In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon is joined by illustrator and designer Isla Simpson, whose work has evolved from beautifully illustrated stationery into fabric and wallpaper collections inspired by English interiors, gardens and decoration.

After training in printed textiles at Central Saint Martins and spending fifteen years designing handbags for fashion brands, Isla gradually built a business centred around the part of design she had always loved most – drawing. What began through Instagram and bespoke illustration has naturally evolved into timeless collections for interiors, alongside collaborations with brands from around the world.

Together, Alexandra and Isla explore how the visual world we grow up in quietly shapes the way we see beauty. From childhood homes filled with Laura Ashley and William Morris, to Merchant Ivory films, Georgian architecture, the Costume Museum in Bath, and treasured books that have stayed with her throughout her life, Isla shares how these early influences continue to inform every design she creates today.

The conversation also explores designing for longevity rather than trends, preserving the human hand within a digital process, creating fabrics people will want to live with for decades, and why confidence often comes from embracing the things we have always loved rather than chasing what is fashionable.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How our earliest visual memories shape creativity

• Training at Central Saint Martins and a career in fashion design

• Finding your own creative voice through illustration

• The enduring influence of Laura Ashley, William Morris and English decoration

• Designing timeless fabrics and wallpapers for modern interiors

• The importance of craftsmanship, patience and refinement

• Why designing for longevity matters more than following trends

• Balancing digital technology with the human hand

• Collaborating with brands while remaining true to your own aesthetic

• Building a creative business that has evolved naturally over time

Whether you are designing a home, building a creative business, or discovering your own personal style, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation about trusting your instincts, embracing the influences that have shaped you, and creating work with warmth, character and lasting appeal.

CONNECT WITH ISLA:

Instagram: @islasimpsonstudio

Website: islasimpson.com

BOOKS, PEOPLE & PLACES DISCUSSED:

The Fashion Museum, Bath (The Costume Museum)

Elizabeth Goudge – The Little White Horse

Nancy Mitford – The Pursuit of Love

Rachel Johnson – A Diary of The Lady

Amy Patterson

OTHER EPISODES FROM 'THE INSIDER' DISCUSSED IN THIS PODCAST:

EP 10 - Kate Teyssier - Craftsmanship, Creativity, and Design History

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dceRkvStkaj9ADaeRtSkO

EP 9 - Henrietta Martindale - Creativity, Confidence and Finding your Style

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BhoP6TKvlb9ImvlSo98tG

Ep 8 - Camilla Fraser - Designing Spaces, People Experience and Remember

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ed8DqlJNPchmoL4bwQJmJ

CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA:

Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd

Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk

Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk

Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative

Marie has over twenty years' experience as a broadcast audio producer, working for the BBC, commercial radio, creative agencies, and private clients; her absolute obsession is podcasting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon is joined by Kate Teyssier, founder of Teyssier, the British fabric and wallpaper studio known for its beautifully considered collections and deep understanding of colour, pattern and textiles.

Following on from the design journey explored throughout the series, this conversation looks at the relationship between craftsmanship, creativity and design history. From growing up in a family of makers to building an extraordinary archive of historical textiles, Kate shares how studying the past continues to inform the way she designs today.

Together, Alexandra and Kate discuss creativity, curiosity and the importance of understanding how things are made. The conversation explores the role of research within the creative process, the value of craftsmanship, and how knowledge and experience build confidence over time.

The episode also explores working with mills and manufacturers, developing original collections, championing British makers and heritage skills, and the creation of Line Up, a new Chelsea showroom bringing together a carefully considered collection of British fabric, wallpaper and interiors brands.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Growing up in a family of makers

• Collecting and studying historical textiles

• Creativity, curiosity and developing a design eye

• How design history shapes contemporary design

• Building confidence through knowledge and experience

• Creating original collections informed by the past

• Working with mills, weavers and manufacturers

• Craftsmanship and understanding how things are made

• Championing British makers and heritage skills

• The story behind Line Up and its new Chelsea showroom

• Collaboration within the design industry

• Reflections on creativity and the design journey

Whether you are interested in design, craftsmanship, creativity or the stories behind the objects we live with, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful insight into how knowledge, research and making shape the creative process.

CONNECT WITH KATE:

Instagram: @helloteyssier

Website: teyssier.co.uk

And view more of the brands discussed at @line_up_uk

CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA:

Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd

Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk

Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk

Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative

Marie has over twenty years' experience as a broadcast audio producer, working for the BBC, commercial radio, creative agencies and private clients; her absolute obsession is podcasting.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Insider, Alexandra Langdon is joined by Henrietta Martindale, founder of The Styled Writing Company, a Suffolk-based calligraphy and design studio creating beautiful work for weddings, events and luxury brands including Fortnum & Mason, Cartier and Dunhill.

Hen began her career in London's fast-paced world of fashion PR before building a business around her lifelong love of lettering, creativity and thoughtful design. Together, Alexandra and Hen discuss how creativity develops over time, building confidence in your own style, and creating a business and home that reflect who you are.

The conversation explores creating memorable experiences through design, the importance of collaboration within creative industries, and the realities of moving a successful business from London to rural Suffolk. Hen also shares the story behind renovating her farmhouse, how the house has shaped her aesthetic, and why some of the best design decisions come from allowing a space to reveal itself over time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Building The Styled Writing Company

• Creativity as a skill that grows with confidence

• Finding your own style within a traditional craft

• Creating meaningful experiences through design

• Building relationships and trust with clients

• Moving a creative business from London to Suffolk

• Collaboration, community and creative events

• Renovating a Suffolk farmhouse

• Designing a home that reflects your aesthetic

• Allowing a house to reveal itself over time

Whether you are building a creative business, renovating your home, or navigating your own design journey, this episode offers an honest and inspiring conversation about creativity, confidence and creating a life that feels authentically your own.

CONNECT WITH HENRIETTA:

Instagram: @thestyledwritingcompany

Website: thestyledwritingcompany.com

BUSINESSES & CREATIVES DISCUSSED:

@jakeskitchen

@sophieharveycurated

@minniparkerdesigns

@wildernessreserve

@butleypriory

@wbjwine

@kinship_creativedc

CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA:

Instagram: @alexandralangdonltd

Website: alexandralangdon.co.uk

Email: theinsider@alexandralangdon.co.uk

Podcast Producer: @mtalbotcreative

Marie has over twenty years’ experience as a broadcast audio producer, working for the BBC, commercial radio, creative agencies, and private clients; her absolute obsession is podcasting.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.