The beautiful, stylish and by the sounds of it, very busy Laura Bailey took five minutes out of her hectic schedule to speak to StyleNest.
Model scouted on the King’s Road at 21, Laura Bailey has gone on to have one of the most interesting and enviable careers in British fashion. From contributing editor at Vogue to cultural ambassador of the British Fashion Council, model to mum, is there no end or breadth to this lady’s talents?
We caught up with the style icon to find out all about her new collection for British accessories brand Radley, that enviable vintage wardrobe and her beloved London Town.
Here’s what our favourite London girl had to say.
You’ve just launched an accessories collection with Radley. Tell us a little about the collaboration.
It’s my second collection for Radley and is inspired mostly by my wanderlust. I wanted to create a summer capsule collection, ideal for my travels as well as London life. I reworked my key Autumn/Winter shapes, lightening them up with canvas and classic tan, and adding a The Phoenix overnight bag and The Brewster mini ‘festival’ bag to the collection.
The Blenheim tote has to be our favourite. Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?
I change my mind all the time but the Blenheim is my everyday favourite too. Practical but chic, it makes me feel organised for work, whether I’m at my desk, on a shoot, or running for the Eurostar.
Tell us about your role as brand ambassador for Radley.
I’m proud to work with Radley, it’s such a great British brand going from strength to strength. I’ve really loved collaborating on campaigns and my own collections with them.
You’re known for your innate and eclectic sense of style, where do you think it came from?
I have no idea. I hate analysing style; I prefer it to be a little bit mysterious or at least accidently on purpose. I just trust my instincts and have fun with fashion but have definitely been influenced by my travels and of course, my beloved London and beautiful girlfriends.
You’re a model, writer, brand ambassador, designer and a mum of two. How do you juggle such a busy schedule?
Lots of lists, concealer and wine. I’m extremely organised most of the time and I definitely don’t sleep enough. But I feel lucky every day to be able to juggle my work around my kids who come first, always. I’d rather write at midnight if it means I can make it to a football match or ballet show.
You have an enviable vintage wardrobe. Are there any pieces you’ll be treasuring away to hand down to your little girl?
I certainly give away less of my old clothes now that I have a daughter, even if she’s a total tomboy who will ‘never’ wear a dress. Maybe one day she’ll appreciate my vintage Chanel or Dior, so I’ll definitely be hoarding a few treasures away for her.
If you had to wear one label for the rest of your life what would it be?
That is an impossible question, but I’ll choose a Chanel jacket with my Stella jeans.
You’re a cultural ambassador for the British Fashion Council. What do you think it is about British fashion that sets us apart from the rest of the other major fashion capitals?
For me, London is the epicenter of international fashion, from the best colleges in the world to London Fashion Week, as well as the influences of music and the street, art and activism. London designers have always taken risks, but the fashion industry here is now a heavy hitting business force, generating billions and employing millions. But for me it will always be about the London girl who catches your eye in the park or at a bar, epitomising the clash and the cool of British style, even if you can’t quite explain why.
Where’s the best place in London for a cocktail?
It has to be Le Fumoir at Claridge’s.
You’ve recently turned 40 and look incredible. What are your tips for healthy skin?
In no particular order: water, laughter, sleep, wine, Sisley sun care and Crème de la Mer.
Who’s collections have you been particularly impressed with this season?
The three most inspiring for me have been Simone Rocha, Christopher Kane and Erdem.
You’ve had a hugely successful career as a model, working with the likes of Chanel and Mario Testino. What are you career highlights from the past 15years?
Early travels as a model when I simply couldn’t believe my luck and endless collaborations and shoots with friends and heroes since. More recently, filming for Oxfam in Ghana, becoming a contributing editor to British Vogue and producing my first short film last year. But it’s my kids that make me most proud.
Which other women inspire you and why?
My amazing girlfriends, including Bella Freud, Lady Amanda Harlech, Christiane Amanpour and Thandie Newton. Wise, funny women, supermamas, and original thinkers.
Describe your perfect day off.
Simply hanging out in the park with my kids and my dog on a London summer’s day.
Laura Bailey is Brand Ambassador for Radley, and has just launched her second ‘Laura Bailey for Radley’ bag collection – instore and online at Radley.co.uk now.
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