If you were to give me one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Run your own race. Sometimes we tend to start looking over our shoulders and worrying about what other people are doing. You get distracted by their success and you lose your way. So, know your strengths and stick to what you’re doing.
What’s the one thing you’re proudest of in your own career?
I don’t have a career, really – I’ve just lived a life. But, my life’s achievement, one thing I’m proud of, is my modelling agency. To be able to take something like that on, to do it alone, and have it become successful and synonymous with me? That was great.
What one thing would you tell your younger self?
So many things, but one would be to have more faith in yourself that you can do certain things. Don’t be too worried. But then, it’d be no fun because you’d know you could do it.
The most treasured item in your wardrobe?
A beautiful, hand-dyed scarf by Issey Miyake. I was close to him. I started working with him as a model and then I became like his sister. Also an Alaïa raincoat that Azzedine gave me. I’m quite good at giving things away – I’ll give my sister something but then I’ll see her wearing it and think, “Wow, I want that back!”
And what’s the rarest piece of fashion in your collection?
Something from Junya Watanabe or Rei Kawakubo. I’m a big Comme des Garçons girl.
If you could raid anyone’s wardrobe, whose would it be?
Anna Wintour’s. I just wish those clothes would fit me.
What’s on your wishlist right now?
I love Erdem. I don’t have anything from him yet, but I’m working on it.
An up-and-coming designer you love?
SS Daley and Christopher John Rogers.
What is your signature scent?
I love lavender essential oils. I put it on my temple and rub it on my neck and pulse points. It keeps me as calm as possible, and stops me from killing people.
What’s your favourite thing about being in your eighties?
Accepting it. That question… a year ago, you wouldn’t have been able to say that to me [laughs]. But now, it didn’t hurt too much. The patience you lose is a wonderful thing. When you’re young, you can be patient. Now, I call a spade a spade. Also with politics as it is now, I don’t have to be around for much longer [laughs].
What’s a sure fire way to get your day off to a good start?
Yoga stretches in bed and then tai chi.
How do you get ready in five minutes flat?
Never gonna happen.
The last TV show you binge watched?
The last movie that had a big impact on you?
The Brutalist. I walked out of that movie and bought a chair. I love Bauhaus.
A fashion documentary everyone should watch?
Dior and I and Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel.
What’s your one interior trick to lift a room?
Good art. I have a lot of art on my walls that’s uninsured and a lot of people worry about that.
Describe your perfect day in New York.
I should say going to museums and galleries, but that wouldn’t be true. It’d be going to the Ralph Lauren Double RL store in Soho – everything they make feels vintage and cool, and I love western, cowboy styles – and then Nobu for dinner. That always makes me feel like: “I’m in Manhattan!”
Name your biggest vice.
Tequila. It has to be clear and neat. I don’t do cocktails. No margaritas. Not chilled. Just pour that shit in a glass and give it to me. With limes on the side.
The best party you’ve been to?
I love the Vanity Fair Oscar party, and then Madonna’s party after.
The last book you read?
Aurora James’s Wildflower. She’s like a daughter to me.
What’s the best fashion show you’ve ever been to?
One of Azzedine’s shows, definitely, and an Yves Saint Laurent show many decades ago that Marion Womble opened – it was rare to get an invite! – but also Alessandro Michele’s Twins show at Gucci. I cried.
Who would you like to play you in a biopic of your life?
Okay, so people have told me they can see it being Jodie Turner-Smith, Cynthia Erivo or Angela Bassett, but I also think maybe Naomi Ackie or Taylour Paige? I can’t decide.
Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng’s Invisible Beauty will be screened at the V&A on 17 April, followed by a Q&A with the pair. Book your tickets here.
