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An afternoon with the Walmsley’s is one well spent. Nestled in a charming neighborhood in South London, the Walmsley family home reflects the creativity of its inhabitants. Chris and Bibiana have used their combined artistry to design an interior that simultaneously wows and welcomes guests – something I felt from my very first visit.
Their family consists of four delightfully warm and creative individuals. Chris and Bibiana are the parents to their daughters, Bibi and Rocio. They’re endlessly generous with their home and time, hosting dinner parties for friends and offering up their house for photoshoots. I’ve been lucky to get to know them through their daughter Bibi, a talented photographer and art director (and an even better friend)!
Chris & Bibiana
Chris and Bibiana have so many wonderful things to say about each other, but amongst the things they share is a mutual appreciation for beauty. Separately, they told me that when they first met they immediately admired the other's fashion taste.
For Bibiana, her taste is intrinsically sewn into who she is. It wouldn’t dawn on her to wear a pair of sweatpants to the grocery store – why would she wear that when it takes the same effort to wear something else? As Bibiana said, “It’s not effortless, but it’s automated.” Her Spanish heritage embedded in her an appreciation for beauty, upheld by her mother, the family matriarch. During COVID, Spain’s lockdown left Bibiana’s mother inside like the rest of us. While many of us resorted to sweat sets and leggings, Bibiana’s mother continued to dress in her most beautiful clothes, presenting her outfit on her balcony every day to her neighbors. “They would clap for her,” Bibiana shared with me. Her intrinsic style translates well into her work as an interior designer, a talent apparent throughout their home.
Chris grew up in the UK and had wartime parents who were much more conservative with their style. On the other end of the spectrum was his eldest brother, a David Bowie superfan who would dress in Bowie-inspired platforms and edgy silhouettes. Chris found his style in the middle of these opposing visual worlds. Something I always admire about Chris’s style is his ability to accessorize among well-tailored pieces; there’s a timelessness to it while still incorporating contemporary elements. Chris is a co-founder of a creative agency and has a real talent for working with spirit and liquor brands. His office in the detached studio behind their home features a hung backdrop that mimics a fully stocked bar, a favorite for his clients during their Zoom meetings.
Bibi + Rocio
Bibi shares a namesake with her mother, Bibiana. Bibi is an incredibly talented photographer and art director and, like her parents, has an eye for beauty. She’s inspired by aesthetics coming from new creative voices and adapts her style based on what’s new and different. She finds what works for her in the current landscape and dives in. This works well with her job as a Creative Strategist, as she always needs to be in the know on emerging trends and designers. Though her taste is adaptable, she collects pieces that are unique and memorable. She supports independent designers and collects interesting vintage pieces that won’t quickly expire, incorporating them into her looks in new and fresh ways.
Rocio, the youngest of the bunch, creates her looks based on what she’s feeling or experiencing. Laughing, she shared how she would dress in all black after getting in a fight with a family member as a silent declaration of her anger. Or, if they were on a boat during a holiday, she’d dress for the occasion in sailor stripes. Her clothes tell a story about her at that moment, which I find so playful. She focuses on filling her closet with pieces that are sustainable and comfortable. Rocio is currently a freelance creative, supporting teams on film sets and photoshoots. It’s clear she has an intimate relationship with storytelling, one that expresses itself through her clothing and her profession.
The Dressing
For their dressing, Bibiana and Rocio made a blood orange vinaigrette. The pair love making dinner together and do it almost every night. They chose to make a salad with blood oranges because they thought they’d look beautiful, a choice that speaks to their shared creativity. Bibi offers a helping hand when it comes to cooking, and Chris's specialty lies with the drinks. We had glasses of champagne as they shared stories about their family, the sounds of a busy kitchen paired with laughter filling the room. The fact that all four of them work in a creative capacity speaks highly to the kind of environment that Bibiana and Chris were able to nurture in their home. They were able to whip up a picture-perfect afternoon for us, and it’s because they have a shared vision and way of life. As Bibiana said about her outfits, it’s not effortless, but it’s automated. They have an innate ability to create beautiful, memorable things, and our shared afternoon and salad reflect this perfectly.
The Walmsley’s Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Slightly buzzed from a couple of glasses of champagne and a Chris specialty cocktail, I rode home on the Tube feeling so whole, replaying stories of their glamorous matriarch, their bustling kitchen, and the laughter-inducing anecdotes shared around the table. The warmth and creativity of the Walmsley family had enveloped me, leaving a lasting impression.
As I reflected on the afternoon, I realized how rare it is to find a family so deeply connected not just by blood, but by a shared passion for creativity and beauty. Their home is more than just a physical space; it’s where each member expresses their individuality while contributing to a collective masterpiece that welcomes and wow’s all who enter. The seamless integration of their professional and personal lives, and a palpable admiration for their family, heritage, and mutual love and respect is truly inspiring.
Thank you for reading this special Dinner Party issue of Dressings! Until next time <3
You can feel the warmth of their nurturing home. Well done!