Each of us is navigating a new normal, and for shoe designer Kathryn Wilson when we shifted to level three lockdown, the designer herself started delivering the online sales. Editor Trudi Brewer shares what it's like in lockdown with two small children and a footwear empire to run.

Image BeautyEQ, photo Keryn Sweeney

With a successful career in shoe design, Kathryn Wilson is NZ's darling when it comes to luxury footwear. Her creative, commercial, and technical expertise has seen her become one of our top shoe designers, and right now, that's all happening from ISO. Here Wilson shares what she has learned, loves, and misses about her life as she once knew it.

How has your business changed in lockdown?

Working remotely has been an eye-opener for both myself and my husband, Liam Taylor (a co-director of PR company Darkhorse). Balancing work and the running of two businesses, while having two kids at home during the day is interesting. Being available to our teams over Zoom, on email, while making playdough, and building obstacle courses, while feeding a baby is very interesting. In saying that this lockdown has allowed my team to slow down and re-work our brand strategy together, planning for the next 12 months ahead. Julia Ford (Miss Wilson shoe designer) and I are designing the Winter 2021 shoe collections, and it’s been a luxury to have more time to focus on that, instead of the usual events, photoshoots, customer evening hostings, which are all postponed for now.

A beauty day with mum, Wilson’s eldest daughter Lola is getting some pamper time in ISO.

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What have you learned from being in lockdown in your family bubble?

The importance of connection and communication with friends, family, work colleagues, suppliers, clients, and advisors. Keeping up the calls, and Zoom meetings and social media has been my saving grace.

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Julia Ford who designs the diffusion line of Kathryn Wilson shoes, Miss Wilson, at home in ISO working on the new winter 2021 collection.

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What have been your beauty go-to's during the lockdown?

I go for my daily walks with baby Stella on the beach every morning while she sleeps, so Dermalogica Invisible physical defence SPF 30 has been invaluable, and there has been more time for those face masks at night. I love the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque and for my hair Davines Naturaltech Vegetarian Miracle Mask. Also, Lancôme La Vie Est Belle is my new favourite for all-day wear scent, it makes me feel like I have somewhere exciting to go.

Davines Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask, $58. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle, 100ml, $230. Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, $109. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defence SPF30, $109.