FRANCES BROUDIE
OLDRIDGE
Director, Auteur+PR
Born in East End London in 1956 to working-class parents, I grew up surrounded by resilience, creativity, and a deep love of fashion—thanks to my mother, a skilled seamstress who nurtured my instinct for emerging trends. Moving to the suburbs, I was an outsider in a new community, but by 14, I was carving my own path—working weekends, going to gigs, and immersing myself in London’s vibrant subcultures.
My fashion journey began as a first-generation, non-political skinhead—a raw, multicultural movement where sharp tailoring met the underground sounds of ska and reggae. We weren’t divided; black and white stood side by side in basement clubs, united by music. As sounds evolved, so did I. From the structured aesthetic of skinhead culture to the free-flowing expression of hippie style, my look followed the rhythm of the time. Music wasn’t fragmented like it is today—it moved in waves, and with each shift, a new movement emerged, bringing with it a clear sense of identity.
My early career took me from Carnaby Street’s creative hub to the photographic darkrooms of the West End and the industrial heart of Docklands, where I worked as a microfilm printer, lab technician, and one of London’s only female rat catchers in its most infested districts. In the ‘90s, I found myself at the heart of the city’s fashion world, managing Kicker stores across London’s most iconic retail hubs—High Street Kensington, Bayswater, King’s Road, Covent Garden, Beauchamp Place, and South Molton Street. Kickers were the original fashion boot to hit the UK, and working with the brand kept me fully immersed in the ever-changing fashion landscape. It also brought me into close contact with the New Romantic movement, a scene that blurred the lines between fashion, art, and music. Frequenting The Blitz Club, I experienced firsthand the creative explosion that would define an era—bold, theatrical styling, avant-garde self-expression, and a cultural shift that resonated deeply with my own artistic outlook.
Over the years, I explored a vast range of creative industries—working in film, founding an independent record label, immersing myself in the ‘90s rave scene, training as a chocolatier and sculptor, and later stepping into acting for stage and film. Along the way, I performed at high-profile Skin2-supported charity balls, including a standout event organized by The Outsiders, a charity championing the sexual rights of disabled people. Held in a disused warehouse behind the Ritz Hotel in the ‘90s, it drew icons like Leigh Bowery—the ultimate artist, entrepreneur, and provocateur—whose fearless creativity aligned with my own ethos. These experiences cemented my place within avant-garde circles, shaping my understanding of art, fashion, and cultural influence.
Now, as director of Auteur+PR, I bring a lifetime of cultural immersion, industry experience, and fearless creativity to the world of PR. Auteur+PR isn’t just about promotion—it’s about storytelling, identity, and impact. With deep roots in fashion, film, and the arts, I understand the industries I represent because I’ve lived them. If you want PR that’s bold, authentic, and culturally connected, Auteur+PR is here to make it happen.
