With Chloé Macintosh
As we chatted with her in a little London one-on-one, she gave us a peek into her inspiration, her city favorites and her go-to beauty brands.
Chloe Macintosh has had quite the career in design. When she finished studying architecture in France, this Paris-native moved to London to work for Foster & Partners, and later Brent Hoberman at Mydeco. Ten years in the field had Chloé appreciating London for all its architectural brilliance. Ultimately, though, she decided to re-tap into her creativity. In 2010, she co-founded Made.com, a website at the forefront of the new generation of .com businesses. Her site sells designer furniture direct from the manufacturer at incredibly affordable prices. Recently, though, she has taken a step back from the company, having just taken on the role of Creative Advisor at Soho house & Co, London.
With such an array of experience at such high and ambitious levels, BWB couldn’t wait to talk to Chloe and discover all that inspired her journey. As we chatted with her in a little London one-on-one, she gave us a peek into her inspiration, her city favorites and her go-to beauty brands.
Your Inspiration
How to be an effective leader…
There is a thin line between a crazy idea and a genius one, and what makes it a great idea is the number of people that follow you with it. So drawing people in is key. I always balance nurturing and letting go, a practice not miles a way from being a mum. I try to give the people who work with me the tools and confidence to expand outside of their job description. Most importantly, however, I make sure we have fun outside of the work place.
How to stay creative…
Don’t rely on what you know. It is easy to become complacent about skills and knowledge but the best decisions I have ever made happened when I was out of my comfort zone. That’s when your guts really kick in.
Your City
What you love most…
I fell in love with London 17 years ago and still consider it the best place to live. It never stops evolving. I could be visiting London every weekend and discover something new.
Favorite afternoon café…
Has to be Blake’s Hotel or Little House in Mayfair
Go-to lunch place…
Barafino is one of my faves. I also love Blanchettes and Bocca di Lupo
A night on the town…
Thats the fun thing about London – the more random, the better. There is no need to plan a night out. We usually meet at the Groucho Club for cocktails and then see what happens.
Your Day
Morning routine…
First I have breakfast with the kids, then I am in the office by 8.30. I don’t have a routine; I’m too disorganized.
Perfect outfit…
Over the years, I have designed a way to dress that simplifies my life. I rarely wear skirts or dresses, but I’m usually in tailored jeans and blazer with a silk button-up shirt.
Evening relaxation…
I take a bath if I stay in. Otherwise, I’ll get dinner with girlfriends. I have recently discovered Frank Body and love their srubs and balms.
Your Beauty
Must-have skincare products …
I am a big oil fan. I use Balance Me and Cowshed oils on my body. For my face, I use Murad Renewing Eye Cream and Murad Sheer Lustre Day Moisturiser.
Favorite makeup products…
I only put on a little eye makeup and a bit of Clinique True Bronze. I use YSL Touche Eclat for touch-ups. I love Illamasqua Eye Shadow colors and amamzing (Precipice, Acute, Graphica, Dart). I also like Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye color in Copper Sunrise. To keep my face fresh, I use the Organic Pharmacy Herbal Toner during the day.
Favorite Perfume…
Late one night at Chiltern Firehouse, I met a very fun girl called Azzi, and we got on very well. She happened to be a fantastic perfume designer, and since meeting her I have worn her scents which are amazing.
Your Nightstand
A good book or magazine…
At the moment I’m reading Wired magazine and BOF magazine.
Night cream…
I use the MAKE Face Glow Moringa and Rosehip Face Oil mix
Favorite night tea…
Fennel tea is my favorite.
Lani Allen is a graduate of Columbia University’s Non-fiction Creative Writing program. After serving as Vice President of her class for two years, she contributed written pieces and illustrations to many on-campus publications. As a writer with a passion for beauty, Lani enjoys capturing the stories of innovative thinkers and risk-takers shaping the industry as we know it.
