1. Q. Have you ever felt embarrassed wearing a swimsuit/bikini?
I definitely felt more body conscious in a bikini after the birth of my first child.
2. Q. What changes have you have seen in the fashion industry over the last ten/20 years regarding how women over 45 are portrayed?
In my view, it’s been the last five to ten years where the fashion industry’s perception of women over 45 has slowly started to change. We’re no longer all portrayed as dowdy, boring ‘middle-aged’ women. We can have fashion that’s colourful, fun, classy and sassy. It’s now much more acceptable for a woman in her 40s,50s and 60s to look just as good – and feel just as good – as her younger counterparts.
3.Q. Which women over 40 and in the public eye do you admire for their fashion sense and why?
I really admire Helen Mirren for her quirky yet classy fashion sense and Jane Fonda is an incredible style – and health – icon, who looks just amazing.. at 80! I had the honour of seeing them both walk and rock the L’Oreal Paris 2017 Catwalk – just WOW!
4. Q. What have you learned about the fashion industry from watching your daughter Iskra carve a successful career as a curve model and body confidence campaigner?
Brands are now listening to people with a voice on social media, and starting to make fashion more inclusive for all women regardless of their size or body type. I could not be prouder of my daughter for being a role model to girls and women encouraging them to own, accept and love their real selves – because we are all beautiful and perfectly imperfect.
5. Q. Do you look for anything different in a swimsuit when you are fifty plus, then when you were younger?
I’m big up top (so to speak!), so first on my tick list is getting a swimsuit of bikini which “my girls” comfortably fit in to. Then I do like some form of tummy control, be it a pattern, ruffling or double lining.
6. Q. Who is the best person you know to go clothes shopping with and why?
Well of course my number one choice is my daughter! Her advice is invaluable. She probably pushes me to be riskier with my choices and she’s always right. My auntie’s pretty good too – and she’s 72!
7. Q. Research constantly reveals that the outfit women feel least confident in is a Swim-suit. Do you have any body hang-ups and what do you think is the best way to overcome them?
I’d agree with that. My body hang-up is not having a flat tummy but it’s so important to find the right swim-suit or bikini for YOUR body shape. I find choosing swimwear similar to buying shoes – when they fit like a glove you have to buy them!
8. Q. What’s your favourite thing out of your whole wardrobe and why?
Well I’m in love with the white floral patterned strikingly cut swimsuit from this shoot. It hugged my bottom so comfortably, and made my tummy look great and covered my bust – and it had a hint of sexiness without being exposed – loved it, need one asap! As for my wardrobe at home, I love mixing and matching, and like to add a pop of colour but I’m all for practical, comfortable clothing that can be dressed up with accessories.
9. Q. Tell us about your best ever holiday.
It’s not happened yet – but I’m off on my first ever all girls holiday soon! It will be a mix of ages from women in their twenties up to their seventies! It’s with my daughter and six friends to the Maldives. I’ll be wearing my JD Williams swimsuits, of course, while paddle boarding and scuba diving for a week of fun, laughter, relaxation. It’s all about enjoying spending time together and creating wonderful memories!
