Article: Poppy Sexton-Wainright
Poppy Sexton-Wainright
I have been obsessed with ASCENO for as long as I can remember, the brand makes up to about 80% of my summer wardrobe and their luxe velvet pieces are what I live in during the winter months. Poppy Sexton-Wainright is the embodiment of the brand. Super cool, put together and doesn’t take herself too seriously; we were introduced by a friend and hit it off straight away. Not only do I love what she does and how she does it but she’s become a valuable member of my Coven - someone I pick up the phone to at times when I need to ask ‘stupid questions’ or just be vulnerable.
WELCOME TO THE COVEN, POPPY
Please can you introduce yourself, your background and where you are in your career right now.
I am the Founder of ASCENO - a Resort Ready-to-Wear loungewear brand with a heritage in sleepwear. I started the brand in my twenties with a friend and from there it has had a few guises but finally found its form as ASCENO nearly 10 years ago. I am now very proud of the position ASCENO holds within this very competitive market - as a go-to for elevated loungewear, be it at home, on vacation or for everyday wear.
Tell us all about what’s coming up this year - what are you excited about?
We are about to launch our Resort '25 Collection. This collides with the winter months and party season. So the pieces and materials are rich and opulent - this collection we have a velvet robe in brunette and it is the most heavenly yet versatile piece which can be worn on its own, or over a slip dress. It just elevates everything and makes you feel understated and elegant, which is how I hope all women feel in our clothes. I am personally excited for our charcoal cashmere wool collection, I will be living in this til March.
We have a long standing partnership with private members club, Maison Estelle and Estelle Manor who dress their staff in Asceno. We are launching a new collaboration with their store The Muse later this month, I love the design, so super excited for that.
Our new ‘at home’ series is also launching this month, where hosts have their closest ‘coven’ over for dinner at home. The perfect setting for Asceno pieces. In short, there is a lot going on.
What are the peaks and the troughs of running your own business?
It’s a rollercoaster, with highs and lows which can sometimes be daily. There is never an off-switch to running your own business, the feeling of not always being able to tick everything off my to-do list is tiring, but something I’m trying to come to terms with. I have a strong team of women working with me, who are passionate and enthusiastic about the brand and this is an undeniable high which brings me immense pride.
Undoubtedly, brand collaborations are a high - last year we worked on designing an exclusive Pyjama set for Adele's Vegas residency which was sold at the Colosseum in the Ceasar's Palace Hotel. Collaborations and support from such noteworthy partners makes all the troughs worth it!
The Coven is a celebration of the relationships that define us - it’s a chance for us to highlight and to thank our crew that have been there for the personal and the professional moments. It’s also a way for us to support those to have supported us along the way. Can you talk about some friends, mentors, colleagues, other founders that you’d like to share with our audience? What is it that they are doing that’s exciting or different. How have they helped you along the way? What was the advice they gave you? What are they doing that you want to “shout their name in a room full of opportunities”
There are some incredible women who I am lucky enough to call my closest friends and mentors.
India Montgomery is the Founder and Creative Director of The Edition 94 and The Dot Project - she has been a loyal friend since we were 18. As a creative director she has an incredible eye and I value her advice and opinion on anything, both professional and personal. She is the first person to tell me that I can only control my own feelings and reactions, not everyone else’s.
During the early days of ASCENO Rayna Barasch, who previously worked at Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren and MiH Jeans, was instrumental in building the brand and shaping what Asceno wanted to become. I value her opinion on all facets of the business, from strategy to design and she continues to be my mentor nearly a decade later.
Another early and continued supporter of the brand and myself is the super talented Eiesha Bharti Pasricha. Eiesha introduced Asceno to Maison Estelle when they launched in London in 2021 and we created an exclusive collection of silk loungewear for their staff to wear as uniform at the private members Parlour, as well as designing an exclusive set of silk pyjamas for the store. She is generous with her time and invitations to the many incredible hospitality venues she has created with her husband Sharan.
How does it feel when you’re with your Coven?
My closest girlfriends have been my rock and life would be far less fun, far less supportive, and significantly harder without them. Many of them running their own businesses and having babies, we all juggle a lot, knowing we are in it together is a comfort. Having these women is one of life's greatest gifts. They give me perspective and strength - if something is occupying my mind and feels overwhelming, they provide insight or possible solutions and more often than not, on reflection, I was able to solve the problem myself but they are always there to give me confidence and encouragement. Ultimately we all want to be rich in love, laughter and support. My coven has truly provided this, these past few years.
How does jewellery make you feel? Can you talk us through why you were drawn to the pieces you wore?
I bought myself the Lucy Delius trombone necklace a few years ago, it was the first proper piece of jewellery that I bought myself. I've worn it every day and had more comments on it than anything else I've ever owned. It signifies a time when I needed to find enormous inner and external strength and whenever I wear it, I am reminded of that and what I have overcome.
I like jewellery which I don't need to change or take off - I have a collection of small diamond hoops which I wear everyday. But for a change, I love the t-bar pendants that can dress up a simple chain.
I also love the small colourful flash of coloured stones and the Blue Sapphire Chubby Huggy is super fun, if you were looking for something less traditional.
