HOBBS PEOPLE

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN HELPING STORES GET READY TO REOPEN?

As soon as it was safe for us to reopen, I started working with the teams to get everything ready for our customers. My first day back was preparing our King's Rd store to reopen and many stores have followed since! Everything needed updating, from the store layout to the window mannequins to rail outfitting. For me, it's been so important to recognise that our customers' routines have changed and reflect this in the styling.

HAVE YOU HAD TO ADOPT NEW WAYS OF WORKING?

Like everyone, I am having to be more flexible in my working style. Luckily, I can work from home, which has been really positive. But now I also have the benefit of working in stores again. It’s really nice to have a balance of both and see all of the different teams again.

HAS YOUR APPROACH TO DRESSING FOR WORK CHANGED SINCE THE LOCKDOWN?

Because fashion plays such a huge role in my life, lockdown has definitely made me think differently about what I wear. Such as how to relax smart clothing at home and how to be stylish yet comfortable for store visits. Even if I'm working remotely, I still like to put consideration into how I dress and look!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GO-TO WORK OUTFIT?

I've always invested in great Hobbs staples that can be styled different ways. I love the Bella jeans because they fit me perfectly and are so comfortable to wear. Then I'll team them with one of our easy-to-wear blouses – they instantly elevate a daytime look. With accessories, I like a good-sized tote for carrying my laptop and then I keep my personal items in a crossbody bag.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE STYLING TIPS OR TRICKS?

1. Invest in great shoes – the wrong style of shoe can ruin even the most put together outfits.
2. A perfectly tailored blazer is essential – it will go with everything, from dresses to jeans and instantly smartens up any outfit.
3. Accessories can transform a look – a belt can add waist definition, earrings can take an outfit from day to night, and scarves can inject colour or print.

WHICH PIECES FROM OUR AW20 COLLECTION ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO WEARING?

I absolutely love our signature shade of camel – it never goes out of fashion and gives any garment a premium look. This season I’ve got my eye on a hooded wrap coat in this colour, which is made from luxurious double-faced wool fabric. I also can't wait to wear the Erin spot dress with the Mara metallic-detail trainers for a more contemporary look.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I find inspiration all around me. Whether it's going for a nice walk by the river Thames (the endless colours!) or digging into art and fashion books – they're all wonderful sources for ideas. I'm so pleased galleries are starting to reopen. I took my daughter to the Tate Modern to see the Andy Warhol exhibition recently and loved it.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND AFTER A DAY AT WORK?

Talking through the day with my family, while sipping a glass of my favourite wine.