Why did you choose to be based in Notting Hill?
It was back in 1992 and this was my neighbourhood, I knew the people here, but I had no idea that Ralph Lauren would be opposite one day.
Which award are you the most proud of and why?
I guess winning the first ever Accessory Designer of the Year in 1989, awarded to me by the British Fashion council.
Which gem do you most admire and why?
I can’t get away from the fact that diamonds can be so mesmerizing but I am going to say tourmaline as there are so many beautiful colours to be found and they can be big.
Who or what sparked your love for jewellery?
A magpie instinct as a child and a love of gem stones.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Mostly architecture, nature and film.
Which client have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
Ralph Fiennes because he was so attractive in a very reserved way.
Where is your most loved chillout spot in west London?
Kensington Gardens.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
The Leopard by Luchino Visconti, starring Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale. A romantic epic set in 19th century Sicily; beautifully styled, acted and directed. The film shows the decline of an aristocratic family amidst political change. I admire the passion of the movie.
Which restaurant would you recommend to a newcomer in west London?
Café Anglais which is modeled on a French brasserie but all very English owned by Tony Macintosh who ran the famous 192 restaurant and The Groucho club. Find it beside the Whiteleys centre in W2.
What is your life philosophy?
Be honest, kind and strong – love and be loved.
Where is the most romantic spot in west London?
Wandering down Portobello Market, perusing the bric-a-brac stalls and sights, hand-in-hand on a sunny day.
Where do you usually shop in the area?
Daylesford Organic; it’s next door to me and the market.
What’s in your secret diary?
Tavola [155 Westbourne Grove, London, W11]; Alistair Little’s gem of a deli on Westbourne Grove.
What is the craziest thing you’ve done in London?
I won’t go into my youth preferring to concentrate on more recent times. So it was probably Gorilla gardening in the dark on Hampstead Heath. A good friend roped me into planting a whole load of narcissi daffodils for the greater pleasure of heath goers. Then I realized that they were all easily viewed from his rooftop study!
What’s on your list of guilty pleasures?
All Alistair Little’s soups (goose fat makes them taste divine), Ottolenghi cakes and the odd posh frock from Matches. Moschino handbags and flouting petty rules. Taking two hours to get up and breaking off bits of fresh bread before I even get home.
