Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Kristina Blahnik: I am part of family-run business that has always been in my life, so it is very difficult to separate personal and work time as they are incredibly intertwined. I live and breathe Manolo Blahnik, it’s all I’ve ever known, and I love every part of it. Practically however, I do have two phones; one for personal use and and one for business use. My work phone does not have notifications and goes face down when I’m with friends or family outside office hours.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
I thoroughly enjoy work most of the time and rarely feel the need to unwind day-to-day. There are inevitably more challenging days and that’s when I feel the benefits of taking some time to meditate or go on a long dog walk with Poppins, my miniature schnauzer. I always feel more grounded when I connect with nature.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I love cooking and entertaining friends. I’m quite adventurous and am always looking for a new recipe to try. It’s lovely to feel you have achieved something when your guests are enjoying your food and appreciate your hosting.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I’ve always found Simon Sinek’s viewpoint very inspiring, and Start With Why has helped me historically. Recently, I found that it's interesting or unexpected conversations I’ve had that have helped me the most, and not necessarily industry-specific conversations. Actively keeping my antenna to the ground, seeking out new opinions and points of view with my eyes and ears open at all times has led to some of my more profound learnings and helped me professionally.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
In my garden or the surrounding fields with my dog!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I love Sunday evenings and use this as family time. Recently we binge-watched We Crashed. Work starts on Monday, not Sunday. On a Monday morning I get back to it and pick up where I left off.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
My recent trip to BodyHoliday in St. Lucia.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock Arizona sandals, Sweaty Betty top and leggings. The ultimate in comfort!
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Nestled in the pine tree mountains in the North of Ibiza.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: The Pig Hotels, I love all of them. My order is a mezcal negroni or margarita.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: Metropolitan Museum of Art’s In America: An Anthology of Fashion was fascinating. Martin Scorsese envisioned the Frank Lloyd Wright drawing room as the setting for a noir epic, costumed in Charles James. The custom Brooks Brothers’ coat that Abraham Lincoln wore to his second inauguration was also incredible to see.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Piano. I’d love accomplish Grade 1 by next year!
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Time.
Best luxury under £25: taking a London black cab.
