Here, she tells us what makes for a life well-lived.
Where do you call home?
I grew up abroad and moved around a lot so home to me is more of an idea than a place. It’s where my family are, where we all sit around a big table filled with food, lots of wine and passionate, heartfelt conversations. I’m currently living in Kent with my husband, three children, dog and three rabbits, but for me the Swiss Alps have always been a constant in my life. My parents are there and we got married there (right at the top of a mountain in a circus tent) and my whole family gather there a lot.
Do you prefer pottering around the house or pottering in the garden?
Definitely pottering around the house. I absolutely love having a beautiful garden, but I really do not love doing it. I’m lucky my husband really enjoys being in the garden, but I much prefer being inside.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
I go through phases of not buying anything for ages and then having a little splurge. I just bought a gorgeous top from @thejaxboutique – she has the most beautifully curated collection of tops, dresses and her own label cashmere. I also bought the prettiest summer dress from @pom_london and I have my eye on a red skirt from @philippalondon. Philippa designs small collections for women and the quality is exquisite. I’ve also just bought a beautiful jacket from @farohomeuk. It’s made from vintage Indian fabric and hand-block-printed cotton. They’re all one-offs so you know you’re not going to bump into anyone else wearing it. It’s also reversible so it’s a double-win!
What’s for dinner tonight?
I’m currently in Morocco and have been completely spoilt with most delicious chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, ice-cold local rose and then, to top it off, a cream-laden birthday cake made by my clever and crazy godchildren. It’s definitely not the norm – I’m usually scraping something together to please all three of my children. I rely heavily on @annasfamilykitchen. Her recipes are an absolute lifesaver and are always winners in our house.
What is your favourite hotel in the world and why?
For girls’ weekends and pre-children, I absolutely loved Hotel Danieli in Venice (@hoteldanieli) – the history, the location, the bar. All of it!
For old-school glamour, Raffles in Singapore (@raffleshotelsingapore) is unbeatable. I also love The Mandarin Oriental in London (@mo_hydepark) – especially for the breakfast.
Where do you create your best art?
It would have to be either in my studio or sometimes I will start a small piece at my kitchen table. But it’s always when I’m alone and focused and undisturbed. I find I’m at my best when I have no distractions except for a podcast or music.
Describe your favourite piece of jewellery.
My engagement ring. I really love it so much, not only for what it symbolises, but also because I think the jeweller Cassandra Goad (@cassandragoad) is so incredibly talented. She based the original design for my ring on a pattern from a hubbly-bub pipe in a museum in Istanbul. I saw it and she very generously spent a lot of time discussing ways to incorporate my (very basic) ideas. A couple of months later, after I was married, I saw her again and she pulled out her original drawings that had inspired her designs – and they were exactly like my new ring, complete with adaptations. I’d like to take credit for it, but it was exactly how she had always planned it!
Which famous female do you most admire?
I adore Anya Hindmarch (@anyahindmarch). I’ve only met her once, but I think she is so incredible. She’s built a phenomenal brand with outlets all over the world, is a mother to five and is continually moving with the times. I just think she is awesome. I also hugely admire Aerin Lauder (@aerin) for unfaltering style. Everything about her and her home exudes elegance.
There are so many non-famous women I admire. I have an incredible mother whom I could write a book about, two sisters whom I speak to daily and an army of incredible girlfriends whom I couldn’t live without. I’m also godmother to 18 and auntie to 11 and I’m sure they’ll be right up there in my list of awesome women very soon.
What is your most prized possession?
My ski boots. Love them. It’s taken me until now to finally find a pair that don’t make me wince when I take them off.
What is your favourite season of the year and why?
Oh that’s a hard one! I love spring for the flowers, lambs and newness of life; I love summer for the children being off school, longer days and a more relaxed vibe all round; autumn for the changing colours of the trees; and winter because I love Christmas and skiing, log fires and cashmere jumpers. I struggle with the wind and the rain and dark evenings, but the knowledge that snow is on the horizon gets me through.
