Five Minutes with the Founder

Anna Mason, Owner & Fashion Designer, Anna Mason

Today we meet Anna Mason, the designer behind the eponymous brand, to find out how she defines success, what keeps her up at night, what inspires her, and her vision for the brand.
25th Feb 2019
Five Minutes with the Founder  Anna Mason, Owner & Fashion Designer, Anna Mason

Anna Mason London sells luxury British womenswear. Its distinct, stylish pieces complement every woman and meet the needs of her life, for both every day and special occasions. Her Made to Order range offers personalisation, fit and a true luxury customer experience through events and appointments, while the Ready to Wear range is sold globally via NET-A-PORTER, selected boutiques and AnnaMasonLondon.com.

Anna’s talent and experience lets her create clothes that inspire huge loyalty by her customers. So many delight in ‘the Anna Mason moment’, when they are stopped, told they ‘look amazing’ and asked what they are wearing.

What does British Luxury mean to you? 

What does British luxury mean to you? Mainly a sense of longevity and heritage, comfort and quality. Using knowledge of the traditional while creating something modern and contemporary.

What's your vision for Anna Mason? 

To be a leading British luxury women’s lifestyle brand.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting this far! And doing so whilst having two beautiful children – it’s two full-time jobs!

How do you define success? 

Liquidity, and time to have fun and appreciate things. Also, renown and respect (as opposed to fame).

What's your greatest extravagance?

I don’t think I’m at all extravagant, though others might disagree… It’s all relative and I’d like to be more so! Probably shoes – something from Chloé or Malone Souliers. I’m also eyeing up Jennifer Chamandi’s shoes!

What do you like most about being an entrepreneur?

It’s mine. ‘ALL MINE!!’

Least?

The constant worry, no switch-off, endless detail on my mind.

What has been your biggest regret?

Not starting earlier.

Is there another business or a founder that particularly inspires you?  

Isabel Marant and Roksanda. Isabel Marant because of what she built independently and how. Roksanda because she has a similar background story to my own and look what she has achieved.

What is your guiding principle?

Get on with it! Do it now! Design-wise: make it look effortless.

Which living person do you most admire? 

I don’t really put anyone on a pedestal but in terms of designers, at the moment: Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino – he has a clear vision and the results are pitch perfect. Isabel Marant – her designs are still instantly recognisable as hers and immune to copying.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 

Ask my team! Many of them are unprintable!

What keeps you awake at night? 

Details!

What do you most value in your friends?

Humour, kindness, support.

What piece of advice would you give someone starting up their own business now?

Know that it is much, much harder than you expect but when you achieve something the sense of reward is greater than you can imagine.

Greatest luxury under £10?

A glass of something good in a beautiful environment, with friends.

www.annamasonlondon.co.uk

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