Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Anna Mason: I’m not sure I do!
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
Invariably reach for a glass of wine.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
My husband, Harry, and I go on long circular walks. There’s a great website called Fancy Free Walks that gives details on lots of circular walks.
What's something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I found some Loulou de la Falaise jewellery at a vintage fashion fair one Sunday a while back. This lucky discovery inspired me to research Loulou’s style a bit more. She was Yves Saint Laurent's friend and muse, and a designer in her own right - and quickly became the inspiration for my Autumn/Winter '22 collection!
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
I like fossicking around in vintage shops and antique shops, markets, fairs or junk shops.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I fold all the washing and give what belongs to my teenage kids – so they can leave it outside their rooms all week! I write a list in my phone. We often have a big very late lunch if we’re at home with the kids at around 4 or 5 o'clock.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
Right now – to go on holiday to Andros in Greece.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: In summer, a ‘Bardot’ dress from my collection as there's one for every occasion. We do them every year in different fabrics, lengths (maxi, midi, mini) and sleeves (long, short or three-quarter). For down-time on not-too-hot-a-day I’ll probably wear a chambray one or if I’m away somewhere warm I’ll wear one in a light cotton print. In winter I’ll plump for a pair of my ‘Le Jogging Pants’ in cordoroy, a cashmere jumper and sharp jacket made from Shetland wool. I try to wear my clothes all the time and am always trying to add relevant wearable ‘life’ pieces in to the collection. If not these, you'll find me in my gym kit!
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Any brocante, antiques market or flea market.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Eating oysters at Café Colbert on Sloane Square.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: Recently, I booked the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris. Unfortunately, our trip was cancelled, but I’m looking forward to going in September. I’d recommend anything Yves Saint Laurent as he's undoubtedly one of my greatest influences.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: Every Family Has A Story: How we inherit love and loss by Julia Samuel.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: I’d like to learn Italian properly – I have some, but it’s really pidgin. And I’d like to do some tennis lessons.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: My orthopaedic pillow with a silk pillowcase on it.
Best luxury under £25: A small bottle of NUXE Huile Prodigeuse dry oil for face, body and hair – either the original or florale. There is also a new neroli one that I haven’t tried yet that's on my list!
