Emilia Wickstead is no stranger to the style set — in fact, ever since the genesis of her brand in 2008, she’s been dressing some of the world’s most stylish women. A longtime regular at Arlington, we’ve been delighted to see so much of her at the reimagined Simpson’s. In fact, we have collaborated with her on her Spring/Summer 2027 collection — our own Jeremy King made a cameo appearance in the film that showcases her latest designs, and some of our team members served our signature martinis and even some sustenance at the film’s big reveal at Wickstead’s boutique on Sloane Square on Sunday, during London Fashion Week. We were delighted to welcome her to lunch at Romano’s with the stylist Agata Belcen, a frequent collaborator.
Emilia, how do you describe your work?
One of the great loves of my life!
What are you working on at the moment, and how are you dividing your time between projects?
London Fashion Week — our collection, our show, our film and building out our world of Spring/Summer 2027. And showing it off to the world! Weekends and evenings without fail, I’m at home with my husband and children. Work brings me joy and so do projects, but I never like to mix the two if I can help it.
Where are you looking for inspiration these days?
The women I surround myself with are the ones that inspire me. That is where my best ideas come from.
Are you a creature of habit in terms of your creative process, or does your schedule vary?
My schedule varies and is multifaceted, and I jump at the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and include myself in many parts of my business, which excites me. I am fast and bold, and I truly love processes and planning whilst I can take time to make big decisions if they don’t come to me at once or if I do not feel a gut instinct.
Who are your favourite creative collaborators?
Melissa Levy, Kate Phelan, Harry Lambert and Agata Belcen are stylists that I have been lucky enough to work with on personal shows and shoots. I often pinch myself that they have wanted to work with me. I have enjoyed every intimate moment — which they are — of working with them over the years and feel so incredibly fortunate as the Emilia Wickstead brand grows. They have been a massive part of that journey collaborating with me the entire way.
What did you eat and drink at Romano’s?
Billecart-Salmon champagne, the fish of the day, green beans, fries, and a chocolate éclair.
Tell us a bit about Agata. What do you enjoy about her company?
All she needs to have is good conversation. That is everything to me.
Have you visited Simpson’s in its previous incarnations, or did you start coming here in its new Jeremy King era?
In its new era.
If you could live with any work of art in your home, what would it be?
A painting by Lee Krasner.
When you are feeling low or uninspired, what music do you turn to?
The Cranberries’ album Everybody Else is Doing It So Why Can’t We?
I also listen to a lot of old jazz.
Who is one of your favourite artists in any medium?
Diana Vreeland.
EMILIA’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Favourite dish at Simpson’s: Roast from the trolley in the Grand Divan – the concept as well as the taste.
Cocktail: Champagne.
Bookshop: Daunt Books, in Holland Park.
Gallery: Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert Gallery in London and The Frick Collection in New York.
Theatre: My children’s school theatre. I love watching them perform.
Cinema: The Electric, on Portobello.
Novels: Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell, and Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens.
Any cultural recommendations for us? The film Whale Rider, and I have just started to watch the series Fleishman Is in Trouble, which is excellent so far! Sotheby’s, in the Breuer building on Madison Avenue in New York, is currently hosting Independent 20th Century, an international art fair featuring curated exhibitions of art created between 1900 and 2000. I went with my daughter and we loved it.
