The fashion industry is built on ambition, creativity, and a whole lot of hustle—both on and off the clock. My 9-to-5 / 5-to-9 offers a firsthand look at how FSF Scholars, Alumni, and industry veterans navigate their careers, from thriving in full-time roles to turning side projects into something more.
Today, we’re following Elinor Noble, a New Jersey native now based in Madrid, as she co-leads TwoThirtyTwo, a children’s fashion brand rooted in natural materials and mindful design, launched with her longtime friend and business partner. With a background that spans merchandising, retail, wholesale, and design, Elinor is drawing on her industry-wide experience to lead everything from product development to production, shaping a label defined by intention, transparency, and long-term wear.
Name: Elinor Noble
Hometown: NY/NJ
Current City: Madrid, Spain
College & Graduation Year: Barnard, 2010
FSF Scholar Year: 2009
Job Title & Company: Co-Founder, TwoThirtyTwo
Image courtesy @its232pm
Wardrobe check: Comfort comes first. I keep a rotation of cropped Buck Mason T-shirts that pair well with standout pieces like Pleats Please pants or a bold LOEWE skirt. These staples have become my go-to—clean, effortless, and flexible enough to match the rhythm of the day.
A typical morning: Mornings in Madrid start quietly. I drink a glass of water, then ease into the day with journaling or a podcast. I always make time for mat pilates and try to avoid my phone for at least the first hour, unless I’m checking in on messages, emails, or what’s happening on our Instagram.
My work setup depends on the day. If I’ve got a packed schedule, I stay home. Otherwise, I’ll meet my co-founder at one of our favorite neighborhood cafés. We do the same in New York when we’re stateside, get out of the house and work from somewhere that sparks creativity.
First tasks of the day: We usually kick things off with a co-founder check-in. From there, I’m jumping into emails and touching base with our sustainability advisor, Jodi, and our production partners in Portugal. I also keep a close eye on who’s engaging with us online and what orders are coming through. It’s all about staying close to the customer and keeping the momentum going.
Image courtesy @its232pm
Midday pause: Lunch is a moment to reset. I’ll either walk to a favorite spot in my neighborhood or sit in the kitchen with something simple and turn on the TV for background noise. It helps shift the energy and break up the pace of the day.
Back to work: No afternoon looks the same. One day, I’m sourcing new manufacturers in the US; the next, I’m reviewing design edits or working on accounting. We’re still in our launch phase, so it’s all hands on deck. And I actually love that.
I’ve always been curious about how everything fits together. In the past, that meant moving between retail, wholesale, merchandising, and design. Now, it means I get to apply all those learnings daily, from production and logistics to storytelling and strategy.
For a long time, I heard “pick a lane.” But I never wanted to. Understanding the full picture is my strength. As a founder, I get to live that every day, working across finance, design, and operations, often within the same hour. That range is what excites me.
Image courtesy @its232pm
After hours: Evenings are for shifting gears. I like to mark the end of the workday by doing something that feels completely different, whether that’s running an errand, taking a class, or grabbing a drink with a friend. I usually check back in on work later, but having a “formal” stop point helps me reset.
I keep a pretty social calendar in both Madrid and New York. Most nights, I’ve made plans with someone—even just for a walk or a glass of wine. While I work in fashion, those aren’t the events I gravitate toward. I’m much more drawn to art openings, gallery shows, or discovering new restaurants. That’s where I find the most inspiration.
📲 Follow Elinor’s journey: TwoThirtyTwo | @its232pm | LinkedIn
