Kate’s very sure of the things she has to love

Mar 1 2008 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

KATE Walton, 26, opened exclusive fashion store havetolove in 2006 in Gosforth, Newcastle. She won a prestigious national award for business just a year after opening.

Kate made a name for herself in the fashion industry by launching her own brand of designer handbags. She discovered her talent for designing after studying fashion marketing at Northumbria University.

Success at Graduate Fashion Week 2004 with her range havetohold led to her handbags being in the wardrobes of Victoria Beckham, Peaches Geldof, Sophie Anderton and Cheryl Tweedy.

Where do you live?

Grove Park, Gosforth.

How long have you lived there?

Two years.

What's your dream home?

A quaint cottage with a country walled garden, or a barn conversion in Surrey or Northumberland.

How do you get around (walk, car, public transport, private jet!)?

I have a convertible Beetle but I also walk a lot.

What is your favourite part of the North East?

Corbridge, the beaches in Northumberland and the fabulous Northumbrian countryside.

What is your favourite building in the region?

I really like Grey Street, all of the buildings down there. I also love the old Waterstone’s building and Belsay Hall in Northumberland.

What is the best holiday you’ve ever had?

It was two weeks in St Barts in the Caribbean, followed by two weeks in Barbados.

What is the favourite thing in your home?

My magenta pink sofas! Or possibly my bed.

If you could have one luxury what would it be?

An around the world trip to visit everywhere I want to go; the Great Wall of China, Fiji, Cook Islands, back to Australia, New Zealand, Rio, South Africa.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently buying at the moment in Milan, Paris and London.

Who or what is the love of your life?

Dolly the Bolognese and Patrick the Airedale!

Where is your favourite place in the North East?

Corbridge.

What is your favourite shop?

Havetolove of course! I also like Stewart & Co in Jesmond.

What is your favourite restaurant?

Costes Hotel restaurant in Paris, and Le Ti St Barth, St Barts.

Favourite pub?

The Angel at Corbridge.

Favourite meal?

A really good traditional Sunday roast.

Are you any good at cooking, do you spent much time in the kitchen?

Yes, I cook a lot and like to entertain.

What's the last play or film you saw?

I went to the Opera in Verona which is definitely worth a visit, it is magical.

What book are you reading at the moment?

Cecilia Ahern’s PS I Love You.

What are you listening to on your iPod/ CD player at the moment?

The Hoosiers, Kylie, classic Madonna, The Frey and Amy Winehouse.

What is your favourite TV programme?

Planet Earth, Skinny verses Supersize and Little Britain.

What are you proudest of?

Havetolove and havetohold and winning Best New Business at the Drapers Awards 2007.

When and where were you happiest?

Surrounded by my family and friends or lying in the sun on the beach.

Do you have any wisdom to share?

Always strive for what you believe in and never look back.

What does the future hold?

Expanding the ‘haveto’ brand.