ALICE TEMPERLEY

I always knew I wanted to create. I used to sit in my room for hours drawing and making things. I once got into trouble for cutting up my mother's lampshades to make a dress. I was three.

I think that a woman that is elegant herself is somebody who can dress herself easily and effortlessly.

I get up between 6:30 and 7 A.M., and my morning routine is always the same: hot water and lemon, eggs on toast and rose oil on the face.

With celebrity being our new religion, it's increasingly difficult to start up on your own. Talented young designers are more likely to either go and work for celebrity brands or huge fashion houses than ever before.

Lingerie is my next love after clothing; I think it is what is worn underneath that really inspires a woman to feel beautiful in her clothes - that inner, secret glamour.

You have to stay true to your heritage; that's what your brand is about.

When it comes to shoes, I always think Charlotte Olympia, of course! Her footwear is always feminine and sexy and also just right for every occasion.

I have an obsession with details and pattern.

I like the things around me to be beautiful and slightly dreamy, with a feeling of worldliness.

I don't think many people would think I'm a designer. I behave in a different way. I'd get knocked down and cut to pieces if I went home and flounced about; this industry is known for the flounciness, but I've got my feet on the ground.

Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world and such an incredible breeding ground for designers. You can't help but find it an inspiring place.

When I was a child, I was always nicking my mum's jewellery to wear, and I loved to drape a massive Chinese shawl around me from our fancy-dress box. I was obsessed with a feather and rabbit-fur collar from the age of three and attempted to make one with my friend, whose father was a gamekeeper.

I think fashion can always date, but I think if a woman has elegance, she doesn't date.

Red carpet dressing all depends on the climate. I think richer, deeper colours are more flattering on the body, but the opposite is true if you are in Cannes or St. Tropez where the light makes deep colours look heavy and unflattering.

I grew up in the countryside and always used to wear my parents' Barbour jackets. It is a fantastic British heritage brand.

I try to take care of myself, and I lead a healthy lifestyle.

I buy vintage - mainly Alaia and some Westwood - but 90 per cent of the time, I wear my own designs.

I love long power walks in the countryside.

I loved being in London. Always walking everywhere, always out and about and always at markets, walking around Brick Lane and Covent Garden and Soho.

My favourite finds are often antique pieces with a history.

I like the Hotel Costes, on rue Saint Honore, a boutique hotel near the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the Tuileries. I love the dark, moody decor as well as the fantastic scented, candlelit pool in the basement.

As far as accessories are concerned, I think it is always best to be as minimalist as possible.

I think I'd go mad if I didn't have a place to escape to.

Eclectic yet classic with a playful bohemian twist is how I'd describe my style.

I don't try to be in fashion; I don't try to follow trends. You just end up out of fashion that way.