My Ritual: 'Having That Balance Between a Lively, Open Home and a Private Escape for Reflection Gives me Both Comfort and Energy' – Founder of Global Fashion Brand, Penelope Chilvers, on Where She Finds Sanctuary

Penelope Chilvers sitting on a bench in her boot room with coat hooks behind her, woven storage baskets and a stack of logs.

Businesswoman, female founder and creative, Penelope Chilvers values family, beauty, travel, and connection to keep her centred while running her eponymous footwear brand. Launched 23 years ago after showing a small capsule collection of beautifully crafted Spanish riding boots during Paris Fashion Week – taking orders from stores around the world on the back of an envelope – the brand now has a glittering fan base, including the Princess of Wales, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, and Sienna Miller.

At the heart of the family-run brand lies craftsmanship, integrity, and sustainability, imbued across the Penelope Chilvers collection, which encompasses everything from boots, espadrilles, and Mary Janes to bags and belts. This season, the designer also debuts a neat and chic Penelope Chilvers clothing collection called Chapter 2. When not working, walking, riding, or travelling, Penelope finds comfort in snuggling with her young grandchildren and exploring the world in search of inspiration. Here she tells us how she stays calm and grounded.