wholeheartedly.
I also have to mention my husband Miles. From the start, he believed in me and told me, “Go for it — but if you do, it has to be 100%. Half measures won’t work.” That support and conviction really gave me the push I needed.
Jenny: I sometimes feel like I’m a walking advert for Beyond Nine — and I love that. I’m always so pleased when people stop me and ask, “Where did you get those trousers?” or “Where’s that top from?” It makes me proud, not just because I get to wear pieces that feel so good, but because I know how much heart Naomi has poured into making the brand what it is.
