We recently sat down with Kate Brindley, Marketing and Culture Director at 5* Star London Hotel, The Standard, to talk all things style, creativity, and cultural influences. From shaping the hotel’s unique identity to curating standout experiences, Kate’s role is anything but ordinary.
In our conversation, she shared insights on the projects she’s most excited about, from a new menu residency to an astrology-inspired stay, along with her take on Spring-Summer influences, personal style, and the art of balancing timeless fashion with modern trends.
Read on for our full conversation with Kate.
We'd love to hear what a typical day look like for you?
The thing I like most about my role at The Standard is there is no such thing as a typical day. Every day is different and like no other. We challenge ourselves to do things that you won't find happening at any other hotel in London, and we use the experiences we create to sell the hotel rooms and encourage people to book a stay. The beds at The Standard, London are the most comfortable ones I've ever tried, (and there have been a lot!) and it often surprises people how well they sleep here.
Are there any exciting projects you can share?
The projects I am excited about currently are the launch of a menu residency by the amazing cook Jordon Ezra King in our ground floor restaurant Isla. Jordon is such an interesting person in terms of his approach to food and menu development. The dishes we are serving of his in Isla are SO good... Also, Campari have supported the project so lots of negronis to be had too! We are about to launch a super fun partnership with the astrologer Chris Corsini, where you can book into a room, get a special astrology reading from him, his guide to what to do in London based on your sign and then a selection of gifts based on the tropes of your star sign, so if you're a Leo you get a handheld mirror and a sex toy as no one turns them on like they do!
If you had to sum up your style in three words, what would they be?
Textural, Colourful, Divine - Femininity
What are your hero pieces from our SS25 collection, the ones you’d wear on repeat and why?
I really love the whole collection, it's very versatile and easy to mix together with things you already own. The pieces I know I'm going to be wearing lots are the puffball skirt dress in black and the leopard print trousers, I've got them in a tighter fit to wear in a more formal way in the office then a bigger size for a looser fit to wear at the weekends. I love to buy the same thing in different sizes for different moods.
How do you balance staying true to your personal style while still embracing trends?
I don't really pay attention to trends now, I just buy things I love and focus on the right silhouette for my body shape. I also invest in getting things tailored so they fit me perfectly and tend to last longer. A new thing I do now is when I buy something new I wear it all the time for the first few weeks or months, then take a break and come back to it. It makes it feel new all over again.
What cultural influences do you see coming through and having their moment?
I was blown away by the Noah Davis exhibition that just opened at the Barbican. He's an incredible painter, who very sadly died in 2015 at the height of his career. Its amazing to see all his work together in one beautifully curated exhibition, the narrative is so well written too.
What’s one unexpected influence, whether a film, place, or moment that is shaping the mood for Spring-Summer?
White Lotus of course... But my lifelong Spring Summer mood and influence is always Cornwall, it never ceases to inspire, relax and delight me.
From redefining hospitality at The Standard to embracing personal style with confidence, Kate Brindley proves that creativity and individuality are at the heart of everything she does. With an eye for culture, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and a love for pieces that stand the test of time, her approach to style and life is both inspiring and refreshingly authentic.
Here’s to a season of bold choices, unexpected influences, and finding inspiration in the most unexpected places.
