Anna Garner is a London-based creative entrepreneur and founder of The Garnered, a platform celebrating exceptional craftsmanship and creativity across fashion, art and design. Her career has taken her through some of fashion’s most influential institutions, from working alongside André Leon Talley in Paris to senior roles at Henri Bendel in New York and Selfridges in London. Through The Garnered, she works with artists, designers and craftspeople worldwide, showcasing their work and developing creative collaborations.
Could you tell our community a little about yourself and what you do?
Formerly a fashion director working in London, Paris and New York and beginning my career at Vogue USA, I founded my company The Garnered 10 years ago, to champion skill and creativity at the intersection of craft, fashion and design. As well as an online platform that showcases work from artists and artisans from around the world, The Garnered also collaborates on many different creative projects from curating objects d’art to commissioning and designing collections for international clients from Hauser & Wirth to Vacheron Constantin.
What are you working on at the moment – and what’s exciting you right now?
Currently The Garnered is about to launch an exciting curation of bespoke objects for Mr Porter - limited edition and collectible pieces that have been created in partnership with international artists and makers.
What’s the most important thing to get right in a restaurant or a hotel?
Lighting! From a design perspective, lighting is the most important element to get right in a restaurant or hotel - home too! Lighting sets the mood and the emotion of a space. When it’s wrong, it kills the atmosphere - dead in one flick! When it’s right, you feel at ease in a space, feel part of it and want to linger. It softens the moment and creates a beautiful intimacy between guests.
I love candlelight….
What do most restaurateurs underestimate?
Getting the acoustics right too is key- so many restaurants just end up with the noise being such a distraction and too loud to be enjoyable.
What are three restaurants in London you return to again and again – and why?
Mount St. Restaurant for enjoying art and cuisine - every detail has been considered from the amazing Palladian marble floor from Rashid Johnson to the tactile leather tables from Bill Amberg. The dishes are modern British and consistently excellent under chef Jamie Shears who has been there since it opened. It’s a perfect place to have a breakfast meeting but also a cool and cultured evening meal.
Endo and Moga
A new local for me! Just opened ENDO in Chelsea by Chef Endo Kazutoshi who is offering a deeply personal Omakase experience with just 10 seats. The counter is made from 200 year old kinoki wood and the nod to Japanese craftsmanship is in every detail to look. Above is a very intimate cocktail and listening bar called MOGA - which takes its name from a word that means modern women. My love for craft is indulged here with ceramics from incredible Japanese artists and a cocktail list which focuses on tea which has been created in collaboration with Postcard Teas - purveyors of the finest and most interesting teas in the world … the ceiling is made from hundreds of sake cups which is mesmerising, especially late at night!
TheE Grill at Café Royal
Hidden in the heart of the hotel, it’s like dining in a gilded jewel box! It’s the history of this very special place though that I love. Very private and clandestine, Oscar Wilde and David Bowie used to frequent The Grill. Now under the direction of the brilliant chef Kevin Gratton, the menu is highly seasonal and is very modern British which feels a nice contrast to the gilded and ornate backdrop. It is pure opulent elegance but which must have seen some wild times over the decades!
If you had to choose three favourite food destinations, what would they be – and which places do you recommend to try in each - and why?
1. Paris
Le Bristol
For breakfast Le Bristol is great, especially the scrambled eggs - deliciously buttery and always a perfect consistency. I love this world class old school hotel and stayed many times over the years - it’s a Parisian grande dame, very famous but somehow remains very discreet.
Le petit Feur Au Cheval
A classic Marais bistro for laid back intimate dinners, a favourite with the fashion crowd. Simple bistro food and classical Parisian decor. A true establishment, I have fond memories of this place old and new - it’s a timeless address.
Ogata Restaurant
Set in an imposing hôtel particulier in the heart of the Marais, this beautiful, aesthetic restaurant on the top floor offers a really serene and stylish dining experience. The menu is seasonal and is a contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine - OGATA is one of my favourite addresses in Paris as it’s a space truly dedicated to Japanese craft with a boutique that champions the best work from Japanese artisans and a beautiful bijou team room that offers wonderful tea ceremonies and experiences.
2. Seoul
I am planning a trip to South Korea soon and excited about their culture and craft and design scene and am excited to discover the food scene. In my list are three addresses shared with me by Soluna Fine Craft, Seoul’s leading fine craft gallery with whom we collaborate with closely.
Vinvin
It's a casual dining spot located in Sinheung Market in Haebangchon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. You can enjoy the terrace seating right in the middle of a traditional Korean market atmosphere, and the food is absolutely delicious! The owners (husband and wife) bring a great dynamic energy through music and wine alongside great dining.
Hanmoechon
It's a Korean fine dining restaurant built in a renovated Hanok (traditional Korean house) where modern dancer Choi Seung-hee used to live. They serve healthy meals using seasonal ingredients, making it a great place to enjoy neat and refined Korean cuisine.
Ongozisin
I am already seduced by the name which means ‘Learn from the old to know the new’. A beautiful decor where traditional elements are presented in a contemporary way, this cafe offers a modern take on time-honoured Korean teas and treats.
3. Marrakech and Fès
Fès
Le Restaurant Fez Cafe
Known as one of the best restaurants in Fès, this is an enchanting eaterie tucked away in the heart of the beautiful hotel le Jardin Des Biehn. The owners of the hotel are French antique dealers with exquisite taste- it’s an oasis in the middle of this vibrant and historic city.
Marrakech
Le Riad de Stella Cadente
A wonderful riad in the heart of Marrakech with a beautiful root top restaurant- doused in Yves Klein blue , set against handmade Moroccan tiles and green palm trees, this very private guest house owned by the celebrated fashion designer is such an oasis of calm and culinary delight away from the frenetic energy of the souks. The food is super fresh, served by a charming team on a beautifully shaded terrace. A little slice of heaven.
Le Beldi
The Beldi is situated about 10 kms from central Marrakech and is a tranquil retreat set in beautiful gardens. The Greenhouse restaurant set in amongst the gardens is a gorgeous gourmet treat with the food and ambience dreamy and the service second to none.
