interview: coco's tea party

As the first installment in an exciting series of interviews, I spoke to Coco of the popular fashion blog Coco's Tea Party about her wardrobe essentials, the fur debate and why she thinks she could do Lindsay Lohan a favour...

What is the most loved item in your wardrobe?
For the sake of the interview I will say my super-high-never-worn before satin platforms. Amy Winehouse has a pair and they can only be known as my ‘Fuck me pumps’. But at the moment I am having a wardrobe crisis! I went wrong before was just buying random pieces that I’m never inspired to wear more than once. So bring on the well cut classic clothes..

Which designers inspire you the most?
For Spring/Summer 07 it was Anna Sui’s collection that was my favourite, but this changes with seasons. I always love Chloe’s collections as well as Zac Posen (though the fact I have a big crush on him helps..) Miu Miu is another favourite of mine, as there is always something in their collections that is easy to copy on a budget.

Which Style Icons are most influential to you?

Audrey Hepburn is an obvious one but who seriously dresses like her every day? I think there are loads of fabulous dressers around at the moment. Ashley Olsen, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie inspire me most out of ‘young Hollywood’ pack. The ultimate icon though has to be Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw.

Do you agree with real fur being used in the industry?

Not really because it is such a cruel process and I’m not very good with dead things! Though I do sometimes see a picture of someone in fur and think it looks good, I don’t think I personally would ever wear it. I can’t see it being banned any time soon.

Who are your favourite models?
I like pretty models; I never go for the ones that have their own ‘look’. Jessica Stam, Natasha Poly and Helena Christensen are my favourites.

If you could be photographed by any fashion photographer, who would it be, and why? Amanda De Cadenet and Terry Richardson are probably my favourites but to be honest I never check who shot things, I look at who styled it instead.

Name one of your favourite songs.

When Doves Cry by Prince

Which celebrity’s style do you despise most?

Britney Spears! But don’t we all? And I also hate Victoria Beckham’s style a lot too. I'd improve her look by messing her up a bit. She's just too matching, I'd give her a softer look and get rid of that lipgloss coated pout.


If you could live in any other city, which would it be?

New York or LA. People in the UK can be so harsh on American’s but I love them, and I much prefer American men to English men. I think I was born on the wrong continent! As soon as I fell for Chandler in Friends I wanted to move to New York..

If you were limited to shopping at three shops, or fashion houses, which would they be, and why?

I’d go for Selfridges because it has loads of designers under one roof and has much better lighting than Harrods! Bergdorf Goodman which I fell in love with when I went to New York, and H&M.

If you could swap lifestyles with anybody, who would it be?

Lindsay Lohan! Why? Because I don’t drink and I am normally in bed by 10.30 so I’d manage to get her good girl image back for her. And she has enough money to shop everyday which I’d be happy to do.

Which magazines are your regular reads?
Grazia (which I live for!), Teen Vogue, Elle, In Style, Marie Claire, Glamour and Tatler. Then occasionally Vogue but I’m not keen on it, and the US version is better. Then I’ll buy things like i-D and Dazed and Confused if I feel like it.

What are your style staples for wearing this winter?
Socks! I get very cold feet..
I’m loving all the big knits and I keep getting very drawn to white shirts. I prefer the fall collections this year which rarely happens; I’m normally more of a summer girl. I want a very classic look this winter although I’ll probably change my mind once I see what the Olsen’s wear!

Susie Bubble is next to be grilled...