Where The Ernest Leoty Team Spend The Holidays
By Gee Marling
Horse riding in Normandy, flower arranging in Madrid and wine tasting in Burgundy: just a few of the activities the talented team at Ernest Leoty get up to over the festive period. Read on to find out where they spend it and who they spend it with.
Clementine - Head of Operations
I spend the holidays in France between my family in Saint-Tropez, and Deauville in Normandy with my husbands family. In both places I love walking by the sea, and in Normandy I like horseback riding along the beach.
In Saint-Tropez, I recommend dinner and drinks at Pablo, a vibrant new restaurant and bar started by three young local entrepreneurs. In Normandy, I recommend Le Baligan in Cabourg for its tasty seafood from the local fish market.
To feel comfy but elegant I’ll be wearing the Corset Legging and Perform Tank Top in Black and to keep warm, the Camille Cardigan in Prune.
Clementine will be taking L-R: the Corset Legging and Perform Tank in Black, and the Camille Cardigan in Prune © Ernest Leoty
Stephanie - Product Development & Production Manager
I usually spend Christmas at home in London with family. On Christmas Eve morning we’ll have a Jamaican breakfast of ackee and saltfish, plantain, avocado and festivals (dumplings). Sometimes we have another Jamaican speciality for dinner - curried goat, rice and peas and all sides - but breakfast can be filling enough!
We go to midnight mass together, sing carols and welcome in Christmas Day. I spend much of the day in the kitchen with my mother, and we take little breaks now and again to watch any good films that might be on.
My boyfriend's family always have Christmas dinner on Boxing Day, so I am rewarded with an even bigger banquet that I haven't had to cook! I feel so lucky to be around young children and babies, they make the day even more of an event. This Christmas we will have 2 month old Lewis joining us at the dining table.
Stephanie’s choice for the holidays: The Camille Cardigan (£295) and the Bertille Trousers (£285) © Ernest Leoty
Lucia - Marketing Assistant
One of the stands at the Mercado de las Flores de Vogue, Madrid © Leticia Díaz
I spend Christmas in both Paris and Madrid. In Paris I love visiting the stores to check out the Christmas displays and products and to buy presents for my family and friends. My favourites are: Astier de Villatte for their dishes and Christmas products, Le Bon Marché for their seasonal pop ups, and finally Bonton, Merci and Galeries Lafayette for their decorations.
In Madrid I spend most of my time with family. We love flowers so we visit as many markets as possible, every year Vogue organises a street market devoted to flowers in Madrid's luxury shopping zone. In fact this year I’m going to do a floristry class at Sally Hambleton. One of my favourite restaurants in Madrid is Amazonico, the ambiance is cool and they have an amazing seasonal menu. Finally, my sister and I love sports so we’re really excited that Tracy Anderson has opened a new studio in Madrid, and we will definitely give it a try whilst we’re there
I will be traveling in my Corset Legging in Black as they're just so comfortable and easy to style, and in my bag I’ll take the Ilona Bodysuit in Red/Aubergine for me and in Navy/Black for my mum so that we can twin!
In Lucia’s bag: The Ilona Bodysuit in Red/Aubergine and the Corset Legging in Black © Ernest Leoty
Emma - Operations Assistant
I am going to spend Christmas at my grandparents house in Toulon, in the South of France. They’re selling their house so it will be a holiday packed with memories and full of nostalgia. For anyone visiting the area I would recommend taking a boat trip out to the Island of Port-Cros, a breathtaking nature reserve.
The winter gets a bit nippy by the sea so snuggling up on the sofa in the Charlotte hoodie is my idea of the perfect afternoon.
Emma’s choice to keep cozy and warm: The Charlotte Hoodie, £315 © Ernest Leoty
Tereza - Ecommerce Manager
A snow-covered Athens
I’m from Athens, and that’s where I’ll be spending the holidays. I usually spend the days eating and drinking at friends houses with my husband. We also like to go out for coffee and drinks. There is this famous bar and restaurant in Athens called Noel which is Christmas-themed so you can celebrate all year round, if you so wish. I also go to a fish restaurant that I recommend very highly called Varoulko.
I really like shopping and just walking around the city streets, my favourite places to do that are Kolonaki and Ermou Street.
Finally, at some stage we’ll bake traditional Christmas cookies called melomakarona which are delicious honey cakes.
In Tereza’s suitcase: The Ernest Leoty Essentials Box (with Black Corset Legging), £130 © Ernest Leoty
Arthur - Operations Assistant
Winter warmer: Aligot, a traditional dish from Aubrac
There’s something for everyone at Christmas time in Toulouse. At the wonderful ‘Place du Capitole’, the majestic facade of the town hall serves as a backdrop for the Christmas village market and its traditional white chalets. To keep warm I recommend some aligot - a delicious fondue-like dish made from cheese and mashed potatoes - and mulled wine!
This year, I’ll be taking the Ernest Leoty Essentials Box home for my mum, to encourage her to work out a bit more!
Arthur’s Christmas gift of choice: The Ernest Leoty Essentials Box (with Navy/Black Corset Legging), £130 © Ernest Leoty
Marion - CEO & Founder
Les Hospices de Beaune, Burgundy
I am spending Christmas in Chalon sur Saone in Burgundy. Most of that time I’ll be with my family around the fireplace. Burgundy is known for its food and wine, so I would recommend a visit to the vineyards of Puligny Montrachet, and I also love going to Place Saint Vincent on Sundays for the market where you can see all the local producers.
Beaune is the nearby town and the wine capital of Burgundy, it’s surrounded by medieval ramparts and is home to the famous geometric tiled roof of Les Hospices de Beaune, a museum and the setting for a well known annual wine auction. For dining out, my favourite restaurant is Maison Lameloise, it’s really excellent.
For comfort I’ll be taking the Camille Cardigan and the Corset Leggings, both in Black.
The Camille Cardigan (£295) and the Corset Legging (£130) in Black © Ernest Leoty
Adelaide - Marketing Manager
The village of Samoens, in the Grand Massif, French Alps
I will be spending the holidays in Samoens, in the French Alps. I’ll be spending the time either snowboarding or staying cozy in the chalet! The Grand Massif is the big ski resort in the area, so anyone visiting should take advantage of the endless slopes!
I’ll be taking the Perform bra and the Mara Legging to wear under my snowboarding pants - they’re the thickest leggings so they should keep me warm. For indoors I’ll be wrapped up in the Margaux Turtleneck with the Bertille Joggers!
Adelaide will be taking The Mara Leggings in Navy/Black (£150), Perform Bra in Navy (£60), the Margaux Turtleneck (£275) and Bertille Joggers (£285) in Prune © Ernest Leoty
Marian - Creative Assistant
Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica
For the holidays I will be going back to Costa Rica to enjoy the change in climate. I would recommend going to stay at the Tabacon Hot Springs in La Fortuna which offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
I like to take this time to relax so I will be taking the Ernest Leoty Resort Box with me.
Accompanying Marian to Costa Rica: The Ernest Leoty Resort Box (Frutto/Navy), £450 © Ernest Leoty
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