Where were you born?
Sheffield.
Where do you live?
I’m based in London.
Which is your favourite Milan area?
Definitely the Brera district. It’s one of the liveliest areas of the city with endless antique and bric-a-brac shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants and bars. I spend a lot of time when I’m not going to castings wandering around the small streets as there is always something to pick up.
What do you like the most about Italian style?
The Italians are pristine and effortless in the way they dress and you only have to watch the older Italian women and how they co-ordinate their gloves to match their shoes and bags. You can tell that it is a nation which loves fashion and also appreciates quality. You can pick up very good quality clothing in Milan for a great deal less than in most cities.
Which person from Milan has the style you most admire?That’s a difficult one, but if I have to pick one person it would be Giovanna Battaglia, the former model who is now the fashion editor at L’Uomo Vogue. She’s always on all the street style blogs and I love how she is not afraid to change her look.
Which shows are you most looking forward to in Milan?
The big three – Prada, Gucci and Jil Sander – although I’m always interested to see what Alessandro Dell’Acqua shows for his No 21 line.
Which is your favourite restaurant during Fashion Week?
Paper Moon for a decent pizza and it’s one of the few restaurants that has a memorable name for a non-Italian speaker like myself.
And your favourite Wi-Fi café for getting work done?
Does the café at Corso Como count? I always catch up on my emails there.
Which is your favourite show space?
When Versace used to show at their palazzo in Via Gesù, this was the most magnificent show space.
And your favourite after-show venue?
I don’t really do the parties, as I always have such late fittings and early morning castings, but the bar at the Principe for a nightcap is always a must for me every time I visit Milan.
Do you have any advice for first-time visitors to Milan Fashion Week?
If you are a model expect to be wolf whistled. Italian men are terrible that way!
Which is the most memorable fashion show you have ever attended?
A Balmain show many years ago. I was walking down the runway and the photographers all started cheering. I got really excited and I thought I had really made it. Then, when I turned around at the end of the catwalk, I noticed that Claudia Schiffer was behind me!
Which are your favourite designers?
My favourite is probably Vivienne Westwood, I love the unconventional way that she puts designs and fabrics together… beautiful, but mad. My favourite everyday store is probably All Saints. I am always bound to find something in there so have to run past each time I see a store.
And your favourite Milan boutiques?
Corso Como, for everything from beauty products to that Prada fox-fur hat you didn’t know you needed. I also like Viktor & Rolf, where the interior is upside down. The original Prada store in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele has the most interesting décor, it’s unlike any other Prada store in the world.
Which is your favourite department store?
La Rinascente is the only department store I ever visit.
Where do you like to shop online?
Outnet, for bagging those items you missed out on last season.
Which is your favourite shopping city?
It would have to be London as I am very British at heart.
And your favourite international store?
Joseph is pretty good for basics and that last-minute luxury buy to treat yourself!
What are your tips for surviving Fashion Week?
Wear flat shoes and carry a pair of heels in your handbag, drink lots of water and never be the last person to leave a Fashion Week party!
