Chelsea Insider Low - Cadogan

67 | INSIDER | Design inspirationThe Insider’s Guideto designinspirationAnya Hindmarch BespokeBy Cassandra Goad, whostarted her business in 1985and now has a shop on SloaneStreet. Her unique jewellerycombines traditional methodswith modern designs to createindividual, wearable pieces.Cassandra’s passion forgemology is reflected in thediverse, colourful and raregemstones she uses, includingprasiolites, kyanites,tourmalines and fire opals.She travels the world sourcingstones and gleaning inspiration.In addition to her own designsand collections, Cassandraoffers a bespoke servicecreating custom-made jewelleryin her own in-house workshopthe ski slopes in Italy, I went straightto see Anya and asked her to write amessage in a wallet for him so he wouldnever forget that trip. “Pronto soccorsoRio Negro” was the message, after theslope he fell on.St Mary’s Bourne StreetI walk past this beautiful, hidden churchevery day. It is an oasis of calm andholiness amid the bustle of London life.Some of my most successful designscame about after I had stopped by here.John Sandoe Books,10 Blacklands TerraceWhenever I think about a new country totravel to, I always walk across to JohnSandoe and ask them to suggest booksof all sorts to start me off on my journey.Their advice is unfailingly excellent,diverse and provocative.Anya Hindmarch Bespoke,15-17 Pont StreetWhen my husband had an accident onCuisine de Bar by PoilâneCuisine de Bar by Poilâne,39 Cadogan GardensThe Poilâne café always reminds me ofthe day my five-year-old daughter stoodover the Metro air vent in Paris and herskirt flew up. Her little face was full ofdelight at the unexpected magic. Wewere walking to buy our bread at Poilânein the days when there was no Poilâne inLondon. To my great joy, they haveopened a café just off the King’s Road.All the best creative days start with a bigslice of their bread.Hunan, 51 Pimlico RoadIn 2004, I set off to China, climbed theGreat Wall, stared at the TerracottaWarriors, walked the streets of theForbidden City and marvelled at thebeautiful gardens of Suzhou. And everywheremy sketchbook came with me.When I got back, I took my team toHunan and with their delicious food they'transported' us all to China for anevening.