The phrase ‘wears many hats’ may lean in the direction of cliché, however Susan Bender-Whitfield, freelance stylist, artistic director for fashion-focused Iona Company, contributing editor for British Vogue, ambassador for the Prince’s Belief and with the Birley Golf equipment’ trend board, and so forth…sports activities many. And also you higher imagine they’d all be impeccably stylish.
With finely honed style that extends far past her sartorial experience, we have been keen to hunt out not simply her favoured procuring spots and magnificence heroes, however tried-and-trusted consolation meals and signature cocktail, too.
Favorite museum/gallery
I like all of the museums in London and to this point have visited virtually each one. Considered one of my favorite issues concerning the metropolis is that the breadth of data and artefacts ready to be found are infinite. However, if I had to decide on one it might be the Natural History Museum, as a result of I’ve a penchant for Gothic structure. I additionally love visiting smaller specialist museums dotted round London and the UK.
Guide that formed you
As a baby I liked to learn classical literature; the e-book that formed me when studying it at college was Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Rising up, I recognized with the primary character Scout: her inquisitive, unconventional and rebellious spirit in questioning the injustices and prejudices of that point, that are – sadly – nonetheless very a lot points right now.
Quotes to reside by
I’ve two which resonate deeply with me. Einstein famously mentioned: ‘Creativeness is extra necessary than information. For information is restricted to all we all know and perceive, whereas creativeness embraces the whole world, and all there ever might be to know and perceive.’ And Cicero’s: ‘When you’ve got a backyard and a library you’ve got the whole lot you want.’
Favorite artists
Yinka Shonibare and Adébayo Bolaji.
Accent/language that turns you on
These of the American Deep South and Boston, and Southern Irish – plus I couldn’t pass over my husband’s Northern accent. I’ve a very good ear for languages and love to listen to French and Italian spoken. I do get pleasure from attempting to decipher the place somebody’s accent is from; my success price may be very excessive to this point.
Favorite bar
Claridge’s artwork deco cigar bar the Fumoir (which dates again to 1929). I like its old-school design, intimacy and the scent of cigars wafting throughout the room. I’d typically pop in late afternoon for a glass of champagne to individuals watch.
Favorite cocktail
A spicy margarita on the rocks. Earlier than I went on honeymoon three years in the past I made a decision I wanted an alternate cocktail and swapped my favorite tipple – an espresso martini – to a margarita on the rocks, and since then I’ve by no means regarded again. I make my very own model, christened ‘imply margaritas’ by my finest buddy Melissa Morris, founding father of Métier – I tackle the position of bartender and shake up just a few yearly for her birthday.
Consolation meals
Selfmade macaroni and cheese, in spicy Jamaican fashion.
Most memorable meal
The final one my late mom made for me, Jamaican Escovitch fish: crispy fried purple mullet topped with a spicy pickled-vegetable sauce of onion, skinny strips of carrot, pimento, purple bell pepper and scotch-bonnet pepper; served with rice and peas and steamed callaloo.
Worst vacation hangover
It was in Paris and it wasn’t a fairly sight… I vaguely keep in mind projectile vomiting down the steps of Les Bains-Douches nightclub the evening earlier than, after downing 4 tequila photographs in a row for the primary time. Quelle horreur.
Finest classic/vintage discover
A Thirties black-leather vintage hat field with authentic baggage stickers from journey’s Golden Age. I discovered it in a road market in Bolsena, Italy. The stickers documented the proprietor’s grand excursions world wide, from the Resort Prince in Argentina to the Splendid Resort & Spa in Hanoi. I can solely surprise in any respect the journeys it’s seen; possibly at some point I’ll embark on a vacation that follows the route my hat field has taken.
Structure that awes
The magnificent Angkor Wat advanced seen from Phnom Bakheng temple at dawn.
Interiors you envy
The non-public residence of Austrian gallerist Thaddaeus Ropac, set above his namesake, five-floor, Grade-I-listed gallery in London’s historic Mayfair.
Homewares you hunt for whereas travelling
Actually something I can get in my suitcase, plus I at all times journey with a sturdy ripstop bag to securely transport finds whereas on the transfer. On my most up-to-date journey to Morocco I managed to haul again 4 big Tamegroute pottery planters for my backyard – happily I used to be on a piece journey and didn’t need to pay for the additional baggage; in hindsight I ought to’ve purchased much more.
Design decade you’re feeling at dwelling in
Amid the magnificence of the Forties and Fifties.
Go-to spa therapy
Adeela Crown’s Crowning Glowry™ facial on the Bulgari Spa or an at-home reflexology therapy.
How do you unwind?
Sleep, and many it. Or sitting on a seashore looking to sea.
Most regrettable vacation buy
I’m a seasoned shopper and have by no means regretted a purchase order, solely the issues I didn’t purchase.
Your must-pack outfits
My bikini, sun shades, a masculine shirt, and Johnstons of Elgin cashmere hoodie.
Most fashionable place
Claridge’s.
Metropolis you’d transfer to
Marrakech or Paris – each really feel like a second dwelling to me.
Strangest lodge expertise
In a earlier life, earlier than working within the trend trade, I went on the European leg of U2’s Zooropa tour. We stayed in a wierd lodge in Lausanne Switzerland, which – I swear to today – was haunted. The lengthy corridors and wallpaper have been harking back to the twins scene in The Shining. I had the strangest goals there, and at one level I all of a sudden awoke and jumped off the bed and throughout the room to cower within the nook. God solely is aware of what I used to be escaping from, however, secure to say, I didn’t keep there one other evening.
Finest place you’ve ever swum
The blue lagoon Jamaica, a cove-like lagoon which opens to the Caribbean Sea. It’s fed by underground freshwater springs and is claimed to be bottomless. To really feel the combination of heat salt water and funky spring water whereas swimming is a magical sensation.
Finest seashore you’ve ever discovered
I’m nonetheless looking out.
It’s not a vacation with out…
Sunshine and margaritas.
Responsible pleasures
Sleep, massages and binge-watching field units over 24 hours.
@account to observe
@sumi_v
Pool or ocean
Ocean each time. I lately took a powerboat-driving course and sit up for skippering my very own boat on the open water.
Outline love in three phrases
Work in progress.
Outline intercourse in three phrases
Life-affirming vitality
Susan was photographed by Hannah Dace and Max Dillon at Chelsea keep At Sloane.
