Coffee With Sophie Conran
of Sophie Conran

Sophie Conran lives in London with her two children Felix and Coco. She has turned her love of cooking and home into her work and now has ranges in homewares, wallpaper and books.

We had a coffee with Sophie to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.

What inspired you to create Sophie Conran?
I’ve always had a business of some sort. Even when I was tiny I had my little shop stall in the street so I suppose it was a natural progression from there.

My first real business was with a friend selling underwear. It never really came off the ground but it definitely helped me to get where I am today.

I’ve actually done a bit of everything; from setting up my own shop in Notting Hill called Wong Singh Jones – the corner shop of the world – to setting up a supper club, then a catering company with my brother Tom, launching Sophie Conran Pies, to writing cookbooks, and now a tableware range with Portmeirion and a collection of Wallpapers.

I think ideas sort of feed off each other and everything I’ve done has helped me get where I am today.

What makes your product unique?
I think with everything I do it’s not me thinking what a trend should be but more of a team effort and pushing boundaries to make something that is unique.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
Working at home helps and also having great friends and family who are all very inspiring.

I don’t start work until 10am because I keep that time in the morning as “me time” when I can have a cup of coffee, a bath and read my book for half an hour or so.

What’s your best selling product/label?
In the Portmeirion range the glasses and plates are doing extremely well.

How would you characterise your fashion style?
I do a lot of running around so practical and comfy is key. I love wrap dresses because they look good but feel like a dressing gown and I also have a rather expensive passion for cashmere and things that are beautifully made.

Who would you say is your style icon?
My Mum – she’s very elegant, slightly ethereal and she just has a wonderful energy about her. She’s a huge inspiration to me.

Who is your favourite designer?
I love Twenty8Twelve and of course Jasper’s range. Actually I popped round to his last week to find some new knitwear and came away with a navy blue cashmere coat. Not at all what I needed but it’s gorgeous. I also buy a lot from Dolce & Gabbana; I love the way they’re classic but still sexy, and Missoni for their great prints.

Where do you buy your denim and why?
James Jeans. They’re a really good cut for me and I love the colours they use; they have a great intensity of indigos.

Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
Paul & Joe is fantastic and I also really like Brora. Texture is very important to me and they have a great variety of colours and patterns.

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
I would love to wear heels all day but it’s just not a reality; I’m usually in Converse or boots to run around in. For the evening though I love heels and it has to be Jimmy Choos. I have a real passion for his shoes and accessories.

Do you eat organic and live an eco-conscious lifestyle?
I eat quite a lot of organic food but I’m by no means a slave to it. I try to be as eco-conscious as I can so lights are always off if there’s no one in the room, plastic bags are recycled and I drive a fuel efficient car as well.

Do you ever buy food online?
No, I like to see and feel my fruit and veg before I buy.

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
I have quite a few things from REN; their face cream and body wash are amazing and I also love the Rose range by Jo Malone, especially their bath oil.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Diorissimo is one of my all time favourites because it reminds me of my Granny and I still just love the smell. I also love Marc Jacobs Grapefruit splash.

Which skincare brand do you depend on?
It has to be REN.

What are your three must-have make up products?
I actually don’t wear a huge amount of makeup but I couldn’t live without my few essentials. I love Chanel’s Black Mascara, Les Tissages Blusher and their Levres Scintillantes Lipgloss.

How would you describe the style of your home?
Relaxed, colourful, open, friendly and playful. I spend a lot of my time here so it has to be just right.

Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
Obviously The Conran Shop but I also love antique shops and big markets.

What was the last thing you put on your credit card?
My son’s birthday present; I got him a new Barbour which he’s wanted for ages – it’s gorgeous.

And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Amazon for all my books, Bodenfor the kids, Toast for me and Cox & Cox for little finishing touches at home.

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