Home is...
London. I’ve lived east for 15 years. Now I live west. I’ve also lived centrally. I like them all very much. But west London is home.
Where was your first flat?
Tower Street in Covent Garden.
What was your first job?
Working in the bar next to college. It was called the Lincoln Lounge, I think it’s still there, on York Way. I was a barman.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Maybe a nice stroll around Holland Park to feed the squirrels. Enjoy the big open spaces and stop and have a beer in one of the pubs surrounding it.
Which shops do you rely on?
The supermarket. A pharmacy. I don’t rely onmany.
Have you got a favourite supermarket?
The ones closest to me. A Waitrose, Amazon Fresh, Metro. It’s all about the points. Wherever I can get points is where I shop.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
I do love J Sheekey. I love their Dover sole, with French fries — which I know you shouldn’t have with Dover sole but I like it. And if they have peas I’ll have peas. Peas are my favourite. And a nice glass of white wine.
If you were Mayor of London for the day, what would you do?
Probably get rid of the congestion charge. That’s controversial.
What makes someone a Londoner?
I think we’re all used to having our own little areas, we have our pockets that we stick to. In London people have less and less eye contact, there’s very little ‘hellos’ or informal interactions. It’s a weird thing, it is what it is in big cities I guess. It’s a strange thing.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Charles Dickens.
Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
Once I was in a cab and I’d just broken up from a relationship. I was quite emotional and I took a taxi home and the driver noticed I was sad. We had a good old chat all the way home and he let me have the taxi for free. It was a lovely, kind thing to do.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I usually do it at home. I love hosting. I’ve had lots of parties and people coming over for dinner. I had the lovely Alan Carr over last week with some friends. We laughed until the early hours and went through several bottles of red wine, which was glorious.
Who do you call to have fun? Alan Carr?
Alan doesn’t come around all the time but he is very fun. He lights up any room he’s in. I call my close friends. Tim would be one.
What are you up to for work?
My brand is my focus. We spent a year and half building and developing BDXY and launched on 8 February. It’s a full-time job but I’m really enjoying it because I’ve created it from nothing and did it all myself, with my partner and my good friend. We’re very proud of it and working on new collections, seeing what sells and enjoying the feedback.
Who is your professional hero?
Penelope Wilton. I’ve just done a play with her and (I’m sure she won’t mind me saying) she’s 77 and is a machine. The most consummate professional, wonderful human being, a joyous person off-stage and on. Firing on all cylinders every night. We miss holding hands as we walk out for the curtain call.
What do you collect?
I’m fascinated by fashion and fabrics. I do collect the odd shell on a beach when away.
What is your biggest extravagance?
Two assistants. I get to do more with my life because of them.
