How closely do you follow fashion?
Design Museum
Not very closely though I've become much more interested as a result of my friendship with the wonderful Vivienne Westwood over the last ten years. She is as much artist and activist as designer and I admire her very much.
Shami Chakrabarti
Do you read a fashion magazine on a regular basis?
Design Museum
No but I love the fact that some of them have periodically taken an interest in human rights concerns.
Shami Chakrabarti
Do you consult fashion blogs?
Design Museum
When did you become aware of fashion?
Design Museum
I went to a girls' school from 12 to 16 so there was no escape but I suspect I was aware of clothes as a potential statement of belonging and/or difference even before that. "Rah-rah" skirts and three-quarter length "pedal-pusher" trousers are a distinct memory from the early 1980s.
Shami Chakrabarti
How would you describe your relationship with clothes?
Design Museum
I think I've probably had an ambivalent relationship with clothes during my life but I love them now and believe being happy and comfortable in them to be an aspect of pride and comfort in my own skin. I try to take my friend Vivienne's advice about not buying too many clothes but trying to buy nice things and keeping them a fairly long time.
Shami Chakrabarti
When did you develop your own ‘style’ - do you feel that you have one - what is your basic 'look'?
Design Museum
I trained as a lawyer twenty years ago and so the black suit became a staple which I rather liked (not everyone does). It’s taken me longer than perhaps it should have to branch out but as a human rights campaigner, I can substitute smartish jeans or other trousers for the lower half of a suit and in the summer I love sleeveless blouses in particular. I also like interesting inexpensive dress jewellery.
Shami Chakrabarti
Do you have a preference for particular shapes, colours, fabrics or textures?
Design Museum
I tend to like simple shapes and dark colours. Cotton, wool and denim. But the occasional splash of silk or colour is fun.
Shami Chakrabarti
Who are your favourite designers and why (historical and contemporary)?
Design Museum
Vivienne is of course a favourite designer, Liberty trustee and dear friend. She had given me a few lovely things over the years that are particularly special to me and I love her classic and yet rebellious flair. But I also like the simplicity of Agnes B and have a favourite Nicole Farhi winter coat that was given to me by a loved one years ago. It has leather buckles and makes me feel safe and warm.
Shami Chakrabarti
Do you use a personal shopper?
Design Museum
How much do you involve your partner in clothes buying?
Design Museum
I'm single.
Shami Chakrabarti
What percentage of your income goes on clothes purchases annually?
Design Museum
Not a big portion. I keep things a long time and have lots of fairly simple inexpensive clothes amongst a few more luxurious things.
Shami Chakrabarti
How many pairs of shoes or handbags do you have?
Design Museum
Around 20 pairs of shoes (including boots, pumps and trainers) and a much smaller number of bags (5 or 6).
Shami Chakrabarti
How important is hair and make-up to you?
Design Museum
Quite important. My hairdresser is also one of my best friends. He's been looking after my hair since 1996.
Shami Chakrabarti
Do you buy seasonally or when the need or mood dictates?
Design Museum
A bit of both but more need and mood I think.
Shami Chakrabarti
To what extent does your professional role inform your fashion choices?
Design Museum
There's no real difference in my public and private wardrobe though I'll sometimes be more casual at home.
Shami Chakrabarti
Does fashion empower you? What outfit would most empower you and why?
Design Museum
Clothes are certainly capable of empowering me. A nicely fitting jacket can give a real confidence boost as can a lovely "frock". Jewellery is often a gift with a story and therefore a lovely way of keeping dear ones close.
Shami Chakrabarti
What does fashion in the future need to do to help women / to empower them?
Design Museum
The whole body image thing is still a massive issue so I would love to see more diverse shapes, colours and sizes amongst models as well as clothes. And I think feminist fashion would be beautiful, practical and ethical like the women wearing it.
Shami Chakrabarti
