The London Look: Joanna Masiyiwa

Take one scroll through Joanna (Joey) Masiyiwa's Instagram and it'll come as no surprise that the playful, pattern-loving dresser is working on starting her own fashion line.

Splitting her time between working on Amayi and her work in the arts, which includes being a Founding Global Council Member for the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Joanna is off to the races.

Curious where you'll find this Londoner out and about, what stylish sore she loves shopping at the most or what book she's reading at the moment?

Where are you from originally?
I am proud to say I am originally Zimbabwean! I was born there and lived there for the first two years of my life, then my family relocated to South Africa for eleven years. After South Africa, we moved to Surrey, which is a county just outside of London, where I was for two years before moving to Connecticut for boarding school and ultimately University!

What brought you to London?
During the pandemic, my whole family made the decision to quarantine together in Surrey.
While I was there, I came to the realization that my journey in the USA was done and I wanted
to start a new chapter where I was closer to family. With my final semester at Yale being moved online, it made it easier to permanently move into London and settle.

How long have you been here?
I permanently moved into London in the summer of 2021. I lived with my younger sister Esther in a flat in Chelsea which was so chaotic and fun!

What neighborhood do you call home?
I call Marylebone home. I moved there in 2023 with my partner Tancredi and absolutely love the area. Everything is so accessible, the restaurants are amazing and the atmosphere just makes you feel productive and joyful!

What's your job?
I’m in the process of working on my own personal business which I plan to launch in a few
months.

What do you actually do all day?
I love starting the day with a morning walk because working on my business typically has me
sitting for most of the day. In the evenings I try to make time to see friends and family. The great thing about places like London is you can fit so much into one day because there is so much in the city.

Social smoker?
I am, but I am trying to cut back.

Go-to pint?
I’ve actually been sober for about 18 months, so no pint for me, but I’ll never say no to a ginger ale.

Crisp of choice?
Black truffle crips by Torres.

Preferred pub?
The Grazing Goat in Marylebone.

What's worth the wait?
A good sunday roast! Can confirm, they deserve the hype!

Tube or Boris bike?
I aim to reach my 10,00 steps once a day, so on the off day that I leave Marylebone, I try to do it on foot.

Tesco or Sainsbury's?
Marylebone has a great farmer’s market every weekend which I love to go to! Gotta support
local businesses.

Weekend getaway trip?
I really love Heckfield Place! It is a lovely estate in Hampshire with scenic grounds, great
service and really good restaurants. You can easily spend the day relaxing and exploring the area or sit in one of their lounges for a classic English Tea.

Favorite restaurant?
Right now, my favorite restaurant is Fischer’s in Marylebone. It serves authentic Austrian food
and is genuinely delicious, great vibes and most importantly, so close to my flat.

Marmite or marmalade?
Strawberry Jam!

British stereotype that rings true?
British people loved the queen! Being in London at the time of her death was definitely
witnessing an iconic time in history. There were people of all ages queuing for days to pay their respects, many moments of silence and for the most part a great respect for her role in British culture.

How do you take your tea?
“With receipts, proofs, timelines! Everything!” - Heather Gay (Real Housewives of Salt Lake
city)

Most British thing about you?
My partner!

Least British thing about you?
My passport.

Remedy for a rainy day?
Relaxing on the couch with a juicy episode of Real Housewives.

First thing you miss when you leave London?
My family has two dogs who I love having over at my flat. Whenever I travel, I miss them so
much, I start counting down the days till I see them again!

Private Members Clubs - yay or nay?
Yay! It depends what kind of atmosphere and environment they create, but in London there are
quite a few and each has its own niche or purpose.

Where in town are you almost always?
Hagen Espresso bar. They never miss a beat with their coffees and hot chocolates, and every
Sunday they do fresh cinnamon rolls.

Where in town would you never be caught dead?
Clubbing! That era of my life is over. I’m done with the loud music, the sticky floors and the
lines for the bathroom, I am enjoying my homebody era.

Best place for a fun night out?
Little Portland Street in Notting Hill.

How would you describe your style?
Intuitive. I know what looks good and I know what suits me!

Top shopping spots?
Aime in Notting Hill. It’s a great boutique that never fails me!

What's your greatest extravagance?
The cheese section at Bailey and Sage.

Cheap thrill?
Collecting free samples from the Space NK on my highstreet.

Who's your favorite person in town?
My little sister Esther, although I never go to her’s, I always convince her to come over and play Catan.

What's your most overused Briticism?
Don’t look a gift horse directly in the mouth. It is basically a random and complicated way of say that you shouldn’t refuse a good offer.

Reading anything good at the moment?
Yellow Face by R. F. Kuang. It’s a fiction novel with an interesting satire on race and social
media in.

What are you most excited for next?
I am off to Florence in July for a month. While I will miss the dogs, I am very excited to explore and visit all the museums.

[Photos by Kirk Truman]