In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Thankfully, this is something I’m fairly good at! I’ve always been an early riser, so starting work early means I rarely work past 6 or 7pm. As soon as I leave the office, my phone notifications are switched off and I’m into ‘me-time’. My weekends are quite sacred too, so they’re only rarely encroached upon leading up to a collection deadline.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
I walk for one and a half hours through Hackney Marshes each morning to the studio. During the summer months, when the evenings are lighter, I’ll often walk or run my little dog, Gin, the 3-mile route home, watching the sun go down and listening to the wildlife. During the darker months, I go to yoga or pilates classes three evenings a week, which are also a great motivator to leave the office on time.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I got quite into running during lockdown and I find it incredibly helpful if I’m feeling particularly stressed. I’m intensely competitive, so I’m constantly challenging my PBs and distances. Other than that, myself and my partner, Arthur, like to go on long rambling walks in the countryside outside of London. We’ll take some flasks of tea and sandwiches and see where we end up.
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What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I’m on a constant hunt for inspiration for upcoming collections, so I’m always seeking out books and exhibitions to pique my interest. I really loved the Milton Avery: American Colourist exhibition at the RA last year, and I really connected with his use of rich tones and deep, contrasting hues.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
I’d love to say something really cultural here, but the reality is that I spend most of my time in the garden or walking Gin. I’m very lucky to live right on the edge of the Hackney Marshes, and having grown up in rural Somerset, outside time in real nature is hugely important to me. We have also just taken on a fairly large allotment plot, so my answer may change in a few months!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I’ll usually cook dinner with Arthur and have a hot bath. We often light the fire and watch a film on a winter Sunday evening too.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
While I’m quite good at sticking to office hours, I am notoriously bad at taking holidays. My partner and I had a ten year celebration party last summer (instead of a wedding) and we took a ten day ‘honeymoon’ to island hop around Croatia in August. I must admit, it was wonderful to step away and is something I endeavour to do more of in 2023.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: I tend to wear a mixture of vintage and designer pieces, and I rely quite heavily on navy blue. As someone who feels the cold, my every day look always includes one of our 90cm silk twill scarves knotted high around the neck.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Rural Somerset, where I grew up. Preferably on the top of a hill, or somewhere on the Cornish coat, being buffeted by a sea breeze.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: I love Swans Bar at Maison Assouline on Picadilly in London. I can always be tempted by a classic Margarita or their Burnt Mandarin Negroni.
Something cultural/sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: The Lucien Freud exhibition at the National Gallery. I missed the exhibition at the RA in 2019 and it was wonderful to see so much of his work.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: The short book, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. I’m a relative newcomer to her writing, and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves short stories with a hint of unease.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: I’d love the time to try my hand at sculpture or ceramics;. Having worked on 2-D artworks for so long, it would be lovely to create something three-dimensional to see how my output would differ.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Art. I adore huge paintings and antique textiles. I'm filling our small Victorian terrace with artworks well above her stature!
Best luxury under £25: A lie-in.
