Are These The Coolest Office Spaces Ever?
Ever wondered where your favourite jeans were created, or where your beauty essentials are concocted? We go inside the work spaces of some of the most stylish brand founders. Who knew work could be so chic?
Chloe Lonsdale, founder and creative director of MiH jeans
Chloe’s office is a former photographic studio in west London. “Everything here is so personal to me that it’s almost an extension of my home. I keep it completely open-plan so we feel like one big family, too.”
“Five years ago, I bought 100 crates from an apple orchard. I used some as wall shelves; now they house the fabric swatches, denim wash tests and samples we keep for reference.
"My father was a sailor and the very old ensign flag on the wall came from his boat. It reminds me of MiH’s British heritage.”
“I’m not a massive jewellery wearer, but I bought this necklace [below] in London’s Portobello Market when I was 18 and often pop it on models when I’m styling photo shoots.
"The bracelet was a present from my husband Johan for Valentine’s Day this year. Along with the necklace, they are the only pieces of jewellery I wear regularly.
"The blue notebook is the recent catalogue of styles for our men’s denim line, Jean Machine. The wallet is classic Comme Des Garçons – it was a gift from my husband.”
“This fabric dog is made from a print by the iconic designer Josef Frank. It was a gift from a Swedish friend to celebrate the birth of my fourth child.”
"These black and white photographs are of my mum, Chekkie, who was a model in the ’70s.
"The hammered metal stars were made by an Amish community in America. They’re a nice decoration.
"I have a huge collection of mismatched blue and white china – I love blue and white – which we use every day. Some cost £1, some £50 – but whenever any team member sees a piece, they buy it for me.”
“This is a rivet machine and stamps rivets on the corner of pockets. If the rivets come off, we replace them for free for customers.”
“This lamp is the best buy I’ve ever made in Ikea. I have one on every desk and at home. It weighs a ton, has a real permanence, and the powder-coated grey looks expensive.
"Every year, an American friend sends me a personalised candle by Le Labo [£47 at liberty.co.uk]. This is Santal scent and is inscribed with the words, ‘Compounded in the USA on 12/09/2013. For Chloe.’
"We built a laundry room in the studio so we could develop denim washes in-house, and this is one I loved from a recent batch. Dye effects are the heart of our business.”
Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Estee Lauder’s global brand president in her New York office
From the minute Jane steps into her office at beauty colossus Estée Lauder, she’s discussing new products, store visuals and advertising with her team of 300. “I need a clear space where I can think and create,” she says.
“Mrs Estée Lauder inspired
me to have a residential
chair. It’s unexpected.”
Make photos both personal and professional. Alongside family photos, Jane has a picture of the late Estée Lauder on top of a chest and a Marilyn Minter photo of a well-heeled foot, which “represents strength”.
If you can choose your paint colours, consider greys and blues – much more calming.
“Everyone always says it feels peaceful in here.”
“Your work environment should reflect your passions: your job, your friends, your family.”
Jane has photos of her wedding and of her two sons, along with a ‘love note’ from boss Leonard Lauder (congratulating her on launching the Modern Muse fragrance), on her desk. “They inspire me.”
See more stylish work spaces in the September issue of GLAMOUR Magazine, on sale now.
