Back to the Roots with Penelope Chilvers
AT THYME
We had the pleasure of hosting a staycation with Penelope Chilvers, her daughter Gemma, and a lovely group to make what was perhaps the most fashionable country retreat. The experience involved tree planting and rambles through the gardens, pumpkin pickling and evening feasting. It was a hearty, homely affair, grasping the opportunity to slow down, unwind and reconnect with nature. This appreciation for slow, honest living is also adopted by Penelope in her brand ethos - realised in everything from the production process to the effortless PC style. We speak to Penelope to get to the roots of the brand story.
The brand encapsulates Spanish artisanal design and quality. What first triggered your love of this style?
For a long time, I have had a love affair with Spain. As a child, I spent my school holidays in the province of Girona, where I first came across rustic, handmade espadrilles. I lived in Barcelona for a few years, and worked as a painter and designer. I had the opportunity to work with artists and designers, and I enjoyed riding on my lunch breaks in the national park of Collserola in the hills above the city, wearing traditional Spanish riding boots.
Despite growing into a bigger, iconic brand you maintain your ‘back to slow’ ethos. Why is this important to you?
We are a brand that is inspired by the past with respect for the future. Our approach has been the same since we launched almost 20 years ago. We always knew we wanted to take a quality over quantity approach to production. We work with local artisans and makers to create pieces that are made to last. Our ‘back to slow’ ethos allows our customers to enjoy wearing our footwear for years and years.
What is your earliest memory of starting the brand?
After moving back to London with my two children, I decided to pursue the idea of bringing the Spanish riding boot to England. I commissioned a small number of traditional artisans in the hills of Spain to make the perfect equestrian boot – our Long Tassel boot – and started taking orders from my kitchen table. This boot remains a firm favourite in our collections.
When you return to Spain, where is your favourite place?
We have a family home in the Ampurdan region, so I love spending time there with my family. I try to go as often as I can and spend long periods of time there designing our collections.
You now work closely with your daughter, Gemma, how do you compliment one another’s skills?
We are a family business and have enjoyed working together. My daughter Africa works in the company too, joining me in the design team, and we all learn from each other. Gemma has an amazing eye and brings her background in fashion and styling, to create beautiful imagery that speaks to our customer. I feel very lucky that I get to work with both of them.
Out of your current collection, what makes the best Christmas gift?
Our scarves and winter accessories are the perfect gift for a cosy Christmas, and we have lots of unisex options of boots. We make beautiful leather wallets with personalised initials and our velvet slippers are a great gift too, and we offer a bespoke service at our Duke Street flagship store, for personalisation.
The group after a successful tree planting, wearing their Kaleidoscope scarves and Lunar boots
Share with us some style inspiration. What are your three favourite looks when wearing some of your pieces?
I love to wear boots all winter long, with dresses and jeans, and at the end of the day I love to change into something lighter. My evening look is more often than not a pair of cigarette pants, a crisp white shirt and my velvet slippers. Wide leg jeans and chunky soles make a great go anywhere, do anything look, making it easy to run for a bus, or go for a country walk.
Penelope Chilvers is popping up in our Shop until Tuesday, 16th November so come for a browse and snap up some gorgeous Christmas gifts.
GIVEAWAY - We are also hosting a giveaway, a chance to nab yourself a divine PC scarf, a bottle of Sapling vodka and pre-launch gin, and a box of Bertioli’s new signature bathing products. Follow this link to enter.
