Feb 11, 2026
The Groes Girls 007 // KATE GROES
This month’s GROES Girl is a very special one, featuring Dilly's mother Kate Groes.
Kate is the woman who inspired GROES and the namesake behind our signature piece, The Kate Blazer. Designed with her effortless style and modern approach to dressing in mind. Last week, we sat down with Kate, in her home to discuss her personal style, work with The National Theatre, interior inspiration and more.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
I am a mum to three adult children and previously worked in finance before starting a family. After that, I completed a diploma in Interior Design and went on to start my own business. I now run LOT, a curated peer-to-peer platform for pre-loved furniture. It’s really enjoyable finding new homes for some modern classics is always satisfying.
I am also on the Development Board of the National Theatre, which is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. With three stages and all productions created in-house, it is a remarkable organisation. We carry out extensive local and national outreach in schools and theatres, and we also support emerging talent through initiatives such as the Writers’ Studio. As a charity, fundraising is essential, and I really enjoy working with the team to support this in any way I can.
WHAT ARE YOUR THREE NON-NEGOTIABLE WARDROBE ESSENTIALS AND WHY?
1. Great jeans – I’m particularly loving the shapes Chloé is doing at the moment.
2. A really good coat – my London coat from Groes is a favourite. I'm lucky enough to of seen a sample for the new London Coat in Grey and it's beautiful!
3. The Row loafers – they’re timeless and versatile. I love how the way we dress now is more casual, with day-to-night looks blurring into one.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE JUST ONE, WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO STYLE THE KATE BLAZER?
My current favourite way to style the Kate Blazer is with my new Chloé bermudas and a high boot. It's a look I’m really loving at the moment! It’s refreshing to wear something on the bottom that isn’t a skirt or traditional trousers. The belted Kate Blazer creates a beautiful silhouette and really pulls the whole look together.
AS THE FOUNDER OF LOT, CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BRAND AND WHAT YOU SET OUT TO CREATE?
LOT started from a very real moment in my own life. When I moved into a new home, I had beautiful designer pieces that I no longer had space for. Selling them through an auction house was time consuming. So I created LOT, a curated online marketplace where high-quality modern design can be bought and sold easily and with confidence. LOT is about giving great design a second life and making the whole process feel simple and enjoyable. It’s the platform I wish had existed when I needed it.
WHEN IT COMES TO DECORATING AND STYLING A SPACE, WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH? WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS MORE OF A MAXIMALIST OR MINIMALIST?
I don’t think either label really applies to me. I believe a room can be a balance of both. I love mixing colours, styles, and textures, but at the same time, every space should be practical, comfortable, and cosy. If a room is too pared back, it can feel cold. My style is constantly evolving, and I’m always discovering pieces I’d love to have. The only challenge is finding the space for them!
YOU HAVE THE MOST AMAZING COLLECTION OF ACCESSORIES. WHICH BAGS DO YOU THINK ARE WORTH INVESTING IN FOR THE SEASON AHEAD, AND WHY?
At the moment, I’m reaching for my Phoebe Philo Gig Bag every day. I love it, and it works beautifully worn crossbody or on the shoulder. I’m also using my Celine Soft Triomphe regularly. I’m especially drawn to anything in chocolate brown, like my Nuance Shoulder Bag from The Row.
It’s also worth looking at the new Gucci bag collection, which features lovely supple shapes, like the Borsetto. Stylish yet incredibly usable.
