Eyestylist.com begins an engaging new series today – Designer Domiciles – which will feature delightful conversations with international creators about where they reside, and their passion and enchantment for their neighbourhood and region. And what a great way to kick-off this series than with Claire Goldsmith – Director Oliver Goldsmith – London!
City where you were born: I’m a proud Londoner born and bred.
If you could live elsewhere…it would be: I would have to say, somewhere with better weather! Somewhere warmer! The weather is literally the only thing I would change about London if I could. If only it could be 9 months of summer and 3 months of winter. So I think I might want to live in New Zealand as the climate there is just about perfect for me.
What intrigues you most about London: I love London for its layers that have come about through hundreds of years of history. I love the idea that 200-400 years ago the streets I walk everyday were so different. I love the grime and the “secret London” that lies behind the frontage. London is a fascinating city with an incredible history wherever you go in it.
A fascinating London street you love: So…a little known fact – London has some amazing hidden alleyways often housing some of the most traditional and lovely little drinking establishments. These tiny old pubs literally transport you back in time. If you are lucky enough to stumble across one of these alleyways, you will never forget it. Here are a couple not to miss if you come here: – Newman Passage, Fitzrovia – is one of my favourites! – Bull Inn Court, Covent Garden – Lamb’s Conduit Passage, Holborn – Ely Court, Farringdon – Wine Office Court, City of London – Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden.
Your favourite London restaurant – and why? There are so many good restaurants it’s almost impossible to choose one! But I would have to say if I have to choose just one, it would be The River Cafe – a West London classic where you can sit outside on the river. It has a super casual vibe to it, but it’s a Michelin star restaurant. It’s so relaxed and comfortable and always without fail, you eat phenomenal food. It’s a total favourite.
Another city that holds a fascination for you…and why: I think I would have to say Tokyo. I went a couple of times for work but never for pleasure. I would really love to spend some time there just exploring it a bit more. That goes for cities in Japan generally.
Music that inspires you: I used to listen to albums of artists I liked. Now I listen to music I like. Spotify has changed the way we listen to music. I tend to play Spotify playlists on radio and listen to music I would not normally listen to, or even know about. As result I now like quite a broad spectrum of music. Spotify has opened up my music tastes a lot!
A book that influenced you: The Handmaid’s Tale – a story of a future I hope to never see. I studied it at A-Level (18) and never forgot it. And have just finished watching the TV adaptation of it and it was incredible! Dare I say it – possibly even better than the book itself. When does that ever happen…
Your personal style – describe in three items: Trainers. Black tapered trousers. Coats.
The most photogenic location in London: London is photogenic. It’s hard to take a bad picture of her!
Three objects that mean the most to you: The watch my dad gave me on my 21st birthday, but sadly never quite got to give it to me himself. The bracelet my grandmother left to me that I always loved, because she literally never took it off in all the time I knew her. My “Grisly box” where I keep the teeth that have fallen out of my kid’s mouths, because I am a gross mum who loves their grisly little milk teeth!
Who really inspires you: Usually it’s other women running businesses and managing their families effectively!
Claire will be presenting the new collection of Oliver Goldsmith and Claire Goldsmith at SILMO Paris in October. www.olivergoldsmith.com JG
