Kilkenny-born footwear designer Nicki Hoyne has been giving tootsies a glow-up since 2021, following her successful launch of crossbody camera bags in 2020. A champion of slow, sustainable footwear, Hoyne largely runs her brand online and has been widely garlanded, from winning Best New Brand at Drapers Footwear Awards 2023 to being twice shortlisted for IMAGE magazine’s Businesswoman of the Year.

Kettle on and slippers up, to learn how Hoyne puts her best foot forward…

What was your dream career growing up?
I grew up in the 1990s, the era of the pop star. Singing, dancing and fashion, it looked like so much fun…

What work projects are making your heart sing at the moment?
Twenty-twenty-five is looking super exciting. There are lots of new styles in the works, we’re part of a big Paris Project early in the new year, and working on how we can animate the brand, not just digitally but with in-person activities for the Nicki Hoyne community.

How do you balance work and wellness?
Lol, I don’t. I love what I do, it’s always on my mind. I find it hard to switch off. That said, I’ve learned to bring my best to my work when I do switch off from it. I don’t work late into the evenings or at the weekend. I like to bookend my work day with a walk. I do yoga twice a week, and I meditate every day – first in the morning to set my focus and get my head straight for the day, and then in the evening, to decompress and leave my work behind me.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m an early bird. I love to be up early, meditate and go out in the fresh air for a walk. This time of year it’s crisp and fresh out and the sun is rising over the river with only a handful of people around. I like to get to my studio before everyone else is up and be ready for the day.

What puts a spring in your step in the mornings?
A double espresso. I love the feeling of it hitting the bloodstream and I’m off like a rocket.

Do you have a nighttime ritual?
Yes, I’m not a great sleeper, my mind can be very buzzy. I’ve honed a routine that winds me down. I do lots of skincare, no technology, and I read my book to empty my head before dropping off.

Speaking of… What books are on your nightstand?
I’ve just finished Law Roach’s new book, How to Build a Fashion Icon. It’s short but insightful around personal style, confidence, and going after what you want. I just started reading Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo – and [journalist and former GQ editor] Dylan Jones’s autobiography is next. I saw him speak recently and he was so inspiring.

Have you ever woken up in our makeup/clothes?
Maybe once or twice in my 20s but never now. I love my skincare. I do all the things – masks, devices, the lot.

When was the last time you truly unplugged?
In July I spent ten days in Paros, Greece in a tiny boutique hotel looking out over the sea. I’d had an intense start to the year, with lots of changes and challenges at work. So I took myself away to recharge and reset. I ate breakfast on the balcony, sunned myself, browsed the hundreds of tiny shops, ate lovely dinners in the port, and slept. I was like a new woman afterwards.

Where in the world is the fanciest place you’ve ever woken up in?
The Beverly Hills Hotel in LA. I loved it, the décor, the pool area, all the little details. It’s iconic for a reason and LA is such a vibe. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are my favourites. I have friends there who’ve shown me the best bits. The beach walk from Santa Monica to Venice, the hidden walking streets are cool, shopping on Abbot Kinney…

Time and money no object, where would you go for a winter sun break this season?
Eden Rock St Barths. I just love the Caribbean. 

In contrast, imagine a much-anticipated Friday night on your own. Your Moon + Mellow PJs are on, you’ve the TV and couch entirely to yourself. What is your go-to feel-good film/series, snack and refreshment?

I’m loving the second season of Bad Sisters with a turmeric tea and some Lindt chocolate. I’m not actually a big TV person, and at Christmas time I prefer to be out having a chat over some mulled wine.

Who would be your top three celebrity NYE pyjama party guests?
Joanne McNally for the laughs, Beyonce for the entertainment and Glen Powell for the eye candy.

Which are your favourite Moon + Mellow pieces and why?
I love the Jungle Long Set. It’s my fancy set for when I’m away. I’ve had it for a couple of years and it has kept so well. The quality is 10/10. I'll be rocking my new Octopus Set over Christmas.

Nicki's M+M Picks

Follow Nicki @nickihoyne @nickihoynecollection