eet Claire Fouche, a fabulous Londoner,
who studied law in South Africa before becoming a jewellery designer for the iconic brand Faberge.
Claire's biggest inspirations came from her travels, and her parents, who always encouraged her creatively.
As a child she was very owe of Dian Fossey. Fouche cherished a book about her idol with some beautiful photographs of Fossey with gorillas. "I also had a great connection with Annie Lennox!"
As a designer, Claire has an excellent eye on fashion."I see fashion as an expression as well as a reflection of an era", she says, "I think it is an important way for an individual to show feelings". 1920's are her favourite.
The most important aspects of education have come from life experiences and people that have left an impression on me, says Claire.
She studied Law and lived in South Africa for many years but
since being back in London Claire felt very inspired creatively and passionate about working for Faberge
When it comes to work, Claire needs to feel passionate about it. " I see myself always associated with the jewellery world"
My favourite clothing designer for her boldness and creativity, especially at the time, is Elsa Schiaparelli; for wearable and beautiful clothes today, Isabel Marant and for jewellery, Lydia Courtielle and JAR.
The best place for a bargain is probably Topshop- I work very near to it so can arrive at the right time when the competition is scarce and skim through the smaller collections that pass through. I really like Emma Cook in the Boutique part, Kate Moss has had some great pieces in this collection or the vintage section downstairs- the vintage jewellery there is also wonderful and reasonably priced- I am wearing some emerald and diamond inspired 60’s earrings today..
I have found some of my favourite pieces from my wardrobe in sales or sample sales- as you can then justify being quite bold and not over spending!
My other fabourites have been inherited from my mother or have a special memory attached...
One of my best shopping experiences was recently in Paris when my French friend took me along the Rue Bonaparte – I love the smaller boutiques and labels that she introduced me to…
eauty
There is time in every girl's life when she starts to
look after herself more. "I have started being militant about using night and day cream and eye cream, says Fouche,
I use Clarins products and my favourite make-up is NARS. I really love their lipsticks. The bright red lip gloss especially.
( try Nars Sheer lipstick in Jungle Red, £17 available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk
)
indugance
Buying a plane ticket has been my indulgence always. The change of scenery is always rejuvenating and necessary, especially to keep a
balanced mind in London...
I went to India and Sri Lanka at the beginning of the year to learn more about the Gem Trade mainly, to New York to experience the city in Spring, South Africa and around Europe to see family and friends..
For brunch Claire heads to The Wolseley (160 Piccadilly, London, W1J ). The building is so beautiful inside it feels like you’re back in the 1920’s - my favourite era.
I really like Freud’s bar on Shaftesbury Ave (198 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H) for a cocktail after work as it has a mixed young crowd of people- I also like Sketch (9 Conduit St London, W1S) as they make great cocktails and play good music in the tea room. My favourite cocktail is a Whiskey Sour or a good Martini- Duke’s Bar (35 St. James's Place London, SW1A) is the best for this!
Macondo on Hoxton Square is very close to my house and somewhere I usually go when I’m locked out or meeting a friend for a coffee. They also make delicious organic food.
rt
My favourite bookshops are; Hatchards as its so cosy it's difficult to leave,
Heywood Hills and Thomas Heneage for unusual and rare books relating to art and history.
The Haunch of Venison gallery (6 Burlington Gardens London, W1S) is amazing- I went to the exhibition of photographs by Thomas Joshua Cooper there recently and paintings of Adrian Ghenie- both such talented and intriguing artists.. One of my favourite buildings is the Tate Modern..
I really miss the space that I am so used to from living in South Africa so I like to escape to a park on weekends- my favourite is Battersea Park but now that I live in Shoreditch I like going to London Fields- especially with a picnic..