In this customer spotlight we sit down with the stylish Shirley Au, a long time friend and customer of the shop.

Shirley began her career in film, joining New Line Cinema to work on the launch of The Lord of the Rings. She later pivoted to the digital sphere, spending over a decade managing Huge, the boundary‑pushing design and tech agency renowned for its clean user experiences and work with iconic global brands such as IKEA, Nike, and Google. 

The agency was eventually sold to a major media holding group and in recent years, Shirley’s work and focus has shifted toward sustainability, as she now serves as a Director at British furniture brand Another Country, a certified Benefit Corporation celebrated for its timeless, well-crafted designs made from locally sourced, sustainable materials with an eye on both heritage and the future. 

After years in the fast-paced agency world, Shirley finds it rewarding to be part of a business where craftmanship, quality, and sustainability set the pace. We spoke with Shirley to understand her enduring love for jackets, penchant for prep style and the enduring appeal of a pair of all-black trainers. 

CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU PURCHASED ? WHAT WAS IT AND WHERE WAS IT BOUGHT?

I’ve always had a soft spot for a great jacket. The first one I remember buying was a dark brown J.Crew barn jacket when I was a teenager. Paul (Simons) will tell you I can’t resist a jacket. I almost always fall for one the moment I walk into his shop.

I grew up on the East Coast in America and went to a prep school, so the whole east coast preppy look was everywhere. Brands like J.Crew, L.L. Bean, Sebago, Sperry and G.H. Bass really defined the style of the time and place where I grew up.

WHEN WAS YOUR VISIT TO THE SHOP, AND WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I moved to London from New York in 2012 to set up our agency’s London office, and we settled in Marylebone. The neighbourhood instantly felt right, it was located in central London yet a little under the radar, with everything you needed at your doorstep: restaurants, pubs, independent shops tucked into side streets, a mix of locals and internationals.

That’s when I first wandered onto Chiltern Street. Back then it was just a handful of independent shops, right before the Firehouse opened. I was immediately drawn in by John Simons; it had brands that took me straight back to my teenage years, but paired with classic English menswear like tweeds, corduroy and blazers with a quiet gravitas. My own style has a boyish skew: a mix of neutrals, textured fabrics and crew neck jumpers. Eventually I discovered size 36 in mens fit me perfectly so I've been collecting John Simons' jackets ever since. 

WHAT’S THE ONE ITEM OF CLOTHING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

If I had to pick just one, it would be my navy John Simons blazer. I've got both the summer and winter version, but really, I rotate through a John Simons "capsule" of Shetland wool jumpers, a collection of blazers, and a few jackets, these are the pieces I couldn’t imagine being without.

WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE STYLE TIP?

For me, it’s never been about how I want others to perceive my clothing, and more about putting something on that makes me feel confident, comfortable and myself. Personally, I like to mix it up, pairing structured, classic tailoring with more relaxed pieces, even streetwear or a cool find picked up from travelling. 

A smart, well-cut blazer can pull any outfit together, and a good pair of all-black trainers is also surprisingly versatile. I’ve just inherited my 13 year old son’s black Stan Smiths, his former school shoes, and I love that they've slotted right into my wardrobe and I wear them nearly every day. 

DO YOU HAVE A SARTORIAL HERO?

I’m not sure I have a single one. When I lived in New York in my 20s and 30s, living in Greenwich Village and working in Brooklyn, I was constantly surrounded by style. The city itself was a catwalk. Just walking the streets gave you inspiration, and I was managing Huge, a digital agency, with hundreds of stylish creative designers coming in and out every day. Whenever I’ve travelled, for instance to Stockholm, Tokyo, Paris, I’d always leave with some sartorial inspiration. 

IF YOU COULD ATTEND A CONCERT BY ANY ARTIST, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE — AND WHAT WOULD YOU WEAR?

Tough one! My 10 year old daughter and I talk about music all the time and we were just discussing what concerts we want to go to, she actually has brilliant taste. Amy Winehouse would be top of my list. I remember the summer we opened our Los Angeles office, in the mid-2000s , I would drive around town listening to her on repeat. That voice: raw, soulful, and unforgettable. For her concert, I'd keep it pared back and wear black jeans, a grey tee, and a pair of trainers. 

Interview by Nicholas Sarnella.
Editorial photography by Thomas Pratt.