The Quiet Evening Routine of a British Womenswear Designer
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Routines

Kim Winser founded British womenswear brand Winser London in 2013 to offer busy women smart clothes at attractive prices. Kim’s pieces are known for having a touch of stretch built into them so that they feel comfortable to wear, are perfect for travel, and have limited creasing. Winser London’s unique styling and fit have already made it a celebrity favorite–actress Gillian Anderson has even designed a capsule collection for the brand, which launches in September. Though Kim has quickly found a huge audience for her pieces, she is no stranger to success. Before starting her womenswear company, she worked in British fashion retail, and was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty The Queen for her contribution to that industry. If that wasn’t jaw-dropping enough, Kim also holds a Doctorate in the textile industry. Wondering how this design boss ends her busy day? Find out below.
6:30 P.M. I will either start thinking about setting off home after a day of meetings, or I will get changed for an evening event. I can’t tell you how many times I say thank goodness I started the Winser London business because our collection is perfect ‘desk to dinner’ dressing and in the years before Winser London, I would struggle to have to change looks before going out. Now, it’s fabulous how many times I am asked “is that a silk shirt or simple black dress, Winser?” and I can proudly say “oh yes it is, and even though I dressed at 6am it still looks and feels great at 9pm!”. The events can be fashion events, networking events or even a charity event at the Natural History Museum, where I am a Trustee.
7 P.M. If I am at home, I will check my schedule for tomorrow and prepare papers – I go through any remaining emails and action them so that I am all set for the next day. I try to read a selection of customer feedback each evening. I enjoy this, as we built this company with customer service and styling at its heart, so reading feedback is important. If talking to America, the evening is a good time for them, so I may have calls booked.
I also decide what I want to achieve the following day – thinking of strategic priorities for the company and the team. I keep in close touch with my Winser team and will consider what I need to discuss with each of them in the morning. Many of the team work remotely, so phone or Skype calls keep us on track.
8 P.M. If I am home, in the summer I’ll go for a relaxing walk with my Welsh Springer Spaniel, which gives me enjoyable thinking time. I always try to get outside each day – either for a walk, to play tennis, or for a swim. I live in the countryside of England and there are some beautiful walks all around our area. I find it very calming and is a great way to finish off a busy day.
8:30 P.M. I often enjoy a glass of Champagne in an evening – I try to make a bottle last the week! I usually catch up with friends & family by sending quick messages or I’ll call them for a chat and to make plans to meet up and to make weekend arrangements. We are so lucky in London with so many terrific restaurants and shows to see, so I permanently have a long list of things to try!
9 P.M. I’ll enjoy supper – a favourite would be an Ottolenghi recipe or a Peter Gorden salad. I like preparing really tasty meals and often add my own touch, such as scattering pomegranate seeds over the top, maybe a shake of my favourite chilli salt….. and find it is a great way to wind down. I’ll either eat while reading a magazine or reading through the weekend press, which does seem to take me all week.
9:30 P.M. I like to go to bed relatively early as I’m a lark rather than an owl. I’ve been into my Dr Levy beauty ritual ever since Julien Levy introduced me to his brand, so pre-bed it’s a face and neck wash with Dr Levy resurfacing cleanser, then a touch of serum followed by one of his moisture creams. I’m certainly not a slave to potions, but have found his ritual simple and even though it’s expensive, it lasts for such a long time. It seems to work wonders on my skin and feels superb.
10 P.M. I like to catch up on the day’s news and usually fall asleep by 10:30/11 P.M. I am always up by 6 A.M. latest and living in the English countryside is so rewarding as I wake and often see deer and unusual birds whilst making morning tea and once again I feel energized for an exciting day ahead.