Rue de Portail Neuf - Saint-Tropez 

A view from The Citadel of Saint-Tropez

01

What is one destination that has inspired your creativity, and why?

I’ve been privileged to travel extensively both professionally and personally. In addition, I’ve lived and worked in Switzerland, the Bahamas, the UAE, the US and south of France. I have a particular fondness for St Tropez and the villages that surround the little port, especially Ramatuelle and Gassin. The best time to visit St Tropez, in my opinion, is in May or September when the hordes of day-trippers and jet-setters have departed.

However, I believe that County Kerry in Ireland has it all on a sunny day. I never leave “the Kingdom” without feeling rejuvenated. Kenmare is a special place and if you’ve never been, I recommend a stay at either the Park Hotel or Dromquinna Manor. 

Victoria Falls, Zambia

02

Can you share an unforgettable experience from your travels that left a lasting impression?

Many years ago, I lived and worked in Maputo, Mozambique for over six years, which was unforgettable. Not only did the experience allow me to to explore this fascinating, war ravaged country and learn more about its resilient, fun-loving population, it served as a base from which to discover other neighbouring countries including Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Swaziland. I’ll never forget a (white knuckle) Flight of Angels over Victoria Falls and a stay at Hwange National Park - my first safari. 

Toji Gardens - Kyoto, Japan

03 

Which season inspires you most in your work and why?

“Nothing is so beautiful as spring,’” proclaimed the English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins and I tend to agree. There’s something so joyful about the brighter days and seeing bulbs blossom in the garden. Whenever I see snowdrops they remind me of a poem about them I learned by heart at age four. Nowadays, I enjoy visiting gardens to see their snowdrop displays.  

Writing about fashion, interiors and travel, spring is also the season when new collections, exhibitions and design events take place which often dictate trends or determine where I want to visit. I’ve been a regular visitor to Maison et Objets in Paris and Salone del Mobile in Milan. This year, the AW25/6 Cruise Shows have been held in some spectacular settings - from Kyoto’s lesser known Toji Gardens to Chanel’s Cruise show at Villa d’Este on Lake Como. The latter is definitely on my bucket list and has such beautiful formal gardens too. 

04

What recent project or achievement are you most proud of, and how did it impact your business or clients?

It’s been a privilege to write for some amazing titles,  from the Daily Telegraph to The Irish Times, as well as Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, Marie Claire, BA’s High Life magazine,  Daily Mail and THE GLOSS magazine. I’m also proud of the fact that I co-published and co-owned Society Dubai, the first social diary in the Emirates, before selling it to Motivate Publishing. This experience was exciting; our aim was to document the fabulous parties and events which take place in Dubai. This led to a role with Hello! Middle East and other opportunities. More than that, my work has allowed me to meet and interview so many great personalities. A standout interview was meeting my tennis hero, Bjorn Borg. 

Cecil Beaton's Garden Party

The Goring Bar, London

05

What would a perfect, inspiring day in London look like for you?

I used to live in Belgravia, so when I return to London I always make a beeline for this area. I admire its white stucco townhouses, superb Georgian architecture by John Nash and beautifully landscaped gardens which give the area its unmistakable character. I usually stay in The Lime Tree Hotel on Ebury Street. My first port of call is a stroll and coffee along Elizabeth Street - the best shopping street in London in my opinion. 

An ideal day would involve seeing an exhibition - on my to do list is Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party at the Garden Museum (until September 21) and Cartier at the V&A (until November 16). St James’ Park is a favourite park for a wander and of course shopping would have to be on the agenda. I miss Fenwick’s but I also love the buzz of Duke of York Square or Marylebone village. As the finale, I’d pop in to The Goring - its Cocktail Bar is impeccable and was designed by the inimitable Russell Sage. 

Claridge’s Restaurant - London

Claridge’s, London 

06

What is your go-to spot in London for an unforgettable experience?

Any London visit is not complete without a visit to Claridge’s. As someone who loves hotels, there’s nowhere like it in the world. I appreciate its seamless blend of history and contemporary art. I look forward to returning this summer. The hotel is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Art Deco with a series of ‘Bright Young Things’ experiences. These include special Deco tours of the property, Great Gatsby pre-theatre dinners in Claridge’s Restaurant, Flapper and Hanky Panky cocktails served in original Lalique glassware in The Fumoir, Charleston Masterclasses from The Bees Knees, as well as a celebration of Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World at the National Portrait Gallery in October. 

Freesias in a Vase

07

Is there a particular flower that holds special meaning or significance for you?

Freesias. It’s been something of a longstanding tradition that my mother gifts them to me on my birthday or leaves them beside my bed when I return home from travelling. They are such a demure flower with an evocative scent. I am scent obsessive - my favourite perfume currently is 'Le Labo 31'. 

Haute Petite Couture Pretty Pinks

08

If you could send flowers to one person, who would it be and why?

Sadly, several friends have had shock cancer diagnoses this year. Talking with them, it is the ‘tiny notable touches’ that keep their spirits up. Flowers never fail to spark joy so I would send them some colourful posies, such as Neill’s Petite Couture Arrangements for their desks.

Photo by John Singer Sargent - Currently on show at The Met Museum 

Photo by John Singer Sargent - Currently on show at The Met Museum 

09

Is there a film or piece of art that resonates with your personal or professional philosophy?

I have always been drawn to the elegant works of Northern Irish artist Sir John Lavery and those of the American painter John Singer Sargent. Both society portraitists, they are renowned for their beautiful portraits of society beauties and for their depiction of glossy lives. 

Less high brow, I have been collecting floral artworks for the last two decades - often vintage finds in antiques or charity shops - which decorate the hall and stairwell of my home. In addition, I’ve been adding some contemporary botanical artworks by acclaimed Irish artists such as Lucy Doyle and Gerard Byrne. On my wishlist are others by Martin Mooney and Bridget Flinn. In this way, I feel that flowers, real or in oils, surround and inspire me daily.  

10

What book or author has influenced your career or perspective on life?

So many. However, I think childhood novels have had a determining factor on my life and career. Most of the heroines I have been drawn too, from Anne Shirley (of Anne of Green Gables fame) to Jo March (in Little Women) and Elizabeth Bennet (in Pride & Prejudice) were vivacious women who knew their own mind. They taught, wrote and travelled - all three of which I have done. In latter years, I have appreciated the writings of editors I admire such as Nora Ephron, Tina Brown and Tom Bower. 

Instagram: Penny McCormick (@pennymccormicked)