How closely do you follow fashion?
Design Museum
I am a pretty dedicated follower.
Kirsty Wark
Do you read a fashion magazine on a regular basis?
Design Museum
I read several.
Kirsty Wark
Do you consult fashion blogs?
Design Museum
Rarely, but I surf a lot of online shops.
Kirsty Wark
When did you become aware of fashion?
Design Museum
At a very early age when I used to go through my mother's wardrobe.
Kirsty Wark
How would you describe your relationship with clothes?
Design Museum
I have pieces that I love and return to again and again. I will think about and make some serious purchases then mix and match with Top Shop and vintage.
Kirsty Wark
When did you develop your own ‘style’ - do you feel that you have one - what is your basic 'look'?
Design Museum
I suppose I like to wear reasonably simple and tailored clothes but with splashes of photography or colour on them. I am obsessed with Breton stripes and always have been.
Kirsty Wark
Do you have a preference for particular shapes, colours, fabrics or textures?
Design Museum
I particularly like Harris tweed.
Kirsty Wark
Who are your favourite designers and why (historical and contemporary)?
Design Museum
Historically, I have always liked Agnes B because it is well made. Margaret Howell because it is classic. Isabel Marant because it is exciting and Dolce and Gabbana for a bit of fun. And Carven is back on form.
Kirsty Wark
Do you use a personal shopper?
Design Museum
How much do you involve your partner in clothes buying?
Design Museum
I would say hardly ever.
Kirsty Wark
What percentage of your income goes on clothes purchases annually?
Design Museum
How many pairs of shoes or handbags do you have?
Design Museum
I have too many pairs of shoes. I will buy two pairs of the one style if I think that I will wear them to death.
Kirsty Wark
How important is hair and make-up to you?
Design Museum
I don't wear a lot of make-up off screen and my hair is usually a mess.
Kirsty Wark
Do you buy seasonally or when the need or mood dictates?
Design Museum
I buy when the mood dictates and the need is pressing. I never browse.
Kirsty Wark
Is there a difference between your public and private wardrobe - if so, what are the reasons behind this?
Design Museum
Not so much these days as I have developed my own style. I now never wear shoulder pads on or off screen!
Kirsty Wark
How do you view fashion and clothes in relation to your professional standing, and to what extent does your professional role inform your fashion choices?
Design Museum
I think it is important to look modern and smart, but not fussy.
Kirsty Wark
To what extent does your professional role inform your fashion choices?
Design Museum
Only in as much as I can't wear certain stripes and patterns on television because the cameras won't cope and I don’t think the audience would either!
Kirsty Wark
Does fashion empower you? What outfit would most empower you and why?
Design Museum
I do not have an outfit that would empower me. But I do have a beautiful Prada dress that I always feel great in.
Kirsty Wark
What does fashion in the future need to do to help women / to empower them?
Design Museum
Fashion needs to always invest in the best fabrics and I would love if we could do away with the tyranny of sizes. I wear an 8 in some designers and a 12 in others. The sizing makes no sense.
Kirsty Wark
