Over her long career as a creative director and writer in New York, Emilie Hawtin used her expertise to take heritage brands like J.Crew to new heights. Along the way, she founded Clementina, a tailoring brand that now has a much-loved Substack. Last year, she moved to London, and her influence is now spreading throughout the land. She joined us for lunch with her friend Michael Hill, the creative director of Drake’s.
Emilie, is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
A Long Lunch is far from a habit for me. I often get so focused on making things during the day that I forget about it altogether. So when I do sit down and take time, it feels special and I’m fully present.
What makes a Long Lunch a treat, versus a chore?
A Long Lunch is worth lingering over with winning company, an unhurried atmosphere, and food that’s been thought about. Laughter helps, and music should never be noticeable. But the same lunch with dull dining companions is just a long meal — a chore no matter what’s served!
What are the qualities of an ideal lunch companion?
An enthusiastic, present, and engaging conversationalist who wants to be exactly where they are. Who doesn’t love great stories over a wonderful meal? And if you share a taste in food — even better!
Who did you bring to The Park?
Michael Hill, one of the world’s greatest dining companions, was kind enough to join me for lunch. We’ve shared countless meals on various continents, and he’s the rare person who’s as enthusiastic about a roadside fish shack as he is about a celebrated institution.
He’s the reason I first went to Arlington (then Le Caprice). The Park brings things full circle.
What did you eat and drink today, and why?
On a sweltering London afternoon, the white bean and artichoke salad was a perfect start. I had trout with sautéed tomatoes, olives and basil with a glass of Grillo Bianco — having a drink midday is very rare for me, so I know it’s summer and I’m relaxed! Michael made his way through vitello tonnato and osso buco as we talked about Florence.
What will you order on your next long lunch at The Park?
I’m a vegetable devotee, so next visit I’ll try the poivrade artichokes. Though it might be the lobster roll and apple pie if I’m feeling nostalgic — these remind me of beach summers growing up. Luckily, I’m in the neighbourhood and get to taste the whole menu!
Tell us about your favourite Long Lunch of all time.
Long lunches are customary when I’m in Italy, even while working there, but rare in the city I actually live. On my recent trip to visit friends near Capalbio, everyone dove into the ocean before throwing together a simple lunch outside of their house on the sea — all of us in our bathing suits with wet hair, local white wine, and hours of meandering conversation until we realized it was dinner time.
If you could Long-Lunch with absolutely anyone on the planet — no offence to Michael! — who would it be?
I’ve learned more while having lunch with Cristina Bomba, of Atelier Bomba, than she may ever realise. There are few things more enjoyable than sharing a long, simple meal with those who make you think about your life differently — and who love great food!
On the days that you are Long-Lunching, do you dress differently?
A Long Lunch calls for the same uniform I wear every day: a made-to-measure ivory linen jacket and trousers. For The Park, I went rogue with the navy linen wide-leg pair — sometimes a good meal requires more room, though we had wine in lieu of dessert — and a Clementina x Drake’s scarf, which I designed with Michael, tied in my hair because it’s a hot day.
What is your favourite time of year (or weather) in which to enjoy a Long Lunch?
A long summer lunch outdoors is one of life’s great pleasures.
The best day of the week for a Long Lunch is….?
Having a Long Lunch on a Monday is daring and feels like playing hooky—but Fridays are the best. You have the whole weekend ahead, and are just getting an early start. Everyone needs that sometimes!
Do you have any other thoughts about Long Lunches that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them.
For me to have a Long Lunch means I either have my life in order, I’m supremely relaxed, or I’m on holiday. And if all of those things are true, well, long live the Long Lunch!
EMILIE’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: America.
Neighbourhood: Kensington. Michael and I are Kensington neighbours.
“Short” lunch strategy (i.e. when not at The Park): I rarely remember to take a work break midday when I’m making things, so lunch often winds up as early dinner!
Workout: Running in Hyde Park.
Favourite park:That’s tough!! Outside of the UK, the Borghese Garden and the Boboli Garden are two places I could spend many afternoons following a Long Lunch. In London, I take a lot of long walks with friends on the weekends, and Hampstead Heath is a treasure.
Current projects: I’m working on new projects with my women’s tailoring brand, Clementina, as well as writing, and making campaigns for other brands! I often collaborate with Drake’s — we recently made silk bandanas, safari jackets and tuxedo shirts. Michael and the team are the best kind of collaborators.
Any recommendations for us? This time of year I often keep Eric Rohmer films in the background. They remind me of the importance of stretching time and surrounding yourself with beauty.