Lauren Laverne at the Disarrono event. Photo courtesy of Disarrono
What inspired you to do what you do?
It was an accident, really! I was in a band when I was a teenager and was asked to do some presenting after I'd appeared on a few shows as a guest. I loved it straight away and it just all took off from there.
What's your earliest fashion memory?
Being in my gran's house, watching my grandad on TV during the miners strike aged about five while wearing one of my auntie's disco dancing costumes. He was so handsome, I thought he was famous. Nothing since has equalled that moment for sheer glamour
What is your most treasured piece of clothing or jewellery?
My engagement ring. It's a 1920s design which Mr L chose and I get compliments on it a lot, which always makes me very proud of him!
How and where do you do your best work?
I love being tucked away in my attic office at home, writing, but I'm happiest in the studio at 6Music with some amazing music turned up to 11 and a nice cup of tea on the go.
What in your opinion is the most stylish city in the world?
Well I would say this but it's obviously London. Not just in the fashion sense – London is a feast for the eyes. Its architecture and history are part of what makes it so visually inspiring: The bomb-damaged marble in the Royal Academy, watching the Thames from the South Bank, the cool girls catching the tube to work... I'll never get bored of watching it.
What is your most extravagant fashion purchase?
I am addicted to Lulu Guinness handbags.
What makes you happy?
The same things that have done since I was a teenager – music, books, dressing up and laughing with the people I love.
What makes you sad?
My auntie once said that when you have kids, you're only ever as happy as your unhappiest child. I think there's a lot of truth in that!
What's your secret style address?
Cha Cha Cha in Muswell Hill is a great vintage shop, tucked away on a little mews. North London's Vintage Market is a great monthly do for finds. Traid online is great for cool, unusual and ethical pieces and my favourite site for gifts is culturelabel.com – shopping/accessory heaven but every penny goes towards supporting the arts.
What's your fashion weakness?
I have far too many coats. As a northeast girl this is somewhat ironic – we're not supposed to need them!
Is there a look that you love and can't pull off?
Loads. I'm very pale, so any colour I wear has to be quite punchy or I just look weird and ill. So no tans or those nude/buff shades that have been everywhere. Can't do wrap dresses or "ditsy" florals, they make me look a hundred, even though I love them on other people.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Reading and running. Not together – I tried that once, it didn't really work.
What's your best piece of fashion advice?
My mate Amy's nan pioneered a "three colour rule" (wear no more and no less) in the 50's, which is the secret to excellent speed-dressing. I am eternally in her debt.
What do you wear when nobody's looking?
Stuff my sons like – although my eldest is quite picky. He likes me with my hair down and lipstick on, in a nice dress! I blame myself!
What are your three desert island fashion staples?
Well as long as it's not for an actual desert island I'd say opaques, black heels (I love Nicholas Kirkwood) and a little dress – Moschino, Eley Kishmoto, Matthew Williamson and Paul and Joe are my enduring favourites.
How has your fashion sense changed over the years?
I'm not sure that it has. I think it's evolved, rather than changed – I' ve certainly learned a lot from working on a lot of shoots and shows, particularly with my friend Alison Elwin who is a hugely talented stylist. It's a cliché but to really look your best, what you're wearing should suit you but also resonate with who you are a bit. I'm never going to look great in a classic business suit, am I? I know what I'm about and I let that dictate what I wear.
What was your last fashion faux pas?
Oh, loads! But according to who, really? Dressing should be a pleasure – wear what you fancy, be brave, try stuff and if it doesn't work out, so what? It's supposed to be fun!
What's your fashion weakness/what item do you own multiple versions of?
Black or leopard print shoes.
Fictional, real, dead or alive, who would you like to swap wardrobes with and why?
I can't really imagine wanting to dress up as another woman, really... Might be nice to do something completely different and try being Elvis on for size. I reckon I could rock his "68 Comeback Special" outfit pretty damn hard.
Lauren Laverne has teamed up with Italian liqueur, Disaronno, to curate a series of Italian inspired films as part of the Disaronno Film Series. The opening night took place last night in London where guests joined Lauren at the capital's first DISARONNO Contemporary Terrace.