The London Look: Kathryn Lo

For years Kathryn Lo held the keys to London's social promised land, heading up PR for The Birley Clubs. Annabel’s, Harry’s Bar, George, Mark’s Club, Bath & Racquets... the posh perches of a certain set looking to see and be seen. 

Most recently, she's made the jump to running the stylish ship over at fashion favorite Self-Portrait, a most fitting post for an on-the-scene It Girl such as her.

Curious where you'll find this Londoner out and about, who's her favorite person in town and where she'd never be caught dead?

Where are you from originally?
My mother is Irish and my father Malaysian, but I’m a born and raised North Londoner. 

How long have you been here?
I’ve lived here for more than 30 years!

What neighborhood do you call home?
Crouch Hill. It’s a great location because it is easy to get into town but has lots of green space - the Parkland Walk (an old disused railway walk) is on my doorstep and Hampstead Heath is a stop away. On the weekends I love being in the neighbourhood, grabbing a coffee and pastry from Jolene Hornsey Road, dinner at Bar Pappagone, a late-night cocktail at Little Merceries in Crouch End and a hungover sandwich at Max’s Sandwich shop.

What's your job?
PR. I’ve been in the industry for more than 10 years and have been lucky enough to work with some incredible brands: Loewe and JW Anderson, Erdem, Saint Laurent and most recently Head of PR at The Birley Clubs.

What do you actually do all day?
My day to day includes developing the comms strategy and story telling around our latest campaign, meeting press / agents / VIPs, liaising with the other internal departments on upcoming projects or events and working with my amazing team to execute. 

Social smoker?
No.

Go-to pint?
Guinness.

Crisp of choice?
Walker’s Cheese and Onion.

Preferred pub?
The Walmer Castle.

What's worth the wait?
Glastonbury tickets.

Tube or Boris bike?
Victoria Line.

Tesco or Sainsbury's?
I’m an M&S girl.

Weekend getaway trip?
European city break. 

Favourite restaurant?
Mountain in Soho or Primeur in Stoke Newington. 

Marmite or marmalade?
MARMITE!!

British stereotype that rings true?
The sarcasm.

How do you take your tea?
Green.

Most British thing about you?
I love a pub roast dinner on a Sunday. 

Least British thing about you?
My surname.

Remedy for a rainy day?
Sauna and a class at Third Space.

First thing you miss when you leave London?
How fast everyone walks.

Private Members Clubs - yay or nay?
Yay! 

Where in town are you almost always?
In a black cab running from A to B.

Where in town would you never be caught dead?
Leicester Square.

Best place for a fun night out?
Bar hopping in Notting Hill.

How would you describe your style?
Tailored but relaxed.

Top shopping spots?
I love walking down Upper Street on the weekend, lots of independent shops from Wild Swans that stocks all the Scandi brands to the kitchen stores, furniture and lighting, you can get everything you need on one street. 

What's your greatest extravagance?
Renovating my home.

Cheap thrill?
Completing the NY Times crossword.

Who's your favorite person in town?
The doorman at The Guinea Grill.

What's your most overused Briticism?
My passport because I love traveling! 

Reading anything good at the moment?
The Creative Act, Rick Rubin.

What are you most excited for next?
Starting a new professional chapter.

[Photos by Kirk Truman]