---

Mina Holland, Food Journalist and Author

What does Penelope Chilvers mean to you and what is your connection with the brand? On a personal level, Penelope and I share a love of Spain and horses, and these two things visibly inform the designs. The brand and the boots themselves feel very geared towards my lifestyle and how I dress: they are practical, make a statement yet go with everything, and are a gift to someone who is fundamentally lazy about dressing themselves but likes to wear beautiful things. What's more, I wore a pair of Penelope Chilvers Chachacha dancing shoes to get married in last year – this brand makes something for every occasion and I feel really grateful for it.

Why did you choose your style of boot? What is it about this style that you like? These are après-ski boots and, although I'm no skier, they seemed fitting for the cold spell and are great for trudging around town. Clearly, the laces are gorgeous but, more importantly, I am always drawn to black and often to things that have a nineties tomboy vibe.

How would you describe your mother’s style? Accidental elegance! Like mine, Mum's outfits are often thrown together, and practicality is a must – we are both more dog walk than catwalk. That said, she is a natural clothes horse and only has to put on some skinny jeans and a roll neck to look chic.

How does creativity play a role in your family? My parents and I are all journalists, so I'd say we all have a natural interest in storytelling and sniffing out compelling narratives.

What good things have been passed down from generation to generation? Appreciation for delicious things, good grammar, an understanding of the value of money, optimism, the ability to listen and advise and, I hope, kindness.

Define family in 3 words: Love, Belonging, Exasperation!

Penelope Chilvers makes shoes for travel and adventure. How will you wear yours? I must admit to having a bit of a Penelope Chilvers habit. Some of them have segued into being worn 'off road' (to which they naturally lend themselves) but I'm determined to keep these guys for best only. I have been wearing them with barrel leg jeans as part of an all-black ensemble too, which makes the fabulous red of the laces and the sheen of the pony skin pop.

---