The London Look: Colleen Kennedy Cohen

Colleen Kennedy Cohen's resume is a luxury laundry list à la Madison Avenue, having designed events for everyone from Cartier to Valentino to Yves Saint Laurent. She even designed the lesson-in-chic Amagansett nuptials of Gwyneth Paltrow.

Having made the move across the pond a few years back, she's more than settled into London life, kept busy with a bustling client roster and a gaggle of children to chase around.

Curious where you'll find this Londoner out and about, which stores she's hitting for an afternoon of shopping or what's her cheap thrill of choice?

Where are you from originally?
The U.S. – New York by way of Chicago.

What brought you to London?  
A new adventure for our family.

How long have you been here?
5 years.

What neighborhood do you call home?
Notting Hill.

What's your job?
Event Designer and Creative Director.

What do you actually do all day?
Creative Director of my children’s lives.

Social smoker?
Nope.

Go-to pint?
Noam Lager – I’m a sucker for design.

Crisp of choice?
Torres black truffle.

Preferred pub?
I love all our locals - The Pelican, Cock & Bottle, Walmer Castle and Prince Bonaparte.

What's worth the wait?
Spring in London.

Tube or Boris bike?
I prefer to walk.

Tesco or Sainsbury's?
Ocado.

Weekend getaway trip?
Paris.

Favorite restaurant?
Dorian’s in Notting Hill and Cocochine in Mayfair.

Marmite or marmalade?
Marmalade.

British stereotype that rings true?
The weather.

How do you take your tea?
Herbal.

Most British thing about you?
Our 1999 Defender 110.

Least British thing about you?
My accent.

Remedy for a rainy day?
A cute trench.

First thing you miss when you leave London?
Morning coffee from Hagen.

Private Members Clubs - yay or nay?
Yay.

Where in town are you almost always?
Notting Hill.

Where in town would you never be caught dead?
Piccadilly Circus.

Best place for a fun night out?
Chiltern and Koko.

How would you describe your style?
Monochromatic x Minimalistic.

Top shopping spots?
Alex Eagle, Liberty of London and Conran Shop.

What's your greatest extravagance?
Facials with the incredible Annee De Mamiel.

Cheap thrill?
Pistachio gelato from Badiani.

Who's your favorite person in town?
I live with my 4 favorites.

What's your most overused Briticism?
“A bit” and “cheeky.”

Reading anything good at the moment?
The Creative Act: A Way of Being.

What are you most excited for next?
Summer travel.

[Photos by Kirk Truman]