If you’re not listening to Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast, you’re certainly missing out. Not only do hosts Jessie and her mother, Lennie Ware, invite the most interesting guests (including the likes of Nigella Lawson, Dolly Alderton and Yotam Ottolenghi ) over for a meal cooked by the pair themselves, but the hilarious banter between the mother and daughter duo is hysterical and utterly real.
We caught up with one-half of the duo, Jessie, who on the side of releasing her new single earlier this year, has just launched a childrenswear brand with designer George Reddings. The label is all about making clothes last longer than just a season or short age range – think clever ties on playsuits and little buttons to turn up cuffs. All super cute and in a colour palette we highly approve of. We couldn’t wait to find out more…
TELL US ABOUT ANYWARE. HOW DID IT ALL COME ABOUT?
I’ve always loved clothes and it just became far more fun when I became a mum, but over time I noticed how much I had bought for my daughter that she had already grown out of and I want to build a collection that would challenge the over-buying we all do and that I have totally been a perpetrator of. Then I met George (George Reddings who was the behind the Little Bird by Jools Oliver range) and it all fell into place. Between us I think we’ve come up with something really special.
WE LOVE THAT THE BRAND IS ‘DESIGNED TO GROW WITH YOUR CHILD’. HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THIS?
Thank you! We wanted something that would last but that you could wear for longer. People are over buying and we have to change the way we think about clothes, especially for our children. We wanted something that would last but that you could wear for longer. Better design, better fabrics, something that would age well and be able to be handed down.
We also wanted the collection to be gender equal as children should be free from stereotypes and wear whatever style and colour they like. And seasonless style was important to us as we wanted people to buy an item from our launch collection which can be teamed up with something from our next collection which comes out in June, so you get more wear out of the items you buy.
FAVOURITE ANYWARE PIECE?
I love the striped tops as they are so cool and made from such beautiful material. I also love the high waisted drawstring trousers with the denim jacket. That looks so good with the denim overalls.
Stripe Tee, £45
Overalls, £69
HOW TO YOU JUGGLE MOTHERHOOD, MUSIC, YOUR PODCAST AND BEING A CREATIVE/BUSINESS OWNER?
With help from my family and the brilliant people I work with!
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
That I have this little lady who is my best mate who entertains me every day and surprises me and makes me immensely proud.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT MOTHERHOOD
The guilt. It’s endless! I felt guilty about working too hard when my first born was very young, so I made a decision to have a little more time off this time (not really working out that way, but I’m still trying!), but then I find myself feeling guilty if I haven’t touched base with work or made plans. I can’t win and I am certainly my own worst enemy to be honest. Trying to be ‘perfect’ basically ends up with me doing a load more wrong!
TELL US ABOUT ‘TABLE MANNERS’ AND WORKING ALONGSIDE YOUR OWN MOTHER…
Well, it’s certainly interesting working with family I can tell you! But also such fun. She’s the queen and most of the time, I do as I’m told. But I do love that I have all these memories of our life recorded and so, so much laughing together. It feels very special to be doing this with her. And people seem to like it!
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?
At the moment I need it strong! Usually I have a flat white with oat milk and I have around two or three a day. I have a lump of sugar in my afternoon coffee, to keep me going.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU – BUSINESS OR PERSONAL – HEADING INTO SUMMER?
I’m spending as much time as I can on Anyware and sharing the exciting news that we’ve launched the brand – I hope everyone loves the clothes as much as I do!
We also have lots of family trips planned for the holidays. Oh…and recording the podcast, writing a book and finishing off the new record!
GO TO: anywarekids.com
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected]
Inspiration/Image Credits: anywarekids.com
