Keri Jamieson is the founder and owner of luxury bag brand KeriKit.
Keri, a mother of three including twins saw a gap in the market when she had her first son who is now 9. Keri designs beautiful and practical handbags and accessories to help busy stylish mum’s stay effortlessly organised and confidently stylish when they need it most, generally running from one place to another with a kid or two in tow or switching from being a mum to a businesswomen depending on the time of day.
We caught up with Keri Jamieson for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
When I first came to London aged 22, I stayed in Westbourne Park, and was just intoxicated by the vibrancy and diversity of cultures. I Had come from Rural Pott Shrigley which is a tiny hamlet near a beautiful National Park and to say it is rural is an understatement, so the contrast between the two was huge. I used to LOVE heading through Ladbroke grove and walking down Portobello Road buying second-hand clothes, trinkets and tasting my first custard tart! After this short spell of just 1 year there during my work placement from university I returned years later to live in London with my boyfriend (now husband) Scott. As I was a bit older – pushing 31 by this time, we used to go everywhere! We both had scooters and would dip in and out of different parts of London going to gigs, restaurants and clubs. One of my favourite spots is Primrose Hill. I love all the small boutiques, gastropubs, and tea rooms and of course the stunning view of Regents Park at the city beyond at top of the hill.
Favourite place for brunch:
Without doubt it has to be The Wolseley in Mayfair, because I just love their traditional breakfast, the buzzy atmosphere there and the slick interior design… plus it’s a great place for celeb spotting!
Best coffee in London:
If I’m in the West End doing some shopping or researching all of the latest style trends, then I love heading to Covent Garden and popping into Monmouth Coffee Company on Monmouth Street. It is also a great destination to visit in the winter with all the fairy lights and street artists.
Favourite gallery or museum:
It has to be The Tate Modern; it never gets old and there is always something new to spot when you visit. They also have a lovely restaurant with spectacular views across the river and in the summer, you can sit outside and enjoy a nice drink with friends.
Tell us a secret:
My new collection for Autumn winter is the best collection yet! We have some amazing new pieces to keep you organised, such as our journal covers and the leathers this season are to die for. We have embossed anaconda and printed pythons and a brand-new colour in very limited-edition numbers – forest green! I have already said too much but you heard it here first so you can be the first to swoop in and snag something as we only make limited edition runs of each design.
Favourite place to shop:
I have always loved Oxford Circus to shop mainly because it reminds me of my youth and the first time I walked into Topshop. I was in awe of all the choices! It is so sad that it is no longer with us as I think it holds a special place in every 70’s / 80’s born heart. Living in Shepherds bush we had the Westfield on our doorstep, so I used to love walking around there everyday during my maternity leave while Jasper napped, and I browsed!
Favourite place to find inspiration:
I find all of London inspiring. Just walking through the streets and watching everyone going about their day is inspirational.
Best London destination for a date:
Mmmm… there are so many choices, and you can never go hungry in London, but I do love Sushi Samba, the food is delicious, and the views are to die for!
Favourite Park:
It has to be Hyde Park. I used to cycle around it frequently and I loved seeing the mounted guards out exercising. It has beautiful monuments and statues and beautiful views of London too.
Favourite food market:
Without fail – Borough Market! The food is fresh and delicious with gorgeous pulled pork sandwiches, local ales and ciders and the cheese and pastries are legendary.
Your sanctuary in the city:
I love White City House with its roof top pool. It has a lovely vibe and if you can book a sun-bed on a nice day there is no better place to sit and people watch, read a book, or do some designing while sipping on their house cocktail – the Picante.
What inspires you?
Amazing Women inspire me which is pretty much all of us. I love seeing strong women take the lead and run their own businesses. After having a baby, it can be a strange time for a new mum, but it is also a time for reflection and often change, and it can inspire women to do the most amazing things. Watching women create something new and exciting that can work around their children and fulfils their needs too is amazing. I am proud to be part of some amazing networks such as Mumble Forum where like-minded souls can get together and talk business over a glass of fizz and a yummy lunch in and around London.
This season I am loving…
Gunmetal hardware! It is the first season we have changed out our usual light gold and gone for something a bit sultrier and more mysterious and the results are stunning. Mixed with the deep tans, greens and python prints there is something for everyone who wants to look stylish and keep organised at the same time.
