The starting place for all of Prism’s understated designs is the things founder, creative director and all-round cool girl Anna Laub can’t find. She began her London-based label with elegant, hand-cut optical glasses, followed by sunglasses and mix-and-match swimwear and soft leather espadrilles...
Now, inspired by a lack of swimwear for her three-year-old son Lucien, she has created her children’s beach line. “It’s a cliché but when I was looking for him I didn’t find any I liked so I thought I’d make some,” says the ex-style editor/trend forecaster. “I don’t have a girl but lots of my friends do and I noticed no one really did anything like our swimwear but for kids.” Using the same high-quality fabric she developed in France for her adult line, Laub has produced mini-me leopard-print two-pieces and swimsuits for girls and simple, stylish swimming shorts for boys. The result is moderately priced, comfortable and streamlined designs that most importantly (with little ones in-and-out-of the pool all day) will last. We caught up with the effortlessly stylish mum to find out how she juggles her busy day and her essential daily uniform. Words: Claire Brayford | Go to www.prismlondon.com
What’s your morning routine?
I’m not a morning person at all but I’ve had to become more of one with a child. I get up around 7:30 or 8 with Lucien – we play, have breakfast and get ready for the day.
When do you start checking messages and emails?
It’s horrible to say but as soon as I am up. We deal with so many people in so many different countries that time-differences mean sometimes things need to be dealt with overnight or first thing in the morning.
Do you plan your outfits the night before?
No, I’m very much a dress-how-I-feel type of person. I literally can’t wear something if I’m not feeling in that mood. I want to feel comfortable – metaphorically and physically. I’m a real dress and leggings or pencil skirt and sweater type – with my espadrilles in leather or suede. I buy a lot of vintage and things that are simple and good quality – it could be from Celine or Cos. I wear pretty much the same thing for the day, work, night and evening – so long as I am comfortable.
How do you dress your son?
It’s an extension of my taste (although he enjoys little monster tops and cars) – anything simple and unfussy. I love discovering all the independent kidswear brands – Smallable is great for that. And he does dress like his dad – sometimes I will look over and they will both be wearing the same khaki trousers and a jumper.
What’s for breakfast?
I have yoghurt, cereal and berries. Or, if my partner Pierre is making breakfast, pancakes with Nutella.
What is your beauty routine?
I like very simple, natural products – Bioderma cleanser and Sisley moisturiser (the Black Rose Cream Mask is amazing) and Dr Pawpaw balm.
Who do you speak to daily?
Pierre and Lucien – Pierre and I both travel a lot. We try to travel all together as much as we can, but we talk every day a few times a day when we are apart. I also talk to my mum, dad and my best friends pretty regularly too.
What is your work like day-to-day?
It’s very, very mixed. I can be setting up a pop-up store in Selfridges, doing a shoot on location, managing budgets or out researching design ideas at exhibitions.
What are the best and worst bits about having your own brand?
The buck stops with me and sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it’s a bad thing. I love having my own brand and designing and dealing with every aspect of it, but equally, it can be all-consuming sometimes.
What can you not get through the day without?
I get low blood sugar so definitely regularly – otherwise talking to Lucien and Pierre.
Where is your happy place?
My home. Or on holiday in a sunny place with Lucien, Pierre and my friends and family.
What’s for lunch?
A very quick sandwich or salad at my desk or lunch with friends at Chiltern Firehouse across the street from our London store and office.
How do you spend your afternoon?
Running around getting a million things done.
And how do you get through the afternoon slump?
Coffee and chocolate.
What do you like to do each day that makes you happy?
Spend quality time with Lucien – that might be going to the park, going out for lunch with him, playing at home, reading him books etc, depending what day it is.
What’s for dinner?
Roast chicken, roast potatoes and broccoli – my mum was a gardener and grows her own vegetables so I have always got produce from her.
What do you do to wind down relax?
I have a massage. And I like to do yoga – it’s good to take time out.
Do you have an evening routine?
I try to get home for 6pm have dinner with Lucien and Pierre, give Lucien a bath and read to him and put him to bed. If I’m going out to a work event or to meet friends I try to put him to sleep first (by 8!) and then go out.
What time are you in bed?
If I don’t go out I’m in bed early by 10 or 11pm.
