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My London: Valentino
By Charlotte Williamson, Evening Standard Last updated at 00:00am on 06.06.03
Perma-tan designer Valentino
Where do you live and why? Knightsbridge, because it is very pretty, very quiet and within easy walking distance of the spots I love the most, such as the Fulham Road.
How long have you lived there? Since 1980. I'm originally from Voghera near Milan.
Where were the last three places you went on holiday? I went round the islands of Turkey, Greece and Croatia last summer on my yacht, TM Blue One. Different people accompanied me at different locations; I spent my time in Croatia with Gwyneth Paltrow.
What advice would you give to a tourist? Don't mind the weather - you simply have to get used to it.
What is your earliest London memory? I was 18 and studying fashion in Paris and I took a train, a boat and another train to get here. At the time I thought London was grey and sad. But I changed my mind soon after.
Harvey Nicks or Selfridges? I am not a department-store guy, I don't enjoy shopping in the middle of thousands of people. I prefer small, cosy stores where you can focus on the product and not be distracted by noise.
What are your extravagances? Dogs. I travel with all six of them.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? I'd work on the traffic.
What is your life philosophy? I try to forget fashion after 6pm.
What was the last CD you bought? Craig Armstrong's As If To Nothing. He's the man behind the soundtracks to Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge. It's one of my favourites, great at home and in the car. It's the perfect background music.
How do you get around town? Around my neighbourhood I tend to walk. Otherwise I use my car, a navy blue Mercedes.
Do you have a favourite pub? I don't really do pubs, but I do like drinks at the bar in the Connaught.
What is in your summer wardrobe? An English raincoat and, for day-to-day wear, a Valentino suit.
What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it? Proof at the Donmar Warehouse with Gwyneth. I loved it. It was an amazing performance by a great actress, plus the theatre was small and cosy. I felt I was one of the lucky few to witness a great theatre moment.
What have been your most memorable London meals? At Buckingham Palace for the cellist and conductor 'Slava' Rostropovich's birthday. Not only was the portrait gallery amazing, but the table was actually set by Prince Charles.
Who is in your secret address book? I get all my food from Luigi's on the Fulham Road. It has the best Italian food in London, including 15 varieties of fresh pasta. For gifts, I like Guinevere Antiques on the King's Road.
What was the last book you bought? I bought The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I never finished it, though - it wasn't brilliant.
What are your favourite shops? Smythson on Bond Street, Jo Malone on Sloane Street, and David Linley on Pimlico Road. They're all good stores to find gifts for friends.
What are your favourite home comforts? My dogs. I have six pugs - Molly, Maggy, Margot, Maud, Milton and Monty.
