Navy blue crewneck sweaters are a staple in my wardrobe. I’m wearing one today and I find myself donning these regularly. I own a variety, from heavy knitted pieces to my own brand, Community Clothing’s fisherman jumpers adorned with suede patches, as well as lightweight cotton options from John Smedley. It’s like I could curate a fascinating collection dedicated solely to navy crewneck sweaters!

The oldest item in my wardrobe is …

An Issey Miyake jacket that I purchased during my student days in Leeds, snagged at the very end of a sales event. I thought it was incredibly stylish, though I’ve only found the opportunity to wear it a couple of times due to its unique fit. I also hold onto some exceptional knitwear from Tom Ford’s era with Gucci—pieces I’ll never let go of.

What do you wear to sleep?

I prefer traditional PJs, akin to the style seen in The Two Ronnies. My favorite bedtime attire comes from Turnbull & Asser.

I wish I had kept …

A cherished pair of Vivienne Westwood pirate trousers. I wore them extensively, but for some reason, I ended up disposing of them.

Do you have any style regrets?

None at all. I appreciate having experienced the various fashion eras in my life. I was present for the latter days of the new romantic movement, which often embarrassed my friends—especially when I paired my favorite large straw hat with a Liberty scarf. My closest friend used to maintain a distance of ten yards behind me. I also dabbled in the late-Eighties rave culture, sporting oversized jeans and shirts.

Who inspires your style?

Fabric serves as my greatest source of inspiration. My early days began with a Harris Tweed blazer at school, which ignited my passion for textiles. I often immerse myself in literature about Hebrideans and scoured black and white images of Scottish farmers, which enrich my appreciation for beautiful, treasured fabrics.

What fashion trend would you eliminate?

My inclination is to abolish fast fashion entirely. Beyond that, I find athleisure to be unnecessary. The prevalence of poor-quality synthetic materials that dominate the market is disheartening. There are individuals today who may never wear anything made from natural fibers, which is quite saddening. The beauty of quality materials is that they improve with wear.

Has your television career impacted your clothing choices?

Not significantly. I present myself authentically, often repeating outfits year after year. I believe it’s relatively simpler for men in this regard. Initially, when I began on Sewing Bee, I opted for suits and ties more frequently than I do now, and this did not go unnoticed by viewers.

Do you have a grooming routine?

I enjoy visiting a place in the Lake District known as the Bath House. There, I use a moisturizer and hand cream. A kind gift from Tom Ford—a moustache comb—has also become a part of my grooming routine.

What do you wear to take out the trash?

I usually opt for my favorite Community Clothing trousers paired with a navy blue jumper. On gardening days, you might find me in waterproof overalls, although their exact origin escapes me—likely a local farm shop.

The best style advice I’ve received?

Style transcends mere clothing; it’s also about how one carries themselves. There’s a saying etched in stained glass at my mother’s home, which was also my school motto: “Manners maketh man.” Good manners exude a certain style that can’t be overlooked.

This marked the beginning of my enduring relationship with second-hand clothing. Throughout my university years, every holiday meant a return to Fife and a visit to the Leslie Christian charity shop, the place that sparked my fashion awakening. This shop was a treasure trove of funky Eighties dresses, vintage suits, and cozy jumpers, serving as a backdrop for a young woman exploring her identity. I would rummage through the racks for cotton blouses, artisanal leather bags, and vintage shoes that were often uncomfortable but oh-so-stylish, proudly taking my finds back to university to show my flatmates.

Though the original skirt is no longer in my wardrobe, I’m reminded of it when I see influencers on Instagram unveiling their latest high street hauls. Disturbingly, the clothes showcased on these platforms often appear lackluster and poorly made, with flimsy materials and awkward cuts that fall apart after only a few wears.

More troubling is the revelation that many of these influencers return the items they promote, contributing to the fast-fashion cycle that plays a significant role in environmental degradation; the textile sector accounts for nearly a third of Scotland’s carbon emissions according to Zero Waste Scotland. This is all part of a superficial game driven by likes and clicks on social media.

Some influencers do mention sustainability and B Corps but often without any real scrutiny of the issues. A quick search reveals distressing facts: child labor rates are on the rise, exacerbated by the pandemic, which forced many children in developing countries out of school and into work. According to a Unicef report, illegal employment among under-16s surged by 8.4 million between 2017 and 2021.

Mid-tier brands are not exempt from this responsibility either. This is why I cherish charity shops even more. A few years back, I stumbled upon nearly new Zara items mixed in with vintage pieces at the Red Cross in Dundee’s west end. Thanks to a partnership with the brand, the charity receives these high-quality items at a fraction of the original price. I walked away with delicate yellow sandals (originally £55, snagged for £7) and a trendy cow print jumper (£30 down to £4).

While this isn’t a complete solution, it is a step in the right direction. I believe it could spark a trend; once you embrace second-hand shopping, it becomes an enduring passion. Some of my favorite finds include a sheer shirt I affectionately call my ghost straitjacket (£2) that works for some inexplicable reason, and a long blue dress (£7) with orange and brown spots that reminds me of a Georges Seurat painting. I’ve also found stunning Edwardian nightgowns (£30) at the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre, which I love to pair with clunky boots and knitted tank tops, channeling a character from a Brontë novel while grocery shopping.

Since my teenage years, my fashion sense has matured. I continue to shop second-hand but indulge occasionally in vintage designer pieces. During a work trip to Japan, I took the time to explore Harajuku, famed for its exceptional preloved shops. I left with a stunning Marni dress in a shell-like silver, a blue Issey Miyake top, tartan wool trousers from Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, and a black silk shift that was too small but far too beautiful to pass up. This spring, a visit to Naples led me to a raw silk Max Mara skirt and a pair of tan leather trousers.

Yet, nothing brings me more joy than unearthing treasures at my favorite stores. In Blairgowrie, I scored a hot pink Jaeger cashmere sweater for £3 and a marl grey cardigan for just £1 during my rounds at Blythswood Care and Sense Scotland. Although some affluent areas have overpriced items, hidden gems still exist and they outlast anything from fast-fashion retailers like Shein. For instance, I found a Barbour wax jacket (£30) and camel cashmere trousers (£15) from North Berwick’s Cancer Research. I refer to them as trousers, but they’re actually trackies—high school me would definitely be proud. @palebackwriter

Staying in New York, the newly launched brand Rigal, founded by Hayley von Rigal, is capturing attention with its exquisite hand-painted enamel jewelry. One standout piece is the striking dark cherry earring, complemented by her beautifully crafted citrus slice earrings, which showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of plique-à-jour transparent enamel.

In the UK, Sheherazade Goldsmith from Loquet has teamed up with chef and author Skye McAlpine to create a unique quartzite jade lemon charm, inspired by McAlpine’s sun-drenched Venetian lemon recipes. A portion of the proceeds will support Chefs in Schools, a charity dedicated to enhancing food education in schools throughout the UK. Additionally, Cece Jewellery has unveiled its Triptych collection, which interprets Hieronymus Bosch’s renowned artwork, The Garden of Earthly Delights. Notable in this line is the Sacred Pomegranate charm, depicting a fruit brimming with seeds and entwined with a snake. Another notable piece is Bibi van der Velden’s playful banana earring, which stands out for its bold design.

In the world of luxury earrings, Ruby Mela offers yellow gold earrings adorned with rubies at £8,080. The Lime Slice gold ring, featuring tsavorites, peridots, and diamonds, is priced at £6,919, while the charming Lemon & Leaf pendant can be purchased for £225 from Alex Monroe.

Rigal’s stunning cherry yellow gold earring with enamel is available for £4,450, and Kismet by Milka offers juicy gold stud earrings with enamel for £205. Additionally, Kirstie Le Marque’s strawberry necklace, adorned with enamel and diamonds, retails for £395, while the Fruits of Love Pear earrings, made of yellow and white gold with diamonds, are priced at £6,390.

For those looking for playful designs, the Monkey Mini Banana yellow gold studs featuring tsavorites are priced at £920. The Sacred Pomegranate pendant, crafted from yellow gold and embellished with enamel and diamonds, is available for £7,200 from Cece Jewellery. Jessica McCormack also presents the Fruit Salad Forbidden Fruit necklace, made of yellow and white gold with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, with the price available on request.

Lastly, Asprey offers the Woodland Blackberry yellow gold charm adorned with enamel and diamonds for £3,750, while Ouroboros Jewellery presents a charming Papaya piece featuring carnelian and black onyx for £375. The Lemon yellow gold charm, embellished with quartzite jade and tsavorites, designed by Skye McAlpine for Tavola x Loquet London, is available for £450.

While enamelled flowers adorned 17th-century jewelry and watch cases, floral jewelry truly flourished in the 18th century. This period was marked by the whimsical rococo style of artists like Fragonard and Boucher, coinciding with the trend of silk court dresses embellished with vibrant floral designs. Jewelers began crafting giardinetti, or small garden rings, often referred to as “flowerpot rings.” Affluent clients, including the French queen Marie Antoinette, commissioned lavish diamond bouquets featuring wild roses and hawthorn blossoms. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa during the mid-19th century enabled the creation of elaborate jeweled corsages that featured mechanisms allowing flowers to tremble, simulating a gentle summer breeze.

Starting in the early 19th century, flowers began to acquire specific meanings, detailed in various floral dictionaries. Daisies, for instance, have long been associated with affection—a notion familiar to countless romantics who have plucked petals in search of answers. Jewelers embraced this concept, as seen in a 1900 Maison Vever design that features a woman in flowing art nouveau hair juxtaposed against a panel that declares the progression of love from faint to passionate, ultimately culminating in loss.

An enamelled ring ingeniously reimagines the tradition of daisies, with tiny doors painted with roses (representing love) and daisies (symbolizing innocence) opening to reveal hidden messages—presumably with the hope of favorably revealing one’s romantic fate.

Jeweller René Lalique expressed a deep admiration for flowers, studying them closely from bud to decay. His glass, enamel, and diamond pendant featuring the wood anemone symbolizes anticipation and hope. This piece was purchased by a Dutch consul in Russia during Lalique’s 1903 exhibition in St. Petersburg, and the consul had to flee to the Netherlands during the 1917 Russian Revolution, taking the pendant with him for safety.

Lalique also cherished the lily of the valley, a symbol of good luck and spring. On May 1, he distributed traditional bouquets of these flowers along with chocolates to the workers in his factory, integrating them into his brooches, hair combs, and pendants.

Forget-me-nots poignantly signify remembrance. A piece of jewelry embellished with these flowers conveys a powerful message to a significant other. Mid-20th century designs by Van Cleef and Arpels featured jeweled forget-me-nots often accompanied by a gold tag to emphasize their sentiment. This floral jewelry resonates across various life experiences; notably, during World War I, Private AB Petch carried a heart-shaped glass pendant engraved with the forget-me-not flower and the words “forget me not” as a token of love awaiting his return home.

Pansies, known in French as pensées, reflect “thoughts of thee,” making jeweled pansies a thoughtful gift to keep one in a lover’s mind. Their bright hues can be replicated with enamels, amethysts, and citrines, fashioned into brooches and necklaces that openly express love and friendship.

Jewelry and flowers can harmoniously coexist. Innovative jewelers have creatively combined the two, sometimes incorporating real flower boutonnieres into jewelry designs. An illustration from The Sketch on April 3, 1907, proposed that jewelers could create settings for real flowers, with 1935 reports suggesting that clip earrings could be enhanced by the addition of flowers, whether genuine or artificial.

The allure of colorful flowers continues to inspire designers, creating jewelry that brings brightness even in the gloomiest seasons.

Amidst our quest for healthy, flawless skin, it’s important to consider whether we have inadvertently compromised our skin’s integrity. Dr. Alexis Granite, another dermatologist, emphasizes that an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome or damage to the skin barrier can lead to increased sensitivity. Environmental factors—such as pollution, UV exposure, and extreme weather—also contribute to skin sensitivity. This reaction to active components can serve as a warning sign that our skin is overwhelmed.

The positive takeaway is the possibility of restoring your skin’s health. Dr. Mahto notes that healing a compromised skin barrier can range from a few days to several weeks, hinging on consistency and patience. The trend of “skin fasting,” which involves temporarily reducing the use of skincare products, has emerged on social media. While a complete product withdrawal may be radical, Dr. Granite suggests simplifying your routine. She recommends focusing on basic skincare: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a mineral-based sunscreen—this last option being less reactive than its chemical counterparts.

When reintroducing products, gradual integration is vital. Dr. Granite advises starting with formulations that contain soothing ingredients like niacinamide. It’s equally important to avoid hot water, excessive sun exposure, and heavily scented products. Both doctors recommend limiting the use of certain active ingredients—such as alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinoids, and vitamin C—until the skin stabilizes. Once your complexion regains its normal appearance, you can selectively start including these products one at a time.

Essential Products for Sensitive Skin

The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

This serum enhances hydration levels by penetrating deep into the skin, while also reinforcing the skin barrier. The inclusion of oat extract helps soothe any skin irritations. £15.

CeraVe Intensive Moisturising Lotion

This lotion tackles the frustration of dry, flaky skin. Its encapsulated ingredients allow for sustained hydration, improving the skin’s overall texture throughout the day. £22.

Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care

This gentle cream, developed over 15 years, addresses sensitivity by reducing redness and discomfort and gradually increasing the skin’s resilience. £165.

Matter of Fact Minimalist Hydrating Moisturizer

This lightweight cream combines calming centella asiatica with pro-vitamin B5 to offer a refreshing, hydrating experience for dry skin. £65.

Lancaster Sun Beauty Sensitive Skin Mineral Face Cream SPF 50

This sunscreen is tailored for sensitive skin, utilizing all-mineral filters for effective protection without irritating the skin or leaving a white residue. £27.

Bioderma Sensibio AR+ SOS Spray

This soothing mist quickly calms hot flushes and redness, and is a convenient option for on-the-go skin relief. £12.

Votary Super Renewal Serum

For those who love retinol but have sensitive skin, this serum features a natural alternative combined with hyaluronic acid to combat fine lines and hydrate without irritation. £85.

Orveda Clay-Mud Cleansing Powder

This innovative cleanser transforms from powder to foam, featuring finely refined particles that gently exfoliate without damaging sensitive skin. £100.

Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

This milky serum provides gentle exfoliation while delivering hydration and has been praised for being non-irritating even on sensitive skin. £44.

@chanelleho

For those curious about the hosiery brand favored by fashion editors and celebrities, Bombas is the name to remember. Established in 2013, the company aimed to revolutionize the sock industry with a unique buy-one-donate-one model and an elegant design aesthetic. You may wonder what makes socks so special, and many share your skepticism. Nevertheless, Bombas has achieved remarkable success, surpassing $1 billion in sales within its first decade.

Bombas has featured prominently in various marketing campaigns, including those starring actor Zac Efron. The cast of the popular Netflix series *Nobody Wants This* has also showcased personalized Bombas styles on social media. When co-founders Randy Goldberg and David Heath presented their concept on the reality show *Shark Tank* in 2014, the immense demand crashed the website, proving that consumers are eager for improved sock options.

Fashion stylists appreciate Bombas for their ribbed half-calf designs, priced at £120 for a bundle of eight, which stay securely in place—an ideal feature for pairing with sandals, ballet flats, and loafers. Recently, Bombas received a significant nod of approval from the fashion industry with a mention on Anna Wintour’s Met Gala red carpet. Wood, known for her roles in *Sex Education* and *The White Lotus*, wore them with a deconstructed tux designed by Priya Ahluwalia, complemented by Manolo Blahnik heels.

The white ribbed socks featured custom cream and red embroidered flowers, created by stylist Felicity Kay. This innovative stylization caught the eye of many, but the acknowledgment of Bombas itself is a remarkable feat, as sock brands rarely receive such recognition at major fashion events. Tam Conlin, Head of Merchandising at Bombas, expressed the team’s excitement at being credited alongside renowned haute couture labels.

The partnership also included a philanthropic element, as Wood and Kay decided to donate 10,000 pairs of socks to community organizations, aligning with Bombas’ charitable initiatives. In the world of Hollywood, products that offer a feel-good factor are highly prized, allowing celebrities to tout their £20-a-pair Bombas socks while supporting those in need.

Having personally tried Bombas socks, I confess they have become my favorite. Featuring a “honeycomb support system,” they comfortably hug the arches, stay in place, and easily make any other socks in my drawer appear lackluster. Goldberg and Heath reportedly tested over 130 prototypes before finalizing their design. Each pair incorporates what Conlin describes as “premium yarns,” breathable fabric, seamless toes, Y-stitched heels, and cushioned footbeds.

In essence, these socks can be described as luxurious. They might just be the ultimate sock experience, but at £160 for a pack of 12, I reserve mine alongside my cashmere socks for those special occasions.

This significant announcement was made early on Monday, following nearly a year of speculation regarding Anderson’s potential appointment to one of the most coveted positions in the fashion industry. Notably, he is the first designer since the brand’s founder to manage both the women’s and men’s collections at Dior.

Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of Dior’s parent company LVMH, praised Anderson as “one of the greatest creative talents of his generation.” The top role at Dior is regarded as both highly visible and fiercely competitive within the fashion world.

At 40 years old, Anderson hails from Londonderry, born to a rugby player and a teacher. He pursued his studies at the London College of Fashion before establishing his brand, JW Anderson, in 2008, initially concentrating on menswear before expanding into womenswear two years later.

Anderson is noted for his avant-garde style, which seamlessly blends contemporary trends with street style, resulting in several iconic pieces. For instance, Akshata Murty, spouse of Rishi Sunak, was seen wearing a pair of his £570 shearling slip-on clogs outside Downing Street in 2023.

His label has earned significant recognition on the international stage. In 2014, Anderson was appointed creative director at the Spanish luxury brand Loewe, another member of the LVMH family. Over the last decade, he transformed Loewe from a traditional leather goods brand into a chic and conceptual label, renowned for its “it bags” and must-have items including logo-printed jeans, botanical print T-shirts, and even tomato leaf-scented candles.

On red carpets, A-list celebrities such as Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Cate Blanchett have donned Loewe creations. Furthermore, Anderson designed costumes for Zendaya in the film Challengers last year.

In April, fashion data company Lyst revealed that Anderson’s Loewe brand had overtaken Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu as the globe’s “hottest brand,” based on online search trends and sales performance.

Executives at Dior, under the leadership of CEO Delphine Arnault, are optimistic that the first millennial designer will infuse new life and creativity into the esteemed atelier located on Avenue Montaigne. The house reported impressive revenues of €84.7 billion in January; however, it has not been among the industry’s trendiest brands for some time.

Anderson is set to be the eighth couturier to lead Dior, following the nine-year tenure of Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri. He is the second British designer to take this position, as John Galliano previously held the title from 1996 until his dismissal in 2011 due to a public incident.

“I have always been inspired by this house… [and] I look forward to collaborating with its legendary ateliers to shape the next chapter of [its] incredible story,” Anderson expressed in a statement.

His debut collection for Dior will be showcased in the menswear summer 2026 presentation in Paris later this month. Additionally, Anderson will maintain his own brand and continue designing for the popular high-street retailer Uniqlo.

As she resettles on her blue velvet sofa, adorned with a striking portrait of Queen Elizabeth by Chris Levine, Swarovski switches back to her core interests: sustainability in fashion and quality craftsmanship. She expresses her belief in the potential for profit in the apparel sector, while championing a shift in the industry.

“I’m not entirely certain if I can turn a profit, but I see Really Wild as a significant chance to showcase sustainable branding,” she notes. “I believe the fashion industry’s existing model is flawed. We don’t require multiple seasons or collections each year. Investing in enduring quality is far more advantageous. When you discover a piece that suits you well, it deserves to be cherished.”

This approach brings to mind an influential figure who consistently embodies style and elegance: the Princess of Wales. Flashback to 2004 when a young Kate Middleton, emerging as Prince William’s girlfriend, was photographed during the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace. Sporting a chic ensemble from Really Wild—a brand just gaining traction—Middleton casually posed on a shooting stool in a youthful short skirt, supporting a collection that included a memorable white T-shirt emblazoned with ‘WILD THING’.

“I’m not sure whether Kate knew her husband then,” Swarovski muses, recalling that Middleton might have even worked with the brand during its early days. “Regardless, her presence greatly highlights the importance of endorsement.”

Fast forward two decades, and the Princess continues to wear Really Wild garments, now under the watchful eye of palace protocol.

“We’ve been in communication,” Swarovski acknowledges about the past year since she became the majority owner of Really Wild. “They expressed interest in confirming our commitment to collaborating with British manufacturers. It’s a valid concern, as we aim to honor British craftsmanship. All our materials are sourced from Scotland, and I am keen on investing in brands rooted in creativity, as supporting craftsmanship equates to supporting cultural heritage.”

Determined to expand Really Wild into a global lifestyle brand, Swarovski is not keen on becoming the public face often necessary for such enterprises—think Gwyneth Paltrow or Aerin Lauder. Despite her polished appearance and shared attributes with them, she prefers to remain behind the scenes. Perhaps the Princess of Wales might be willing to step into that role?

“That would be wonderful! Could you arrange that? The current generation of royals has grasped the significance of brand endorsements—a concept not thoroughly considered in past generations. For instance, I know Linda Bennett crafted shoes for Queen Elizabeth; that was a direct deal without the fanfare.”

At 55, Swarovski is embracing a new chapter in her professional life. She stepped away from her family’s crystal business four years ago, a choice she describes as an unexpected but intriguing opportunity to forge her own path.

Having been involved with Swarovski since 1995, her role once raised eyebrows within the family, given that no other relatives were part of the business at that time. “There was perhaps a belief that women weren’t expected to work, especially in senior positions,” she explains. “But I eventually joined the board in 2011, playing a pivotal role in transforming the company’s reputation.”

Throughout her tenure, Swarovski initiated groundbreaking partnerships with talents ranging from Alexander McQueen to famed architects Zaha Hadid and Ron Arad. She recalls that Arad initially dismissed the collaboration, questioning why he would work with a brand known for ‘swans and ducks.’ Yet, he ultimately crafted a remarkable chandelier while McQueen integrated Swarovski crystals into a myriad of designs, including footwear and clothing—a turning point that altered her wardrobe aesthetics significantly.

Swarovski’s current venture, a firm created alongside her husband Rupert Adams, is dedicated to investing in brands that prioritize craftsmanship and sustainability. She stresses the importance of human artistry in a digital age where machines increasingly dominate. “Supporting craftsmanship is a means of preserving our cultural heritage,” she asserts, while also recognizing the necessity for commercial success.

She perceives that Really Wild lost direction over the years, and envisions its resurgence with clothing designed for both countryside adventures and urban life. “We want to embody ‘hardcore country,’ whatever that entails, alongside ‘hardcore city.’ The pandemic shifted people’s appreciation towards nature, and a blend of city-and-country lifestyle is becoming apparent.”

With America as her second largest market, Swarovski recently hosted an event in Palm Beach, strategically introducing the brand to affluent residents (excluding the Trumps, whom she doesn’t personally know). Although tariffs pose challenges for British brands entering the American market, she remains optimistic about the situation, recalling a conversation during her January visit to Scottish mills: the industry would remain viable since Trump appreciates his Scottish golf properties. Ever the astute businesswoman, she jestingly mentioned she’d be happy to sell him a cashmere sweater for his golfing needs.

Recognized for her acumen, Swarovski was amongst the first investors to spot talent in notable designers such as Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Christopher Kane, and Giles Deacon, and her involvement with Really Wild follows naturally. With founder Natalie Lake transitioning out last year, a new designer has taken charge, though Swarovski meticulously supervises the creative process. Originally, she aimed to create more feminine interpretations of her favorite pieces sourced from Purdey and Holland & Holland—a concept echoed in Jade Holland Cooper’s similar offerings that focus on British heritage.

“I view Holland Cooper not as competition, but as having a different ethos; my vision diverges significantly, evident in the absence of large gold buttons in my designs,” she comments, adjusting the small tortoiseshell buttons on her sophisticated cream safari jacket. “The product should always take center stage.”

Having been raised primarily in Austria alongside her sister Vanessa, Swarovski pursued higher education in the U.S., spending her twenties oscillating between New York and London, immersing herself in both the art and fashion industries, including a stint with Missoni. In 2002, she married financier Rupert Adams and made London home. When she was pregnant in 2005, she experienced a traumatic burglary in their Cadogan Square residence; since then, she’s also faced unsettling encounters like having her watch stolen while out. Although she has previously mentioned feeling uneasy in London, her sentiments have softened recently. She cherishes the capital’s cultural vitality. “Having just spent time in Florida—quick!” she interjects with an amused gasp, “take me back to London!”

“I believe one feels a sense of safety here,” she remarks, turning her engagement ring to keep the impressive canary diamond hidden from view. With three children—Jasmine, 17, Thalia, 19, and Rigby, 20—she shares a home filled with luxury touches like scented candles and exceptional art pieces by renowned artists such as Nick Knight and Marc Quinn. Soon, like Michelle Obama, she will face the transition to having none of her children at home, yet she remains unfazed by the prospect. “We communicate; we FaceTime. Traveling is convenient. Remember the days when you wrote letters when you traveled? People would cry when saying goodbye. Now it’s just ‘See you later.’”

With the need to travel to Swarovski’s headquarters in Austria behind her, there’s talk of potentially relocating to the U.S., but the specific destination remains undecided. In her past, she envisioned a picturesque ranch in Santa Barbara, drawn to the scenic avocado orchards; however, that dream has shifted. “Santa Barbara is crowded now. It’s over. It used to be an undiscovered gem, but I need to seek out a new hidden paradise.”

For now, however, her focus is on productive meetings, school engagements, and revitalizing her fashion brand. Although she doesn’t need to work, she sees value in being active. A subtle smile plays on her lips as she adjusts her jacket, shrugging lightly. “Yes,” she says, “but that would simply be dull.”

reallywildclothing.com

This prompted me to conduct an experiment tracking my information consumption before bedtime and first thing in the morning. The findings were alarming. A decade ago, my mornings commenced with tranquility, a clear mind for the day ahead. Nowadays, I find myself inundated with 20 to 30 pieces of random or algorithm-driven information even before I get out of bed.

This morning alone, my mind was flooded with content including: five mistakes to avoid in kitchen design, seven secrets for better sleep, several distressing war images, and a mascara that claims to do the dishes. And this was all before my first sip of coffee.

Our thoughts are in constant motion, and the chaos is palpable. The inundation of new information has hit a peak — “Have you seen this…?” “Have you heard about that…?” “Have you tried…?” In the past six months, I’ve encountered at least ten so-called revolutionary brands. It’s no wonder beloved names like Ren are quietly exiting the market.

This dilemma leaves me torn, as part of my role involves keeping you informed about the latest trends. However, I also feel a responsibility to highlight some enduring beauty classics, the true icons of the industry.

A friend recently reminded me about the beautifully simple Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk. While I’m constantly pitched extravagant cleansers, I’m thrilled to reconnect with this no-fuss gem. It’s an ideal solution for those with sensitive or temperamental skin, acting like a soothing cashmere blanket for your complexion.

Next up, I realized that I had overlooked the Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream, which was once my go-to in-shower luxury. The rich oils and spa-like fragrance provide an instant pampering experience. I’m excited to have this back in my daily routine.

Speaking of indulgences, I’ve returned to enjoying bubbly baths, thanks to L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath. Just a couple of dollops under running water creates a rich foam, offering a blissful escape without leaving home.

In a few weeks, there will be exciting news regarding the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, the iconic yellow moisturizer that defined skincare in the 90s. After revisiting it, I’m reminded of its simplicity and effectiveness: it hydrates without clogging pores and leaves a lovely sheen on the skin.

In the fragrance arena, keeping up with new releases can be overwhelming. However, I rediscovered Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne, a timeless fragrance consistently found on my mother’s shelf. It remains a classic that feels ever-fresh, regardless of newer trends.

Meanwhile, Ren, a brand that championed sustainability and transparency, has one final product to unveil before its farewell: the Evercalm SPF 50+ Sensitive Support Sunscreen. If you struggle with sunscreen, this might be worth stocking up on. It’s developed for sensitive or eczema-prone skin and has a lightweight formula that doesn’t disturb makeup. Additionally, I recommend the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic for an instant radiance and Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash to invigorate the senses.

To round off this list, I can’t forget some other classics that deserve a mention: Eve Lom Cleanser, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I’ve become particularly fond of the Advanced Night Repair, which always leaves my skin looking brighter and more refreshed.

Take a moment to pause and inspect your beauty cabinet; it’s likely that some of these hidden treasures await your discovery.

@sarahjossel