Philippa Thackeray and Kelly Townsend’s new line, PAPER, puts a fresh spin on workplace wear with a collection that combines relaxed silhouettes and structured tailoring. The office emphasis is no accident: Thackeray has a background in corporate law; Townsend, meanwhile, is a Central Saint Martins alum who worked as a knitwear designer for Temperley. Their third partner-in-crime, Parisian-born designer Lea Carreno adds PAPER’s clean and minimal twist. The trio’s aim seems clear: to break the stigma that power dressing needs to be unflattering and, to put it simply, dull. 

There was a time (specifically during the 80s and 90s) when a career girl’s wardrobe featured exaggerated shoulders, loosely tapered trousers and stark, bold stripes. Although those concepts are still relevant, there’s no denying that the dynamics, along with the times, have changed.  “As dress codes have relaxed over the past decade, we felt there was a unique opportunity to establish a brand that reflected the modern day, dynamic working women,” says Thackeray. That said, rather than the stiffness usually associated with a typical workwear wardrobe, PAPER offers a pared-down, colour-blocked  palette peppered with lucid hues and a fluid construction of silks, lightweight knits and crepe, proving women can be business-minded all the while looking immaculately stylish.” Our collection represents that paradigm shift in challenging traditional attitudes,” adds Thackeray. “Our inspiration was not so much a specific individual but more what the pop art movement represented. That is, challenging the traditions of fine art to a more visual, bold, and attitude led approach.” Avenue 32 caught up with Thackeray to find out where in the world she loves most and what diverse characters would be her ideal dinner dates.

Avenue 32: Which fictional character do you most identify with?
Luna Lovegood – (I’m reasonably smart but a bit of an airhead).

What’s your favourite place in the world?
Hotel Healdsburg, Sonoma – my honeymoon destination.

Tell us your favourite thing about your hometown?
The Anglesea Arms in Brackenbury Village – the perfect pub.

What one item of clothing can you not live without?
My PAPER sleeveless coat.

Name three people for a dream dinner party scenario 
Robert Downey Jnr (before he was sober), Iris Apfel and Philip Larkin.

If you had a super power for a day what would it be? 
To be able to fly Superman style.

If you weren’t in fashion, what would you do?
Be a travel writer.

What is the most-played song on your iPod?
‘Gimme Shelter’ by The Rolling Stones.

How do you get around town? 
With an unhealthy amount of cabs.

iPhone or Blackberry? 
iPhone.

Beach or mountains? 
Both – never compromise.

Red or white (wine)? 
Red.