Giambattista Valli talks personal taste: Part One

Giambattista Valli is best known for glamorous gowns that combine intricate embroidery and sharp, modern tailoring

My personal style signifier is wearing black from head to toe – my uniform consists of black trousers by APC or Saint Laurent, an American Apparel T-shirt or Commes des Garçons dress shirt and a cashmere sweater – and either my strand of pearls that are a good-luck charm, or a necklace with a Georgian cross that was a gift from my friend Lee Radziwill. American Apparel, www.americanapparel.net. APC, www.apc.fr. Commes des Garçons, www.comme-des-garcons.com. Saint Laurent, www.ysl.com.

The last thing I bought and loved was a hand-held portable LG projector for screening movies on the go. I work non‑stop and watching films is my one escapist pleasure. LG PB60G projector, from about £350; www.lg.com.

Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet eau de toilette, £85 for 100ml

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a holiday. I’d like to go back to the Aman hotel in Venice, which is in an exquisitely restored palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. The rooms are beautiful and the gardens an oasis of calm, but it’s the warm welcome and service that make this place so special and restorative. Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo 1364, 30125 Venice (+39041-270 7333; www.amanresorts.com).

The last music I downloaded was the soundtrack to the Wim Wenders film Pina, but I am open to all kinds of music. I tend to favour funk to wake me up or when I exercise, although I also love classical music. I enjoy listening to whatever moves my soul – or my body – at a particular moment in time.

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Da Adolfo in Positano. It is essentially a little cave on the beach, and I ate the most delicious mozzarella on lemon leaves and linguine with tomatoes and local lobster. The atmosphere in summer is magical and I can still taste the spectacular food. Via Laurito 40, 84017 Positano (+39089-875 022; www.daadolfo.com).

The books on my bedside table are actually in a stack next to my bed, because I like a very austere room without much furniture. Books are my biggest pleasure and I always have at least three on the go. Currently that’s A Cloudy Day in Babylon by Margaret Doody, The Red Book by CG Jung and The Old Garden by South Korean novelist Hwang Sok-Yong.

His hand‑held LG projector, from about £350 | Image: Lea Crespi

In my fridge you’ll always find Chateldon mineral water and Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability masks. I never cook or eat at home, but I like to have these cooling, soothing fabric masks on hand – they work wonders after a late night. Chateldon, www.chateldon.tm.fr. Shu Uemura, £42 for six; www.shuuemura.co.uk.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a trip for four close friends to the Trianon Palace in Versailles, a lovely, secluded hotel. We went for walks around a scenic lake, enjoyed delicious dinners that lasted for hours and slept very well. Boulevard de la Reine 1, 78000 Versailles (+331-3084 5000; www.trianonpalace.com).

Valli’s good-luck pearls | Image: Lea Crespi

And the best one I’ve received recently was a pearl and ruby necklace from a friend who is like a sister to me. She bought it at auction, and it’s the kind of big jewellery I think suits me best. It was a total surprise, which makes it even more special.

The beauty staple I’m never without is my Blenheim Bouquet eau de toilette from Penhaligon’s, which I have worn every day and night for the past 20-plus years. It smells fresh and healthy and puts me in a good mood. £85 for 100ml; www.penhaligons.com.

Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa, Egypt

The site that inspires me is Al Tarfa Lodge in the middle of the Egyptian desert. This sanctuary in the southwestern part of the country is the perfect place to clear the mind. Al Mansura, Dakhla Oasis, New Valley (+2010-0100 1109; www.altarfa.net).

My favourite websites are CNN and AstrologyZone for Susan Miller’s horoscopes, but I tend to use apps more than the web. WeChat is one of my favourites for connecting with friends in Asia and CrossProcess is a fun one that lets you apply colours and filters to photographs. www.astrologyzone.com. www.cnn.com. CrossProcess, www.apple.com/itunes. www.wechat.com.

Giambattista Valli talks personal taste: Part Two

The designer concludes his list of likes with antique kimono fabrics in Tokyo and singing monks in Laos

Giambattista Valli in his Paris studio | Image: Lea Crespi

My style icon isPablo Picasso, because he was always so full of life and creativity. No one ever thought of him as old; even in a striped T-shirt on the beach he looked like an emperor. And also Maharajah Yeshwant Rao Holkar II, an early-20th-century figure who wore simply tailored white shirts with very bold diamond necklaces. I love big jewellery on men and whenever I wear a tuxedo I pair it with a necklace inspired by this elegant man.

An object I would never part with is my black Cutler and Gross sunglasses. I wear them every morning – even when the skies are grey. £310; www.cutlerandgross.com.

Pablo Picasso | Image: Gjon Mili/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Luang Prabang in Laos. I rented a villa with a group of friends in an incredible private sanctuary on the Mekong Estate. We watched the elephants drinking from the river at dawn and I think it might be the most sublime, peaceful place I have ever been. www.mekongestate.com.

And the best souvenir I’ve brought home is the memory of the singing monks in Luang Prabang. They collect alms each morning at dawn and their soothing voices are a constant reminder of that special trip.

An indulgence I would never forego is buying books. I keep them all, and my apartment in Paris looks like a library.

The last things I added to my wardrobe were some Nike trainers. I bought two pairs – one red and one royal blue – at the cool multibrand store Excelsior in Milan. £140; www.nike.com. Excelsior, Galleria del Corso 4, 20100 Milan (+3902-7630 7301; www.excelsiormilano.com).

Valli’s Cutler and Gross sunglasses, £310 | Image: Lea Crespi

If I didn’t live in Paris, the city I would live in is Istanbul, which to me is the most exciting place in the world. I love its combination of European and Asian cultures and find the views of the Bosphorus, the delicious food, the Turkish baths, the dancing, the Grand Bazaar, the rich coffee – everything – inspiring. I would never tire of living there. The Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet, in the heart of the old city, would be a lovely place to call home and I particularly adore Kizkulesi, an amazing restaurant in a small tower in the middle of the strait off the Asiatic shore. The Four Seasons Hotel, Tevkifhane Sokak 1, 34110 Sultanahmet-Eminönü (+90212-402 3000; www.fourseasons.com). Kizkulesi, Üsküdar Salacak Mevkii, 34668 Üsküdar (+90216-342 4747; www.kizkulesi.com.tr).

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is the Cuban-born Félix González-Torres, whose footprints-in-sand photographs I love. But I couldn’t just collect the work of one artist; I like diversity and would want a wide range of pieces by Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, Mario Schifano and some ceramics by Lucio Fontana.

The Comme des Garçons store in Aoyama, Tokyo

Among the people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing is David Mallet for haircuts in his beautiful salon that feels more like an apartment. He is a former fashion-show stylist who I’ve known for years, so he knows exactly what I like. Deepu Yogi, who comes to my home for pranamaya yoga sessions, helps to keep me in balance, and the facials at Biologique Recherche are wonderfully hydrating and relaxing. Biologique Recherche, Avenue des Champs-Elysées 32, 75008 Paris (+331-4118 9684; www.biologique-recherche.com). David Mallet, Rue Notre Dame des Victoires 14, 75002 Paris (+331-4020 0023; www.david-mallett.com). Deepu Yogi, +336-7937 0540.

My favourite room in my house is the master bathroom, because it has beautiful light and views of the garden. It’s a peaceful space with a fireplace, English fixtures, pale-blue Farrow & Ball walls and lots of neutral-coloured stone.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Sultanahmet, Istanbul | Image: Paul Thuysbaert

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose Aoyama in Tokyo, because it is so eclectic and full of energy. The Comme des Garçons store is amazing, not just because of the clothes but because the shop assistants are all so brilliant and entertaining. I also enjoy wandering through Isetan, a unique department store with an incredible food hall; shopping for antique kimono fabrics – not at any shop in particular; and picking up housewares and knick-knackery at Tokyu Hands in Shibuya. Comme des Garçons, 5-2-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-Ku 107-0062 (+813-3406 3951; www.comme-des-garcons.com). Isetan, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku 160-0022 (+813-3225 2514; www.isetan.co.jp). Tokyu Hands, 12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya 150-0042 (+813-5489 5111; www.tokyu-hands.co.jp).

If I weren’t doing what I do,I would be a psychologist. I feel I play this role every day anyway, so I think I’d be a natural. People fascinate me.

Christian Liaigre talks personal taste: Part One

Christian Liaigre has designed beautifully spare interiors and furniture for Karl Lagerfeld and Larry Gagosian, as well as for restaurants and hotels, including The Mercer in New York and Hôtel Costes in Paris

My personal style signifier is a pair of handmade tortoiseshell glasses that I designed for myself and wear every day. I have worn this same style for the past 20 years; I like the simple shape and natural finish. I have them made at the Maison Bonnet workshop in Paris. 5 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris 75001 (+331-4296 4635; www.maisonbonnet.com).

The last thing I bought and loved was a work of art by the French painter and sculptor Richard Texier. It is a colourful mixed-media picture of the mineral kingdom done with the aid of a computer. I bought it directly from the artist, whose work I admire immensely. www.richardtexier.com.

The sea-view terrace at Christian Liaigre’s house on St Barths | Image: Mark Seelen

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a Land Rover Defender, so that I can take my son to our country home on Ile de Ré or to the horse country near La Rochelle at weekends. I like this car for both its functionality and aesthetics; I have my eye on a beautiful metallised-brown model. www.landrover.com.

A recent “find” is the restaurant Le Relais Louis XIII in Paris. It feels provincial and intimate, much like dining at the home of a country doctor. My friend, the photographer Peter Lindbergh, took me there and I particularly love the lobster ravioli and the chef’s delicious organic vegetables. 8 Rue des Grands Augustins, Paris 75006 (+331-4326 7596; www.relaislouis13.fr).

The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe was a double-cashmere sports jacket by Berluti. It is a deep-green-khaki colour with a yellow lining and it is simple, warm and beautifully made. 14 Rue de Sèvres, Paris 75007 (+331-4048 2860; www.berluti.com).

The last music I downloaded was Alchemya by flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona, Niño de Almadén’s Maestros del Cante Flamenco and Pepe Martínez’s The Spanish Guitar, Flamenco Masters. Clearly I love Spanish music.

An object I would never part with is the penknife I carry with me everywhere. It is very reassuring to have one in my pocket, as I can always cut a flower or sharpen a pencil. Mine is made from tortoiseshell and silver and comes from the small town of Nogent in northeastern France.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is the Vallespir region of the Pyrénées in northern Catalonia. It is a wonderful, unspoiled landscape full of green valleys covered with cork oak trees. Juan Gris and Picasso lived in nearby Céret and there are many interesting Roman thermal baths throughout the beautiful countryside.

A Land Rover Defender 110, from £23,095

The site that inspires me is the sea – particularly the view of it from my homes in St Barths and Ile de Ré. Nothing compares to the iodine-packed Atlantic Ocean; the colours and light are so energising.

The best gift I’ve received recently was a very refined, 2m-long calligraphy print by the South Korean artist Suh Se-ok. I had tea with him and this work was a present from the Samsung family to thank me for a project I did for them in South Korea. It now hangs in a special place over the central staircase in my home.

Ligne St Barth Deep Sea Cream, €1,350 for 40ml

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is a sculpted, dark-wood Basque walking stick called a makila. The top part has a hand-grip that can be pulled off, revealing a hidden blade that was traditionally used as a defence against wolves. I keep it in my bedroom to remind me of a family trip to the Pyrénées.

The grooming staple I’m never without is Deep Sea Cream by Ligne St Barth. It is incredibly moisturising and smells great. €1,350 for 40ml in a limited-edition Murano-glass flacon (refill €590); www.lignestbarth.com.

My favourite websites are almost non-existent. I tend not to use the web much, but when I do it is the Financial Times and Le Figaro for news, and Moma PS1 for looking at contemporary art. www.ft.com; www.lefigaro.fr; www.momaps1.org.

Christian Liaigre talks personal taste: Part Two

The designer concludes his list of likes with vitamins from Laboratoire Lescuyer, London and a Basque pâté terrine

Christian Liaigre at his home in Paris | Image: Lea Crespi

My style icon is the painter Cy Twombly. He was a wise and elegant gentleman who seamlessly mixed classical sculpture with very modern pieces of art. Both his work and personal style inspire me because of their sophisticated simplicity.

Cy Twombly | Image: Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

My favourite room in my house is the sitting room because of its authentic 18th-century decorative wood panelling and gilding. Vintage chandeliers from the Porte de Clignancourt flea market are juxtaposed with contemporary photographs and deer antlers from La Rochelle. This room is the perfect backdrop for the modern furniture I designed for the space.

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Ya Lamai, a Thai restaurant in the 3rd arrondissement. The owner, Rose, is a very particular person and a wonderful cook. I had a delicious dessert called tako, a unique combination of coconut and mung-bean flour. 16 Rue du Petit Thouars, Paris 75003 (+331-8356 5500; www.yalamai.com).

The books on my bedside table are Plague and Cholera, a story about the second world war by Patrick Deville; Repulse Bay by Olivier Lebé; and Adventures on the Wine Route by Kermit Lynch, which recounts the author’s experiences across Bordeaux and the Loire and Rhône valleys.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a small piece of whalebone to my son, Léonard. I gave it to him as a souvenir of our holiday in St Barths. Whales often pass through the warm waters there and this carved keepsake fits perfectly in the palm of his six-year-old hand.

In my fridge you’ll always find a Basque pâté terrine with red chilli peppers and a Bordeaux red wine that I like to serve to my friends as an apéritif. You will also find milk, cheese and mangoes, which my son currently loves. La Grande Epicerie de Paris, Le Bon Marché, 38 Rue de Sèvres, Paris 75007 (+331-4439 8100; www.lagrandeepicerie.com).

An indulgence I would never forego is a good, relaxing massage. In Paris, I go to the spa at the Hôtel Costes and when I am in St Barths I like the outdoor treatments at Le Sereno. This is a little time just for me. Hôtel Costes, 239-241 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-4244 5000; www.hotelcostes.com). Le Sereno, Anse Maréchal, Saint Barthélemy 97133 (+335-9029 8300; www.lesereno.com).

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is the British painter Peter Doig. He lives and works in the Caribbean and his pictures illustrate a style of life on the edge of fantasy. His paintings also show that we can have multiple perspectives on the same thing. I think he is a modern Gauguin.

St James’s Park, London | Image: Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the area where I live in the 7th arrondissement. I moved there 35 years ago because it is such a calm and beautiful part of Paris. We are surrounded by gardens and small mansions and we’re just 200m from Saint-Germain-des-Près and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. I like the mix of antique shops, art galleries, wonderful cheese shops, such as Barthélemy, the book store La Hune and pastry and cake shops, including Pierre Hermé and Pâtisserie des Rêves. I also love Le Bon Marché for all sorts of food and household items – it’s the French equivalent of Harrods. This neighbourhood has the unique Rive Gauche spirit that is relaxed and sophisticated at the same time. Barthélemy, 51 Rue de Grenelle (+331-4548 5675). La Hune, 170 Boulevard Saint-Germain (+331-4548 3585). Le Bon Marché, 24 Rue de Sèvres (+331-4439 8000; www.lebonmarche.com). L’Ecole des Beaux-Arts, 14 Rue Bonaparte (+331-4703 5000; www.beauxartsparis.com). Pâtisserie des Rêves, 93 Rue du Bac (+331-4284 0082; www.lapatisseriedesreves.com). Pierre Hermé, 72 Rue Bonaparte (+331-4354 4477; www.pierreherme.com).

The people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing are the research team at Laboratoire Lescuyer in Aytré in southwestern France. They create the best mixtures of natural vitamins and minerals that help me stay energised and in good health. All their products are based on seaweed, minerals and a variety of herbs (+335-4656 3048; www.laboratoire-lescuyer.com).

Pierre Hermé, Paris | Image: Pierre Hermé Paris

If I didn’t live in Paris, the city I would live in is London. I love the creativity and energy of the people. I also find the British to be polite and cheerful and their city has the most beautiful parks in Europe, including Regent’s Park and St James’s Park. I’d very much like to live in Mayfair, especially in the red brick houses on Mount Street and in the surrounding area. I’d frequent Scott’s, The Arts Club, and 5 Hertford Street – just a few of my favourite places that all offer delicious food and a lively scene. 5 Hertford Street, 2-5 Hertford Street (020-7408 2100; www.5hertfordstreet.co.uk). The Arts Club, 40 Dover Street (020-7499 8581; www.theartsclub.co.uk). Scott’s, 20 Mount Street (020-7495 7309; www.scotts-restaurant.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be an artist, which is very close to being a decorator. I love to paint, particularly with oils.

Richard James talks personal style: Part One

Richard James is renowned for leading a new wave of fashion-focused tailors and re-energising Savile Row with his bold suiting

My personal style signifier is one of my own two-button mohair suits. This slim‑cut design pretty much sums up the Richard James aesthetic and is all about the striking shade of blue. From £1,645; 29 Savile Row, London W1 (020-7434 0605; www.richardjames.co.uk).

The last thing I bought and loved was a set of small, delicate dishes by Tom Dixon.  They are quite fragile and have a lovely wash of gold. They are perfect for serving peanuts or olives. £65; www.tomdixon.net.

The Grill Room at the Café Royal in London’s Regent Street | Image: James Bedford

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a white Superoblong sofa by Jasper Morrison. It is part of a modular seating system and looks incredibly soft and comfortable. From £1,130; www.cappellini.it.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Lake Como. I travel to the area for business, but I recently visited the Canottieri Lario rowing club on the lake and it is spectacular. The main building was built in the 1930s and is the perfect modernist example of Italian rationalism. I found the overall setting to be just magical. www.canottierilario.it.

A recent find is the beautifully restored Café Royal in Regent Street. I especially like the Grill Room, with its red and gold hues and delicious champagne and caviar lounge. The building is very iconic, and the overall atmosphere incredibly pleasant. 68 Regent Street, London W1 (020-7406 3333; www.hotelcaferoyal.com).

The grooming staple I’m never without is Cleansing Foam by Shiseido Men. I also like the Moisturizing Emulsion.Both products are very fresh and light. Cleansing Foam, £23 for 125ml, and Moisturizing Emulsion, £35 for 125ml;www.shiseido.com.

Shiseido Men Moisturizing Emulsion, £35 for 125ml

The books on my bedside table are Vanished Years by Rupert Everett and The Russian Court at Sea by Frances Welch. The first is a wickedly funny memoir that people are raving about. The second is about the Russian Imperial Family fleeing their country for a new life. I’m finding it very sad. I tend to favour biographies, and non-fiction in general.

An indulgence I would never forego is the Sea Salt Organic Milk Chocolate Bee Bar from Rococo. I enjoy a little almost every day. £1.30; www.rococochocolates.com.

Vanished Years by Rupert Everett

My favourite room in my house is the top floor of my flat, located just off Regent Street. It has two glass walls and a partial glass roof, and is home to my kitchen and dining area. From this space I can look out over the rooftops of London and towards Buckingham Palace – where I can see the flags that let me know whether the Queen is in residence or not.

An object I would never part with is an oil painting by optical artist Bridget Riley that I purchased 18 years ago. It takes up almost an entire wall and features stripes in all sorts of colours. Her blues, oranges and purples just work beautifully together.

Rococo’s Organic Milk Sea Salt Chocolate Bee Bar, £1.30

The last meal that truly impressed me was at the small, rather simple restaurant La Petite Maison in Nice. It serves delicious fresh fish and also offers the perfect truffle sandwich on a baguette. It is unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted – my mouth is watering just thinking about it. La Petite Maison,11 Rue Saint François de Paule, 06300 Nice (+334-9392 5959; www.lapetitemaison-nice.com).

If I didn’t live in London, the city I would live in is Stockholm. It is surrounded by water and is the perfect place to wander. In addition, the food is wonderful and I love the restaurants, such as Lisa Elmqvist, which specialises in fresh salmon and prawns – all served with lots of dill. The shopping is fantastic, too, with design stores such as Svenskt Tenn, which has a lovely tea salon. For Scandinavian furniture and glassware, I like the auction house Bukowskis, and the Moderna Museet is a treasure trove of contemporary art. Bukowskis, Arsenalsgatan 4, 111 47 Stockholm (+468-614 0800; www.bukowskis.com). Lisa Elmqvist, Ostermalms Saluhall, 114 39 Stockholm (+468-5534 0410; www.lisaelmqvist.se). Moderna Museet, Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm (+468-5195 5200; www.modernamuseet.se). Svenskt Tenn, Strandvägen 5, 114 84 Stockholm (+468-670 1600; www.svenskttenn.se).

Richard James talks personal style: Part Two

The tailor’s second style instalment reveals Mark Rothko, Donald Sutherland and Diana Ross

My style icon is Donald Sutherland in the 1970s film Don’t Look Now. It is set in Venice – my favourite city – and his tweedy look was perfect for the times, but is also spot-on for today.

The sight that inspires me is that from the water in Venice. I go two or three times a year. In the winter I love to stay at The Gritti Palace, and in the summer at The Cipriani. I find that just sitting on the terraces and watching the world go by is very calming. The light in winter is particularly beautiful. The Cipriani, Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice (+39041-240 801; www.hotelcipriani.com). The Gritti Palace, Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2467, 30124 Venice (+39041-794 611; www.thegrittipalace.com).

Donald Sutherland in Don’t Look Now, 1973 | Image: Rex Features/Everett Collection

The people I rely on for personal grooming and health are Kieran, my personal trainer at Home House, who leads me through mat exercises that are designed to strengthen my back, and Matt Mulhall, a stylist who has cut my hair for the past 25 years. Home House, 20 Portman Square, London W1 (020-7670 2000; www.homehouse.co.uk). Matt Mulhall, 020-7706 8200.

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Mark Rothko. His mix of colours is just magical; from the lighter, warmer periods to his later, darker works that feature deep violet, black and grey. I think his paintings are perfection.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a pair of Converse trainers that I decorated with Swarovski crystals. They were for a friend who lives in the South of France and are incredibly sparkly – perfect for going on boats. My intention was to make them as glam as possible. www.converse.com. www.swarovski.com.

And the best gift I’ve received recently was a pair of tickets to A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. They were a gift from a friend with whom I was reminiscing about the original production from more than 30 years ago, so these tickets were a lovely, thoughtful surprise. 8 Argyll Street, London W1 (0844-412 2957; www.londonpalladium.org).

View of the Piazza San Marco from The Cipriani Hotel, Venice

The last music I downloaded was Baby Love by The Supremes. I love anything to do with Motown and I think Diana Ross is fantastic. I once sat next to her at the Beverly Hills Hotel, so I am very happy to have this album on my playlist.

My favourite websites are focused on fashion and design. I visit Ten Magazine regularly for the latest trends and designer updates. I find the tone to be quite funny. I also like getting daily updates on everything from style to politics on British GQ. www.10magazine.com. www.gq-magazine.co.uk.    

Tiptree Gooseberry Conserve

In my fridge you’ll always find Skippy peanut butter – I alternate between crunchy and smooth varieties – as well as Poilâne bread. I also keep Tiptree Gooseberry Conserve on hand, as well as milk and a good bottle of sancerre. Poilâne, 46 Elizabeth Street, London SW1 (020-7808 4910; www.poilane.com). Skippy, www.peanutbutter.com. Tiptree, www.tiptree.com.

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is glassware from Venice that was designed by the late Gianni Versace. I purchased some of his colourful pieces at Venini and they serve as decorative objects in my home. San Marco 314, Piazzetta Leoncini, 30124 Venice (+39041-522 4045; www.venini.it).

The last accessory that I added to my wardrobe was a pair of proper leather brogues of my own design. These are heavy, dark-brown shoes that are perfect for winter. £365; www.richardjames.co.uk.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose Mayfair in London. My shops are located there, but it is also home to wonderful purveyors such as Allens butcher on Mount Street, where I like to buy lamb chops. I also purchase unusual books at Heywood Hill, a well-edited shop with a pleasant atmosphere. And I am a fan of Dover Street Market – the Rose Bakery on the top floor is a wonderful find. Allens, 117 Mount Street, London W1 (0844-880 2460; www.allensofmayfair.co.uk). Heywood Hill, 10 Curzon Street, London W1 (020-7629 0647; www.heywoodhill.com). Dover Street Market, 17-18 Dover Street, London W1 (020-7518 0680; www.doverstreetmarket.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a photographer. I studied it at art school and it was my first love. I am particularly partial to the work of Bruce Weber and Guy Bourdin. So if I weren’t designing clothes, I’d likely be doing some sort of fashion photography.

Francis Kurkdjian talks taste: Part Two

Krug champagne, Tokyo and unexpected parties round out the perfumer’s penchants

My style icon is my maternal grandfather. Both of my grandfathers were incredibly stylish, but my mother’s father had a separate dressing room complete with rows of white shirts and collections of hats and coats – everything was just perfect. His style was very Cary Grant, with a unique twist; he even wore sock holders, which I loved.

In my fridge you’ll always find Krug champagne, as well as a lot of food, because I love to cook. There tend to be dairy products – cheese, yoghurt – as well as filo pastry dough, as I like to make small, hot pastries filled with feta cheese. I also like making fruit compotes for dessert, so there are always plenty of apples around, too. www.krug.com.

A recent “find” is the new Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Pantin, just north of Paris. I met Thaddaeus at a dinner party hosted by Terry de Gunzburg many years ago and instantly became a fan. This space was once a heating systems factory and is designed to hold large-scale installations. 69 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Pantin 93500 (+331-5589 0110; www.ropac.net).

An Anselm Kiefer exhibition at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Pantin | Image: Courtesy Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris/Salzburg. Photo: Charles Duprat

The sight that inspires me is the rooftops of Paris as seen from the restaurant Georges, at the top of the Pompidou Centre. From here you have a 360° view of the cityscape, with its grey zinc roofs and the golden tops of monuments such as the Dôme des Invalides. These grey and gold hues are the inspiration for the colour codes of my Maison, and all of my perfumes. 19 Rue Beaubourg, Paris 75004 (+331-4478 4799; www.centrepompidou.fr).

The last meal that truly impressed me was at my friend Alexis Muñoz’s house. He is an amazing cook and manufactures his own olive oils. We sampled the various kinds, made from olives from different parts of southern Europe – some infused with lemon, some with mandarin orange – with a meal of simply grilled calamari, mixed lettuce, tomato and mozzarella. Sometimes less is more. From €11.40; www.alexismunoz.com.

The last music I downloaded was Bohèmes by my friend Béatrice Ardisson, a sound designer. She lives in London but whenever I need music for one of my in-store events in Paris, she is the first person I call. www.ardisong.com.

The Château Baccarat collection, with wine glasses from £64

The best gift I’ve given recently was a birthday party at my home in Paris, for a friend who lives in New York. Our group started with drinks, followed by dinner at a friend’s restaurant, before returning home for more champagne. It was a cool, unexpected party that lasted until 6am, and it was a great celebration.

And the best one I’ve received was an entire collection of new Château Baccarat crystal wine glasses. They are so pure and simple, and yet have a sophisticated design. From £64; www.baccarat.com and Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1 (020-7730 1234; www.harrods.com).

The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe was a dark-blue, wool and cashmere striped suit by Boglioli. I bought it at Avedis, my favourite men’s tailor in Paris. It has a three-button jacket and is very stylish. Avedis, 354 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-5862 4937; www.avedis.fr). Boglioli,www.boglioli.it.

The Roses Costes Dani Roses boutique at Hotel Costes in Paris | Image: © Julio Piatti

My favourite room in my house is my kitchen. This is the place where I work, eat meals and host my friends for dinner. All parties – even ones with 50 people – always end up in the kitchen. The furniture is arranged in an L shape, which is inviting – as is the full bar area.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the first arrondissement in Paris, where my flagship store is located. I like Rick Owens’s shop for the overall atmosphere. Au Vert et Plus sells beautiful flowers, and I buy the special roses from the Roses Costes Dani Roses boutique at the Hotel Costes. Chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin is also nearby; his creations are works of art, so I like to stop here whenever I am in the neighbourhood. And for lunch I’ll maybe have a chicken Caesar salad or a Casti burger at the lively Le Castiglione, just around the corner from the Place Vendôme. Au Vert et Plus, 14 Rue Saint Roch, Paris 75001 (+331-4020 4280; www.vertetplus.net). Jean-Paul Hévin, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris (+331-5535 3596; www.jeanpaulhevin.com). Le Castiglione, 235 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-4260 6822; www.lecastiglione.com). Rick Owens, Jardins Du Palais Royal, 130-133 Galerie De Valois, Paris 75001 (+331-4020 4252; www.rickowens.eu). Roses Costes Dani Roses, 239 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001 (+331-4244 5009; www.hotelcostes.co

The people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing are Cyril at Absolut’R for my haircuts, my personal trainer Stéphane Machovic, who comes to my home two mornings per week to work out, and physiotherapist Julien Montenot. I love a good massage, and Julien has the best hands in Paris. Absolut’R, 4 Rue Française, Paris 75001 (+331-4026 2464). Julien Montenot, +336-5002 6862. Stéphane Machovic, +336-4284 1393.

If I didn’t live in Paris, the city I would live in is Tokyo. I love the Japanese lifestyle as it is so out there – the fashion, the food, the colours; it really is a one-of-a-kind place. I always shop at Muji for things such as specially designed tableware and leather goods that I can’t buy elsewhere, and the Prada store is amazing architecturally. I like the Shinjuku area best, because it is very central and has amazing views. But while I love the cleanliness of the streets there, I’m still very happy living in Paris. Muji, Ginza Matsuzakaya, Matsuzakaya Ginzaten Honkan B2F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (+813-3572 1111; www.muji.com). Prada, 6-10-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (+813-3575 9071; www.prada.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be telling stories in other creative ways. There is a narrative to each of my scents, so I assume I would work in a field such as dance, literature, or art – who knows?

Around the World with Designer Tara Bernerd

The British designer on her new office in New York and where she'd like to go next.

Tara Bernerd creates cinematic, welcoming spaces with raw materials. That’s her specialty. It’s what has endeared the British designer to a growing international client base that includes the Thompson and Sixty hotel groups, Belgraves, Aspinalls, and as of next year, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The former film student draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources—from Tim Burton to Luis Barragán—and from her offices in Belgravia, London’s toniest neighborhood, Bernerd oversees a growing staff of architects and designers who help realize the environments she conceives.

Bernerd’s foray into the hospitality space is no happy accident: She is the daughter of international property tycoon Elliott Bernerd, whose own investments have included the Westbury hotels, Wentworth Golf Club, and, most recently, the Philip Johnson-designed AT&T building in New York. Not the type to sail through life on her privilege, Bernerd left school at the age of 16 and worked her way into interior design via stints at British Vogue and in marketing and PR, before connecting with John Hitchcox, the cofounder of global property design firm Yoo. Working with Hitchcox and his partner, Philippe Starck, Bernerd helped to launch its boutique practice, Yoo Too, before moving on to found her eponymous firm in 2002.

Beginning as a small organization focused on private and residential work, Tara Bernerd & Partners has since grown to include hotels, yachts, restaurants, and mixed-use spaces, with projects currently under way from Hong Kong to Hollywood. Bernerd delights in the diversity of her firm’s output, including textile designs for The Rug Company and interior architecture and design for Herzog & de Meuron’s forthcoming 472-unit residential tower in Canary Wharf.

What’s next for the peripatetic Bernerd, who spends more than half the year on the road?  World hotel and residential domination, it seems, with even more aspirational-yet-approachable spaces slated for Central Park South, Shanghai, and Scandinavia in the months ahead. Later this fall she’ll open a New York office to accommodate an increasingly large U.S. market for her serene, slightly edgy environments. Surfacerecently met with Bernerd at her Hans Street headquarters to discuss the need for beautiful art and bold use of color when establishing a special sense of place, and the importance of good food, acoustics, and lighting.

You worked with Philippe Starck and developer John Hitchcox to launch Yoo Too.  How did this come to be?

Early in my career I received some press and the attention of a few people in the industry, including John Hitchcox. I went to work for him and became a partner, collaborating with Philippe on all of the design, but I was also scouting for new locations all over the world. It was an incredible time for me personally, and also in terms of what was happening in global hotel design. The mantra had always been “location, location, location,” and the focus has shifted to “location, location, design.”

You founded your eponymous firm in 2002. What spurred you on? 

It was partly instinctive and partly personal, but I am a full-on, one-way person, so doing my own company after Yoo felt like a natural progression. I didn’t sit down and write a business plan, but I found an office and made sure that I had at least one client so that I could pay the rent. We had two architects and a temp to answer phones when we got our first two projects. The first came from [founder of the Berkeley Group] Tony Pidgley, who’s one of the biggest developers in the U.K. He gave me a job redesigning an old telephone exchange. The second project came from gallerist Jay Jopling. We worked on his first Shoreditch space. I started the firm hoping that what I loved doing would look good enough for others to like it—taste is so subjective, after all. Initially we did more private, residential work, and now we’re very strong in commercial, loft buildings, towers, and projects like the one we’re doing with Herzog & de Meuron at Canary Wharf.

You studied at London Film School. How does that time inform your design practice?

Because of my training, I see everything in shot form. I storyboard all of my projects, and much like making a film, my property design projects require many different, skillful, creative people. Every hotel is a team effort between the architect, the landscaper, the chefs. Like the film business, where you have your directors, producers, and cinematographers, there is just so much to the show. You want a hotel or restaurant to look great, sure, but at the end of the day it’s got to make money. And in our case, the hotel rooms need to be filled.

Who have been your mentors or the people who inspire you?

Richard Rogers has been an amazing driving force of encouragement throughout my career. In terms of others whose work I admire and have had an impact on me: Tadao Ando for his use of raw materials, and Pierre Chareau, particularly his Maison de Verre in Paris. His use of metals, rubber flooring, and glass in the 1930s was just incredible. Tim Burton is another strong influence.

Do you have a signature style? 

People describe our work as “industrial chic,” but I don’t think we have a signature look. We are about what’s appropriate to an environment, though there are common threads throughout our work. I prefer monotone colors, concrete, metals, lacquer, and raw materials that are a bit edgy. I’m about a more handsome design rather than a pretty, girly look. A huge amount of warmth comes from our work because we layer spaces. Our vibe is strong.

Who are your clients? 

Our current projects include the Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale, which is a combination of a resort, restaurants, and private homes. We’re working on the new Thompson Hotel in Hollywood, as well as the Russell Hotel in London for Barry Sternlicht and Starwood Capital Group, and we’re about to start projects in Hong Kong and Stockholm as well. A new project for Sixty is in the cards. In general, we have a lot of repeats because we get on well with people.

How do you approach restaurant design?

We’ve designed a few stand-alone restaurants and also ones that are part of a hotel, and in either case both acoustics and lighting are hugely important. Beyond aesthetics, however, the most important piece is the cuisine. Ideally, we know who the chef is from the outset so we know the environment we’re trying to create for the type of food to be served. It’s about working with the menus, the essence of the place, and the bar. We can do an amazing design and you can get away with a lot if the food isn’t great, but when the staff clicks, the uniforms are just right, and the music is perfect—that makes for a winning restaurant.

What has been the biggest challenge in terms of a project?

I worked with the stylish Aaron Leyland on Belgraves, and for some reason the builders put up ugly brick walls just before the opening night. I walked in and saw the bricks and declared, “We can’t open like this! It has to be sandblasted!” They were too red, too smooth, and the grout was terrible. Aaron sandblasted every wall, at great expense. Truthfully, I don’t know a project that doesn’t have a challenge.

What trends are you seeing in travel, and in the hotel space in particular? 

People want warmth, a residential feel, from hotels. I love the Edition in South Beach, and Sixty is my home in New York—they take care of me, so the people make the experience. Art is terribly important, and people like Aby Rosen have been able to bring a high level into play. I think people want simple technology. They don’t want to be shown how to use their rooms. Even if something is very modern, they want a sense of association, a lounge area to drink a coffee or have a club sandwich. And this is evolving. Hotels play an enormous role today. They’re not just where we go on holiday, or to visit cities, but they are the homes of tomorrow.

What makes a great hotel a “home of tomorrow?”

Today there are so many nomads—single people, divorcées—that hotels are a home away from home, with many people choosing to leave a case for regular stays. It’s not just about design. A great hotel has to smell good, the concierge has to be top-notch, the uniforms have to be aesthetically pleasing, and the food is important, too. It’s a big melting pot of vulnerability: Hotels are in the mega-challenge league of design because everything has to work perfectly.

Who is nailing it now?

Ilse Crawford with Ett Hem Stockholm. It’s basically a private home we can stay in. The Villa TreVille in Positano is another example of perfection. These are both 12 to 15 rooms done by people who can afford to do them as they would their own residences. Yabu Pushelberg does great hotel design work now, as does David Collins Studio in the restaurant space.

With so many far-flung projects, how do you keep your work and life in balance? 

I travel half the year, so some would say that that isn’t very balanced, but I am passionate about my work. I’m a good traveler, and I don’t get jet lag. I balance my work with nature: I hike in the mountains on the weekends, where the views are epic, and I walk my dogs. When I’m in Miami I get up early, run on the beach, dive in the ocean, and go to work. I have terrific friends and family and this helps a lot. Work trips with my team are a pleasure, so this keeps me in balance.

What’s next for you?

I really enjoy working in the U.S., and it’s why I’ve committed to opening an office in New York. I want to continue working in the U.K., Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. And who wouldn’t want to go to Cuba?