Dominique Laird
NAME :
Dominique Laird.
OCCUPATION :
Creative Director and entrepreneur, founder of So Much Trouble and Blended Wellness.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN :
Blackpool, UK.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START SO MUCH TROUBLE :
A love for individuality, storytelling, and style that transcends trends. I wanted to reframe vintage not as nostalgia, but as timeless luxury. So Much Trouble was born to disrupt fast fashion and celebrate conscious, curated dressing—with a wink.
WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE BUSINESS :
Letting go of pieces I’ve hunted down with love. That and doing ten jobs at once while still having the energy and brain power to wash my face before bed.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU SOLD :
A vintage Hermes Couture jacket from the ’90s. It was bold, sensual, and loud but in the best way.
IS IT HARD TO PART WITH SOME PIECES :
Absolutely. Every piece has a story.. But I remind myself that style should be lived in, not locked away.
ARE YOU PLANNING MORE SMT STORES :
Yes. The dream is to create experiential style spaces across the region, each one unique, like the vintage it holds.
WE LOVE THE SMT NAME WHERE DID THAT COME FROM :
It’s an ode to the rule-breakers. The name came to me in a moment of chaos—it felt cheeky, bold, and a little bit rebellious. Just like the women I admire. I feel it resonates with women because it’s so true. When you are surrounded by irresistible items, it’s almost impossible not to get yourself in trouble. Payday or not.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT :
The current one, we are curating a second SMT on The Palm. It’s the perfect blend of destination, drama, and design.
ARE YOU A COLLECTOR :
Without question. Fashion, memories, energy, art. I collect what speaks.
IF YOU COULD WORK WITH ANY MODEL ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE:
Cindy Crawford is iconic, effortless, always. And Zendaya, for her transformative elegance.
YOUR FAVOURITE CLOTHING BRAND :
Vintage Galliano for Dior. The drama, the detail, the storytelling.
IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH ANY DESIGNER WHO WOULD IT BE:
Alexander McQueen. His work was dark poetry. I’d love to get inside that mind.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS :
Curious. Fearless. Intentional.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY :
Spinning in my little Nan’s silk robe and heels, pretending it was catwalk couture.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A KID :
Obsessed with dressing up, full of big ideas, and always questioning everything. I love to create art, clothing, dance routines, and everything in between.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION :
A vintage ring from my Nan, it’s my creative talisman.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE :
Julia Roberts’s, Pretty Woman era. With slightly messier hair and a vintage wardrobe.
CHOOSE A SUPERPOWER :
Teleportation. There’s too much to see and not enough time.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST TRAIT :
Impatient when I know what I want.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT :
My mind is constantly dreaming, creating, building.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT :
Turning pain into purpose, building brands that help people feel seen, strong, and original.
DO YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS :
I would be fibbing if I said yes. Finding time is a real struggle for me, something that I consciously need to work on. Music is my audio of choice. Loud, on repeat.
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE :
Cream eggs and rewatching old Sex and the City episodes like it’s research.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU EVER STOLE :
A moment of calm in the middle of chaos. Few and far between.
YOU ARE HEADING TO THE ISS / INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, CHOOSE 4 PEOPLE TO TAKE ALONG :
Michael Jackson, Iris Apfel, Emma Grede, and my man, Paul Evans.
WHAT WOULD A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE :
Sunrise yoga, sourcing vintage in a hidden corner of Paris, creative conversations over an iced matcha, an ocean swim, mocktails by sunset, MJ concert, and dancing till I drop in Ibiza (In sequins with friends).
IF YOU COULD BE FRIENDS WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER, WHO WOULD IT BE :
Holly Golightly with boundaries.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB :
Helping people discover themselves through style, wellness, and story.
ARE THERE DAYS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO TO WORK :
Of course. But passion and Curiosity always pull me back in.
PICK YOUR TOP 5 MAGAZINES :
The Gentlewoman, Emirates woman, Dazed, Vogue Italia, PRETTY.
WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ :
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, again.
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE :
A vintage Chanel necklace for a friend’s milestone moment.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU :
Creating spaces that make people feel alive and aligned.
YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
I love Bali for retreats. Soulful, sensory, inspiring. I adore Paris for its architecture, culture, and general vibe. Spain has a special place in my heart, nonchalant living, and nature. It’s magic.
YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
Anywhere that lacks heart or identity.
WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST :
Curating an exclusive SMT fashion line. Partnering with Poosh on a wellness retreat. Visit Japan. Travel. Experience. Live. Love more.
DO YOU LIKE BEING INTERVIEWED :
If it’s a real conversation, absolutely.
WHAT’S THE CLOSEST YOU HAVE COME TO DEATH :
Starting a business with no sleep, no map, and everything on the line.
IF YOU HAD A BOAT, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED :
“Off Script”
YOUR MESSAGE :
Be the storm and the calm. Don’t wait for permission.
