London Fashion Week is just around the corner, so we took this opportunity to sit down with designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos to get their insider guide to the bustling city
Walk us through a day in the life of Peter Pilotto...
It usually starts with a very healthy breakfast of oats, nuts and fruits along with a matcha tea. We then spend most of the day in the studio, where we design our fabrics, prints, embroideries and develop the garments in our atelier. Most evenings, we like to take walks in the surrounding neighbourhood for some fresh air and to unwind.
How long have you lived in London?
We moved to London in 2006. We always loved the city and felt it was an exciting time to be in this town and start a brand.
Can you tell us about the neighbourhood that the Peter Pilotto studio is situated in?
It’s in East London by the Regent’s Canal. We are actually super lucky—our favourite hidden gem in the city is in in the building next to our studio (in which we actually live) and it’s a restaurant called The Towpath Cafe. There's an outdoor sitting area that's incredibly romantic, with vintage French plates and delicious Tuscan-inspired food. We highly recommend it for brunches too.
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Best place to go for a cocktail after work?
We try to be good when we are in London, but after a day of work, we love relaxing with a cocktail at The Connaught Bar in Mayfair.
What’s your all-time favourite restaurant?
We love St. John on St John Street, and we would recommend trying as many dishes as possible.
What’s your favourite gallery in London?
We have a few, actually. One is Kate Macgarry in East London who represents several of our friends like Francis Upritchard, Peter McDonald and Patricia Treib. Another one is Thomas Dane in St. James's who represents Caragh Thuring.
What’s the best place to stay out of the city?
A good friend of ours recently took us to Coombeshead Farm in the countryside of Cornwall and we had a great time.
Where’s the place you go to unwind?
Dinners with friends, usually at their homes and studios—it’s all about the company you keep.
What hotel in London would you recommend for out-of-town friends?
Blakes is our favourite. We love the private terrace—it feels like you’ve been transported out of the city.