Poetry. My favourite poets are Shakespeare, John Donne, e.e.cummings, and Emily Dickinson.

Roses and all things rose (or tuberose) scented, especially Jo Malone’s Red Roses perfume and dry body oil.

Fashion. In my next life, I’m going to be a fashion historian. Favourite designers are Chanel and McQueen. Mainly because they were both obsessed with hidden beauty, and they knew how to cut.

Feminism. My second book was about the life of 18th century poet and feminist, Mary Robinson. For her, fashion and feminism were inextricably linked.

Writing. I can’t stop writing: biography, fiction and also having a go at a screenplay.

Music. Classical, Opera, Jazz and Rock music. Love Mozart, Wagner, Duke Ellington, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux, Van Morrison, Alabama Shakes, Black Keys, and a whole heap more…and the Beatles, of course…

Jokes. My favourite writers are comic writers. Jane Austen, Nancy Mitford, Evelyn Waugh, P.G. Wodehouse, Barbara Pym.

Food. I love cooking. I love eating.

Wine. Meursault and champagne. I’m not a cheap date.

Shoes. Just because

Kindness. Because it doesn’t cost anything but goes a very long way.