British Fashion Icon Laura Bailey Talks Style, Beauty, Culture & More

Some of my favourite London memories include include going to Victoria coach station to catch the night bus to Edinburgh. Also, watching Daniel Day-Lewis play Hamlet at the National Theatre – and a school trip to the Planetarium stands out. 

When I want to fall back in love with London, I head to Portobello or Golborne Road with my dogs. I love my neighbourhood – familiar places, new discoveries, running into friends and simply observing the shifting light and seasons. I love it all, from Trellick Tower to All Saints Road, and from secret gardens to Holland Park.

The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is pure nostalgia for me. It reminds me of when my kids were tiny. I still spot peacocks and watch the waterfalls.

The London Library is my new resolution in motion. I’m determined to allow more time to read and study this year. I dream about spending mornings in this iconic building alongside an inspiring creative community. I’ve loved libraries since I was a girl.

The Serpentine Gallery is my favourite kind of reset. I enjoy cycling through Hyde Park to see a show, then lingering in the bookshop afterwards. I always stock up on art postcards and keep a stash in my diary to use as thank you notes and bookmarks. For me, the combination of art, nature and movement is the fastest track back to reconnection and inspiration.

I’m a huge admirer of Stella McCartney’s style and ethics, as well as her tailoring and sportswear. I have a favourite tuxedo suit of hers I’ve worn for 20 years, as well as faded tees, denim and lots of Stella x Adidas pieces. Last summer in Paris, I lived in one of her vintage-style slips – so good layered over a t-shirt or under an oversized blazer.

Chanel is always my first port of call if I need something special. Whether it’s the showroom or boutique, I know I’ll find something. Whatever my day, mood or work, I am always wearing something from Chanel, perhaps my 22 backpack, a velvet bow in my hair or my comète necklace. I cherish my longstanding relationship with the house, which has defined so much of my creative path, as well as my style. For a special occasion like the BAFTAs or a premiere, Chanel is my first stop.

If I need great accessories or just inspiration, I go to  Found and Vision. Equally, I’ll rummage deep in my own wardrobe for half-forgotten treasures, like a pair of long opera gloves, a tiara or a Chanel brooch.

Rejina Pyo on Golborne Road is somewhere I go back to time and again. I love it not only for the clothes but also for the art curation – it’s a space that feels alive with creativity. I’m not a big shopper but I invest in Rejina Pyo because the pieces are timeless and still have an edge. I wear my tan wool pencil skirt all winter long with high boots and a polo-neck, or more undone with a striped shirt and stilettos. I also have an olive-green mannish suit that I wore with a tie the night I met David Hockney – we were joyfully twinning.

Otiumberg on Portland Road is another mainstay. I live in my Otiumberg hoops and this local boutique is my go-to for last-minute gifts for girlfriends and goddaughters. I was also really proud to be one of their campaign models last year.

Alex Eagle on Lexington Street is a constant source of inspiration. She’s a brilliant friend, and I love the Soho store – the whole vibe feels like cool, minimalist New York with a touch of bohemian sporty ease. On holiday in Brazil, I’ve been living in her boxers, racer vests and silk camis layered over my Eres swimsuits.

Solange Azagury-Partridge on Chilworth Street is a haven. Solange and I have been friends since the 90s and the campaign I shot with her is one of my favourites. Her boutique is a sensual haven – original and always evolving.

Couverture & The Garbstore on Kensington Park Road is a neighbourhood institution, thanks to the curation of its founder Emily Dyson.

Wigmore Sports fuels my tennis addiction. I can’t walk past without buying at least another pair of sweatbands. Tennis changed my life. I learnt late but now play almost every day, before or after work, as well as in a league all over London. I cherish my club community and relish the competition.

There is no one London brand that feels the most me – I’d say it's a mix of  Simone Rocha,  Erdem, Stella McCartney and  Bella Freud. I like something that satisfies both my tomboy and feminine yearnings in equal measure.

The London designer we all need to have on our radar is  Talia Byre. She’s talented, ambitious and creates such good pieces. I want to be a Talia woman – these are empowering, sexy clothes for real life. Look out for her catwalk presentation at London Fashion Week.

The best place in London for hunting down vintage treasures is Portobello market on a Friday. There’s nothing quite like the early-morning energy – and the unexpected discoveries.

My favourite vintage stores in London are Found and Vision and  Rellik, and I often come across a great charity shop find. Many of my most cherished pieces over the years have come from these places – be it a vintage Chanel suit or an Ossie Clark dark green Celia Birtwell gown that I’ve worn to weddings and parties over the last two decades.

When it comes to antiques, I love browsing along Golborne Road and Lillie Road.  The Old Cinema on Chiswick High Road is always full of characterful finds and  Arte House is another trusted source when I’m searching for something special.

Sandra Cronan is my go-to for antique jewellery. For bespoke, one-of-a-kind commissions, I turn to Chantal Conrad and for special occasions, it has to be Chanel, De Beers or  Completedworks.

Inspiration is everywhere. I love finding special pieces on my travels – ceramics, photography, fabrics. I especially treasure works by friends: a piece by Christopher Brooks that I bought with my first New York pay cheque, cherished works by Lotte Andersen and photographs by  Sam Taylor-Johnson. They’re all emotional and evocative of time, place and love. I might browse  1stDibs or  8 Holland Street for inspiration  but my studio is mostly full of junk-shop finds, books and paintings by my children.

Jasmina Vico on Percy Street is my go-to for facials. It’s super relaxing. I love the intense massage and always come away with a bottle of Screen Star, her wonder serum. Actors and models love Jasmina – she works with a lot of movie teams to support their intense schedules.

For hair, I visit Josh Wood Atelier, seeing Josh for colour and Roi for cuts.  Josh is one of my oldest and closest friends and I am so proud of all his success. The Atelier is one of my happiest places: super relaxing and often full of friends. My hair is down to my waist but somehow – thanks to Josh and Roi – it’s healthy and low maintenance. I also take LYMA multivitamins and sea kelp tablets, which help with length and strength.

Koia W11 keeps me in check with a monthly sports massage. I try to book one every month (the stronger the better) to counteract my tennis addiction and make sure I stay injury-free.

Sophie-Rose Harper is my Pilates fix. I love her style of classical machine Pilates – I feel taller and lighter after every session – and I try to see her once a week.

My favourite gallery is  Incubator – a tiny space on Chiltern Street that celebrates emerging artists with weekly shows, founded and curated by Angelica Jopling. I also love my friend  Daniel Malarkey’s art space in Bloomsbury and  Michael Hoppen for photography on Portland Road. The show I’m most excited about this spring is  Tracey Emin at Tate Modern.

The British artist I’m most excited by right now is  Vanessa Raw. She’s Margate-based and her paintings depict intimate, same-sex scenes of women surrounded by flowers and trees. Her work is firmly on my wish list, alongside Patricio Di Massimo, Sylvia Sleigh and  Paula Rego.

The V&A – including V&A East – is always extraordinary. I also go to the British Museum and The Courtauld a lot. I’m endlessly inspired by Hauser & Wirth, Greengrassi, Alison Jacques and White Cube.

My favourite London bookshop is  Heywood Hill and my local  Daunt Books. I also love Reference Point at 180 Strand for something more specialist.

To think, I walk – through the parks or along Portobello Road. To write, I retreat to my studio, which I share with my friend Amy, or settle into a local café, my tennis club or even make use of a train journey.

A book that captures the spirit of London for me is  NW by Zadie Smith. It’s layered, complex, intimate and alive.

My regular coffee order is a double espresso. It’s part of my daily ritual, usually from Kuro or Layla’s on my early-morning dog walk.

A café you can linger in for hours is The Tin Shed Café on All Saints Road. It’s somewhere I can happily lose an afternoon. I also love Sol’s on Leinster Terrace, Corner Shop and Clarke’s – all perfect for long conversations or quiet moments alone.

The best people-watching in London is done at restaurants like The Park, The Hart,  Straker’s and  Cecconi’s. But honestly, I find it even more compelling at concerts, in galleries or simply walking and exploring – London itself is the best theatre.

When it comes to hotel bars,  Le Fumoir at Claridge’s will always have my heart – timeless and intimate. I’m also very excited about the new St Clement’s, which is opening soon.

The River Café is my ultimate Sunday ritual. I love to sit outside, even in winter – on a round table on the terrace surrounded by my friends and family. It's perfect for birthdays and social celebrations. That said, most Sundays I’m just as likely to be watching my daughter play hockey or heading to a local pub after tennis. 

Laura Bailey is represented by TESS management