WORKING FROM HOME WITH CHINTI & PARKER

As Chinti & Parker HQ adjusts to life working from home, we catch up with members of the team to find out how they are navigating their new daily routines. From what to wear - cashmere, naturally - to how to maintain productivity, we hope their insights will inspire you to embrace all the best things about #wfh.

Anna Singh, Chinti & Parker Co-Founder

I like to keep my workspace as calm, harmonious and organised as possible by keeping my desk clear and filing away as much as I can. I’ve got a candle at one end, which adds to the stress-free ambience I try to create. At the moment I have a temporary desk, so I try and make it feel as inviting and homely as I can. My working from home outfit is a black Chinti & Parker Essentials tracksuit and Birkenstocks. It also transitions into my home-schooling attire.

My advice to others who are working from home would be to make sure you take an hour away from your desk to exercise, meditate or do whatever relaxes you each day. By taking some time for yourself, it really helps to clear your mind and makes you feel like you can tackle the rest of the day.

In order to stay productive, I like to step away from my desk and have a walk around or just take a moment to myself in different surroundings and perhaps get some fresh air. It’s very easy, especially during the times we find ourselves in, to just stay inside all day and not walk away from work. At the end of the workday, a very big glass of red wine is a must!

''Make sure you take an hour away from your desk to exercise, meditate or do whatever relaxes you each day.''

Julia Andersson, US Sales Manager

I work in the living room, my favourite room in the house where we have a bright wall of bookshelves. Ironically, my personal style is relatively neutral in colour, but I love a colourful home and our book wall is certainly that. I like to wear my favourite soft denim with Chinti & Parker Essentials cashmere; I live in the oatmeal roll neck these days. I sit myself next to our Marshall speakers, as the resident DJ I need easy access.

I’ve kept the habit of setting an alarm for 6.30am and getting up as I would if I had to commute to the office. I usually do something to move my body in the morning; yoga, stretching, or a short circuit. I’ll then hydrate with fresh lemon water and a matcha green tea latte. I never used to take a lunch break at the office but now we take a walk at lunch time to get out of the house and get some much-needed fresh air.

When it comes to switching off, my local yoga studio has been fantastic in offering their usual schedule online, so I have plenty of flows to choose from for the evening. I’ve also got back into cooking and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen (my fiancé seems to enjoy it too!).

"I sit myself next to our Marshall speakers, as the resident DJ I need easy access.''

I try to make sure that I take time out in the middle of each day to go for a walk, complete a short work out or to meditate. Physical and mental health are so important for maintaining productivity. At the end of the day, I tend to walk into the living room, fall onto my sofaa nd just have 10 minutes of utter silence. I’m also enjoying a little indulgence of vegan chocolate or ice cream every night, and a large G&T. I’ve started re-watching Sex and the City… highly addictive, highly nostalgic and highly recommended.

''I’ve started re-watching Sex and the City… highly addictive, highly nostalgic and highly recommended.''

Laura Edwards, Design Director

My current setup is pretty hectic as I'm working across a lot of different areas so there are fabric samples, collection overviews, Pantone books and research bits around. I've taken over the front bedroom which has all my books in and is usually a very calm room…but not so much right now.

I find that separating out areas as much as I can, and getting a routine going, has helped me to stay focused. I wake up and go downstairs for half an hour of yoga then get showered and head to my desk upstairs, then I will head down for lunch and back up again. Our downstairs is open plan, so I'm trying to separate that too - on the weekends, I convert an area into the bar with nice lighting and chilled vibes. On a Friday evening, I get dressed up and go downstairs to sit in the bar and have cocktails - it helps!

My working from home outfit changes every day - I'm not giving in yet. There are fluffy slippers, heels, Chanel earrings and headscarves all making appearances because they cheer me up. I have a lot of Chinti tracksuits, so they take priority because they are so warm and comfortable. I just keep them accessorised up!

''My working from home outfit changes every day - I'm not giving in yet.''

Rocio Aguilera, Supply Chain Operations Manager

My main workspace is neutral with natural light, it’s quite a fresh space which I find helps me focus. My desk is next to a large, beautiful Victorian window so I can take my eyes away from the screen every now and then and stretch my mind. I also have a few plants around which help create a feeling of grounding and relaxation. Throughout the day, I move from place to place, sitting on a living room chair or at the table; it’s nice to have a variety of spaces to choose from.

I find that connection with my colleagues is really important for maintaining team spirit, productivity and mental health, and is probably my biggest piece of advice. One of the great things about working at Chinti & Parker during this time is that everyone makes a big effort to regularly come together online, even for just a few minutes, to chat, celebrate birthdays, and ensure everyone is doing alright.

Each evening, I try to switch off the computer at the same time as I would in the office, to make sure there is a clear break between work and normal life. At the end of my working day, I chat to my friends and family in my home country, Spain, which is a great way to shift from the work mindset.