Hers is a name that truly needs no introduction in the world of fashion, but if you’ve been hiding under a big rock, London-based Kate Phelan is Creative Director of Topshop, and Fashion Director at British Vogue. ‘Nuff said.
What are you wearing?
A UNIQUE jumper from our Resort 2016 collection and my Topshop Baxter jeans.
3 words to describe your approach to fashion?
Classic, colour, comfort. I don’t necessarily live by style tips; I know what I like and what I need. My wardrobe essentials are quite basic and I refresh them each season. The key really is to be true to yourself, and confident about what you like. It’s not necessarily about what’s in fashion, it’s what you love for you and your style.
Who is your style icon?
I love seeing women like Jane Birkin who were so influential when they were young and still are today. Of course, there are compromises. You do have to be prepared for that thing that fashion does – when you fall in love with something and it feels absolutely perfect, but they change it. It’s a bit like how you can’t get a Levi’s 501 to fit like an old Levi’s 501 because they’ve adapted the design. And you do have to age into your style, like Kate Moss has – retaining your style personality but moving it on so it becomes more relevant to the age that you are.
____ is the best therapy?
Cooking with a glass of wine.
24 Hours in London – what are the must do’s?
It’s beautiful walking along the embankment if it’s a lovely day. Enjoy a spot of brunch or afternoon tea at The Wolseley and explore Marylebone – it has a beautiful high street and Fischer’s Café is worth checking out for a throwback to old world Vienna.A visit to the V&A is also a must – I find that I every time I go there I see something I haven’t seen before.
Tell us 3 of your favourite shops in London?
Dover Street Market, Liberty and Topshop’s Oxford Street store of course – some of our customers spend an entire day there shopping, eating and indulging in some beauty treatments.
Where can we find you on the weekend?
I love reading, films, food, travel, gardening – I live with my ears and eyes open. I find exciting things to see and do all the time. I love embracing everything; you can broaden your mind to so many possibilities if you don’t become too defined by one thing. At the moment I love collecting furniture and spending time trawling the Wimbledon Car Boot Sale at the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium.
What’s your top restaurant table / bar perch?
I love the restaurant May The Fifteenth in Clapham – the food and setting is delicious and unpretentious.
What city or cities do you always draw inspiration from?
I absolutely love India; it’s one of my favourite countries. One thing I always love about India is the colour; one memory that springs to mind is when I stayed up in Rajasthan and walked around the town one afternoon to take pictures. All of a sudden there were so many immaculately dressed men on the streets and they were wearing the most incredible colours; beautiful pastel shirts and leather sandals with fawn checked trousers, and they smelled incredible. India is a visual-fest on every level; whether it’s architecture, someone’s earrings, or intricate embroidery on a sari. The energy, culture and colour is like no place else.
What are your favourite global shopping destinations?
I love that I can walk so much of London, Paris and New York and discover so many wonderful boutiques, department stores and markets. Manhattan’s 5th Avenue has been a world renowned shopping destination for years; I always make sure to visit Neiman Marcus and our US flagship store by the Rockefeller Center.
What country/trip has been the most memorable and why?
I have so many, though I went to Bhutan on a British Vogue shoot last year and it was magical. Flying to Bhutan and seeing Mount Everest out of the window was incredible!
What’s on your travel wish list?
I love exploring South and East Asia, Japan and Myanmar are on my wish list.
What’s always in your carry-on?
A worldwide adaptor plug, a lightweight scarf, Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, a novel and some cashmere socks.
When going on holiday I always pack an oversized white cotton shirt, my khaki army jacket and lightweight cashmere scarves for evening, simple gold jewellery, a straw Panama hat, a classic pair of shades and my sliders.
And finally, tell us about your vision for Topshop?
Topshop has always embraced the ‘buy now wear now’ mentality; it’s part of the brand’s DNA. The changing of the fashion cycle means seasons are becoming less relevant, especially when considering the ever growing global customer, and we are in a really strong position right now; we have stores around the world, we’re not too big and we still feel personal. The biggest challenge is if you grow too quickly you must not lose sight of the brand’s personality, and that you don’t become a one-size-fits-all.
We constantly ask ourselves, how do we translate the personality of Topshop? People don’t have to come and buy clothes, they can come and engage with the brand on lots of different levels. I believe beautiful and interesting content within the digital space will remain the driver to engage customers.
