My West London Life

Philippa Holland

Philippa Holland

March
1

Society jeweller Philippa Holland on British craft, spying on Lucien Freud and trading secrets

Where do you live and why?

Hillgate Village in Notting Hill. It’s a cheery rainbow-coloured area located between two parks with a great pub, The Hillgate [24 Hillgate Street], which is covered in flowers.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

Nature – living and decaying.

Why do you think your jewellery has attracted such a big following among celebs?

To be honest I’m not really up on celebrity culture.

Why do you choose to have your jewellery made in England?

I choose to support British craftsmen/women as the ones I work with produce very high quality work and are also efficient enough to meet tight time frames. British craft needs to be supported and its heritage kept alive.

Are there any other local designers you admire?

Vassilisa [luxury scarf label] does beautiful things.

What’s in your secret west London address book?

A house on Chepstow Road for White Lady flowers, Aubury Walk for tennis and Clarke’s [122–124 Kensington Church Street, W8] for spying on Lucien Freud over lunch.

Where do you like to hang out in your neighbourhood?

Kensington Gardens. I hang out there every day with my two long dogs and never tire of it. Plus The Orangery does delicious cakes.

What was the last exhibition you saw?

William Roper Curzon’s The Gathering at the Aretha Campbell Fine Art gallery [3 Bedfordbury Place, WC2]. William is the next Schiele.

What are you currently reading?

The Lonely Empress, a biography of my heroine, Elizabeth, empress of Austria.

What are you most proud of and why?

My horse aka HRH – he has wings!

What’s your worst trait?

Being impatient.

What’s your philosophy on life?

Everything changes.

What is your extravagance?

My horse.

Tell us a secret about your area…

I never give away secrets – I only trade them.

www.philippaholland.co.uk

Sarah Campus, founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS

March
19

We chat sleeping, eating, hydrating and moving with pre and post-natal fitness expert, Sarah Campus

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women’s personal trainer, a nutrition coach, wellness expert and a busy mum of three. In 2016 she founded LDN MUMS FITNESS. She is a fitness and wellbeing panellist for Women’s Fitness Magazine and often appears on television as a holistic health specialist.… Read more →

Amy Nairn, Personal Chef

January
5

Personal Chef Amy Nairn on her favourite restaurants, high-profile clients, & cooking to impress!

Where do you live and why?

Having grown up between Islington and Scotland, I’ve lived in Parson’s Green most of my adult life. I love village atmosphere, the mix of ‘country’ pubs, young families, and its proximity to the King’s Road.

How did you get into cooking, is

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