Knitwear designer Madeleine Thompson on juggling life between two cities
Knitwear designer Madeleine Thompson, 37, juggles one business and three children while living between two cities: London and Hong Kong. She tells The Telegraph about her day-to-day life...
Anyone who says they wake feeling refreshed every morning is a liar. Either that, or they don’t have three kids under six. Getting the family up is never pretty.
My body clock wakes me at 6am. My one-year-old Edie is up next, then the others – Jake, five, Lily, three, my husband Joshua, our nanny and the dog – meet us at the breakfast table.
I don’t work on Monday or Tuesday mornings, so I take the children to nursery, then go for a run, before heading to work at midday: my routine is the same, regardless of where we are.
I was born in Hong Kong and went to school in England, and when I met Joshua we decided to live between the two places. I started my business in London and have a workshop in Hong Kong, where we are based most of the time.
It’s not easy being on the move with the family, but I get help from family and friends. We won’t be able to travel so much when Jake starts school – but it works for us right now.
Homes in Hong Kong are generally super-modern, but ours has a traditional, British feel. I don’t have a home desk; in Hong Kong, I go to our workshop to design, draw and do sampling, while, if I’m in London, I’ll work from our sales showroom.
The most exciting part of the day can be rushing home to see the kids if I’ve been at work all day, or rushing to see samples of the new collection as they arrive in the workshop. Sometimes, it’s rushing for a drink with a friend. Rushing is a theme for me.
I always try to get home to cook dinner for the kids, and my husband comes in for 6.30pm.
I love a long bath and always read before bed. The things that were punishments when I was younger are now treats: no, you can’t go out tonight; go to bed early. Yes, please!
I always travel with...
My leather backpack. I love a backpack, but it has to be a chic one. £55, John Lewis (johnlewis.com)
I couldn’t live without...
My Smythson diary. Everything, from my schedule to sketches, is in it. £155 (smythson.com)
My wardrobe staple this season...
Is a Bebe rainbow jumper. I live in my cashmere. £280, Madeleine Thompson (trilogystores.co.uk)
My favourite kitchen gadget…
My NutriBullet. I blend bananas, almond milk, plant protein and kale every morning. £69.99 (currys.co.uk)
My bedside-table essential...
Luna Sleeping Night Oil. Just looking at it makes me feel relaxed. £85, Sunday Riley (net-a-porter.com)
My style icon
Ali MacGraw. I love 1970s style, the era of bohemian glamour.
Madeleine’s tips for living in two places at once
I have two wardrobes, one in each home, to minimise the need for packing.
My carry-on bag is a backpack. We are a travelling circus when we fly: I need my hands free.
My travel kit is always ready to go: eye mask, iPhone headphones, Gucci trainers, a cashmere wrap.
When buying beauty products, I always get two: one for London, one for Hong Kong.
On arrival, I go for a run. As I pass the landmarks – Hyde Park or South Bay – I know where I am.
