Laura Parks and Jill Moore are the duo behind Parisian boutique, Precursor. Despite its location in the heart of the Marais, the epicentre of everything French and fashiony, Precursor specialises in British design and stocks an eclectic and unique range of brands. The boutique offers perenially cool Brit classics as well as new and up-and-coming labels which change seasonally.

Laura Parks originally studied Art & Design at Norwich City College before taking a very different career path as a manager for a social housing group in Norwich. A desire for life in a bigger city saw a move to London where Laura spent seven years working for a management consultancy in the City while simultanously managing a London-based indie band and also chairing a charity committee specialising in high-profile fundraising events.

Jill Moore studied at the University of East London and graduated in 2000 with a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing. She went on to be manager and buyer for Ran shoe store in Manchester for 3 years whilst commissioning her own fashion pieces before moving to a multi-brand manufacturer in Manchester as designer and sample maker. Most recently, from 2005 to 2008, Jill was a Fashion and Textiles teacher at Wembley High Technology College in London.

In 2008 Laura and Jill had their own stall at Spitalfields ‘Sunday Up Market’ selling customised clothes and accessories – which laid the groundwork for the move to Paris in July 2008 to open Precursor.

Running in Heels caught up with the Parisian Queens of Cool Britannia and found out more about Precursor, roast vegetables, Ray Mears and of course, whether Laura and Jill can run in heels!

Have you always wanted to open a boutique?

Laura: I’ve definitely always wanted to run my own business, and Precursor has been a great way of fulfilling that.

Jill: According to my parents, yes.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

Laura: Hard work, drive and determination through the tough times. You get out what you put in – and I wouldn’t change a thing, I’m sure I’d have ended up in the same place anyway!

Jill: Through hard work, making silly mistakes, ambition and perseverance. I wouldn’t change anything because I got here in the end.

Who helped you along the way?

Laura: My sister has given me unconditional support every day for as long as I can remember; my boyfriend who I couldn’t live without; and all my friends in London and Paris who’ve kept my feet on the ground. We also couldn’t have got here without the support and vision of the brands we work with and who’ve been willing to take a chance on us and get behind the concept – without them, there’d be no Precursor.

Jill: Mr Motivation

Who inspires you?

Laura: People who have dreams and ambitions – and who go all out to achieve them.

Jill: Practically everyone I see/meet, I’m a professional people watcher. But mostly its positive, creative, honest people.

Influences?

Laura: From the perspective of Precursor, we took great inspiration from indie UK boutiques such as Albam, Beyond the Valley, Oi Polloi and Labour of Love – they’ve definitely been an influence for us.

Jill: Fashion, music, architecture and food!

What do you think is the biggest problem in French society today and what is the most positive thing?

Laura: From an outsider’s perspective, it is easy to be critical of things that are different to the system or way of life that we’re used to. Compared to the British work ethic, the French most definitely have a work-to-live attitude – often what appears to be at the cost of the social and taxation systems in place over here propping things up. It also seems held back by its inherent bureaucracy – there seems a reluctance to change or challenge the existing structure. But on a more positive note, it seems that people here place more importance on enjoying life – their family and friends – than we do at home and that’s something I’m starting to take advantage of. Although I don’t think I will ever shirk my work-hard attitude!

Jill: The biggest problem for me is that there are too many dogs decorating the streets and bad sanitation! On the positive side, it has to be the public holidays – there are so many!

Do you feel British or European?

Laura: I’m always proud to say I’m British, although I do respect its context within Europe.

Jill: British, and even more so since moving to France.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Laura: I love BBC 6 Music – it’s all I listen to in the shop. At home, Bat for Lashes are getting a lot of airplay at the moment.

Jill: I listen to Spotify for all my favourite music, plus Pierre Michelot and lots of old French jazz from the 1940s and 50s.

Favourite trend for this season?

Laura: I’m loving the Eighties revival – it appeals to my inner 80s throwback self!

Jill: Clash – colour/pattern overload.

What couldn’t you live without?

Laura: My friends and family, together with my red wine and cigarette vices!

Jill: Roast vegetables, determination and my friends and family.

Dream purchase?

Laura: A pair of Christian Laboutin’s finest.

Jill: A get-away home in the south of France.

Favourite movie?

Laura: Withnail and I by Bruce Robinson.

Jill: Metropolis by Fritz Lang

One garment every girl should own?

Laura: Clichéd but reliable, the perfect LBD is worth its weight in gold.

Jill: A dress that emphasises all her best bits.

Favourite European city and why?

Laura: It has to be London – it’s home and holds my best memories and friends.

Jill: Manchester – because there’s no place like home. There’s always something interesting going on, it’s cheap living and an underestimated city.

Desert island book?

Laura: Something useful, like Ray Mears’ ‘Outdoor Survival’ book!

Jill: Probably a French dictionary – I really need to extend my vocabulary.

What should we buy in Precursor?

Laura: I’m biased so I’d say everything! But if I had to pick, it would be the limited edition pieces by London boutique Hurwundeki – always bang on trend but with a price tag that won’t break the bank.

Jill: We’ve got more than 30 British brands to choose from and there is something for any fashion seeking individual – clothes, shoes, accessories and artwork.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Laura: Continuing to run my own business, living life to the full and hopefully with a bit more free time to spend back in London.

Jill: Either settled in Paris or in another city with another store, and a successful ‘own’ label.

Can you run in heels?

Laura: Without a doubt.

Jill: It depends on who/what I’m running after – and how much I’ve had to drink!

www.weareprecursor.com