MiH jeans founder, Chloe Lonsdale

What is your design inspiration this season?
Our autumn/winter collection has a darker mood than previous seasons, inspired by the outdoors with echoes of grunge. We have worked with our favourite colour, indigo, and experimented with raw edges, masculine cuts, sober colours and patterns, and introduced contrasts of crisp cotton, dark denim and velvet.
 Whose collection stands out for you?
Sacai – I love the combination of volume and slim proportions; texture and touch. Dries Van Noten is the master of those contrasts. He layers high and low style, and texture and print in a way that looks so easy and accessible.
What three pieces are on your autumn/winter wishlist?
Can I have four? A classic double-breasted pea coat in grey wool from Stella McCartney. The Celine Hobo bag in brick leather. Our statement jean of the season; the Phoebe Slim. It’s our relaxed fit, tapered-leg boyfriend jean with a single denim knee patch. Finally, a super-soft merino wool and cashmere sweater with ‘Blue Jeans’ in blue embroidered on the front – also from our collection.
Do you consider fashion a form of art?
Yes, definitely. When you look at the new generation of graduates who work in a very conceptual way and present their work in installation-style presentations, it certainly crosses over with the art world. On the highest level, couture is certainly art. The textiles created for couture alone are art forms and the modelling and sculpting of a garment could be considered that too. It is a very expressive, conceptual art.
What is your signature style?
Jeans, a white shirt and Converse.
Top three fashion dos and don’ts?
Don’t ever walk out of a shop with something you feel uncomfortable in, but at the same time don’t be afraid to try new things. Always have a great pair of blue jeans!
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
I am looking forward tos eeing Electra at the Old Vic and The Duchess of Malfi at the Globe Theatre with my husband. 
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
I go to the Serpentine a lot. I find it a really lovely way to get bite-size culture, which suits my lifestyle with four small children. If time is no object, I love the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.
What was the last book you read?
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. It has set a very high standard for my next read – I’m dreading being let down!
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
Portobello Road – it’s whereI live, and it’s always exciting and inspiring.
Best weekend brunch in London?
Granger on Westbourne Grove.
Favourite websites or apps?
Jak & Jill, for beautifully shot street style and fashion photography and Sous Style, a food and life style blog with lots of recipe and interior inspiration, plus Ocado and Amazon Prime.
How do you relax?
I love to go swimming – exercise is not at the top of my list of priorities, but swimming is a great way to switch off from everything. It’s a bonus I get fit at the same time.