Interviews

Nicolas Anelka, the man behind the French star of English football

The talented Chelsea footballer is as famous for his brilliant game on the field -once again demonstrated by his recent double goals against Sunderland- as he is for his “difficult” reputation. Here, the notoriously secretive Nicolas Anelka (30) overcomes his usual reserve towards the press to welcome Chic-Londres in his Wimbledon’s home, for a candid and honest interview on work, family, friends… and his hate of spiders!

You have played so far for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as in Paris and for the French national team: how do you compare French and English football? My experience of both is totally different, as much because of the audience than because of the game: in France, people are mostly spectators, in the sense that they go to a football match to see a show, while in England, they are true supporters, who are here to really support their team, in good as well as in bad times. When it comes to the game, English referees give the players much more freedom, because they accept that football is a violent game, while any physical contact on a French field is usually considered by the referee as a fault. As a result, football in France tends to proceed in fits and starts and therefore appears much less spectacular. Personally, I prefer to play in England, even though it means I am less protected physically, as I believe that taking some beating once in a while is part of the job. read more

In conversation with

Roland Mouret, London’s French fashion star

Few designers have dressed as many A-list celebs as Roland Mouret (48), whose devotees include Scarlett Johansson, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, Michelle Pfeiffer, Beyonce and Victoria Beckham, amongst others. The Frenchman, who moved to London in 1991 and launched the now familiar concept of the “It Dress” in 2006 with his iconic Galaxy, talks to Chic-Londres about his life, career and what inspires him.

Which memories do you keep from your Lourdes, the pilgrimage town, where you grew up?Lourdes has always been for me a city of lights, not so much because of its religious association, but because I have always thought it looks like a funfair. As a child, I was particularly impressed by all the windows full of illuminations, which seemed almost magical. It is a city where people come to find some hope, but it is also very commercial, with all the hypocrisy that this aspect entails.

What has been your training as a designer?I am a self made man, as I mostly learnt to design on my own. I did start studying at a fashion school in Paris, but I left after three months , in part because I felt quite insecure, and in a way felt more comfortable learning the trade by myself rather than with others. So as a result I have done all kinds of jobs in fashion, from model to artistic director in magazines, before starting as a designer. I consider this experience as a wonderful training ground, as it enabled me to consider fashion from all points of view and to really understand what women want. read more

In conversation with

Vincent Cassel, the unlikely Golden Boy of French cinema

Since his appearance in La Haine (Hate) in 1993, Vincent Cassel has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, having switched effortlessly from independent productions like the controversial Irreversible to big budget blockbusters such as Oceans’ Twelve and Thirtheen. The actor, who received the 2009 Cesar award for Best Actor for his performance in the two Mesrine films (released in the UK in August), where he plays France’s most wanted criminal of the Seventies, talks exclusively to Chic-Londres.

You have been recently honoured by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) which described you as the “golden boy” of French cinema, how do you feel about that? I am not sure I deserve to be described as a “golden boy”, although I am obviously delighted – especially considering how important the Academy is in Britain. I really didn’t expect it to happen, particularly since I am the first Frenchman at this event, which makes it all the more flattering. I knew I had some kind of following in the UK, but the fact that I have been recognised in such a formal way is very reassuring. I need reassurance just like everybody else. read more

In conversation with

Alastair Campbell, from spin doctor to soul doctor

Once described as “the dark soul of Tony Blair” and “the real Prime minister” –as his influence on the government was deemed to be so powerful- Alastair Campbell (52) appears nowadays in much more relaxed form than during his Downing Street years. The former Spin Doctor in chief, who has turned to writing and fundraising for research into leukaemia, talks candidly about his career change, his old demons and his fear of dentists.

How did you decide to become a novelist?

I was cycling one day when I saw an enormous crowd attending a funeral, which gave me the concept for the novel. Also at the time, I was seeing a psychiatrist and was thinking a lot about depression and addiction, which also contributed to the creation of my characters. When I arrived home, I had already created in my mind two of the characters and the ending. I went straight to my computer and started writing. I wrote the novel quite quickly, in about six months, and didn’t tell anything to anyone, including my family, until it was finished. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Carole Bouquet: Buñuel’s Muse, Bond Girl, Chanel Icon and Wine Producer

In the UK, she might be more famous for being James Bond’s love interest in For Your Eyes Only, Carrie’s confident in Sex and the City: an American in Paris or as the former face of Chanel Number 5, but in her native France, Carole Bouquet (54) is much more than that: a living screen icon of such status that she can only be compared to Catherine Deneuve or Brigitte Bardot. Like her former partner of ten years, Gérard Depardieu, she has been directed by France’s leading film makers and has won countless awards, including best actress at the Césars (the French Oscars). During a recent visit to London to promote her wine she produces in the Italian island of Pantelleria, the passionate actress shared a long lunch with Chic-Londres at The Connaught. There she talked candidly for two hours about her personality, life, career and passions.

My main personality trait: As most people, I can be quite ambivalent. I guess others tend to form a stronger opinion about myself than I do.

My main quality: It is not up to me to tell- what might seem likeable in a person suddenly becomes much less so if she boasts about it- although I should probably say fearlessness. I tend to push boundaries as far as I can without thinking about the risk, which can be a good or a bad thing.

My main character flaw: There is a very long list of them! The one I dislike the most is melancholy- I don’t mind it in others, but hate it in myself. I am also quite sensitive to the climate, and my moods tend to change accordingly. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Jean Van Hamme, the Great Master of Graphic Novels

As the author of cult series Thorgal, XIII and Largo Winch, which have sold more than 33 million copies worldwide and been translated in 25 languages, Jean Van Hamme (71) is undoubtedly one of the most successful comics writers of his time. Born in Belgium, Van Hamme switched from a successful career in marketing to full time writing at the age of 37. Apart from graphic novels, which have also included two very successful episodes of Blake and Mortimer, the prolific author also wrote the script for Diva, the 1981 cult classic directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix. XIII has been aired as a TV miniseries in the US, while Largo Winch was made into a film.

My main character trait: Impatience.

My greatest fault: Impatience.

The trait I am most proud of in myself: Tolerance.

My favourite quality in a man: A pretty wife.

My favourite quality in a woman: A sense of humour.

What I most appreciate in friends: The fact that they are real friends, and have been here for me in tough times.

The fault that I am most likely to forgive: Weakness, when someone does something wrong because he or she is not strong enough to face difficult circumstances.

If I could change something in the way I look: I would get younger, grow some new hair, have a smaller nose and be taller. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Alastair Campbell, From Spin Doctor to Novel Writer

Once described as “the dark soul of Tony Blair” and “the real deputy Prime minister” -as his influence on the government was deemed to be so powerful- Alastair Campbell (52) appears nowadays in much more relaxed form than during his Downing Street years. The former Spin Doctor in chief has now has turned to fundraising for research into leukaemia, as well as writing, with a second novel, Maya, recently published.

My main character trait: determination

The trait I most deplore in myself: impatience

The trait I am most proud of: loyalty

If I could change something in my physic: my lungs because I have asthma

The quality I appreciate most in a man: a sense of humour

The quality I appreciate most in a woman: intuition

What I most value in my friends: honesty and loyalty

Faults in others or myself that I am most likely to forgive: temper

My favourite hobbies: watching football and cycling

My idea of happiness: a day which would include a family event, a football win and an electoral disaster for the Tories read more

Proust Questionnaire

Alain de Botton: Best Selling Author and Everyday Philosopher

The Cambridge and Harvard educated writer, who moved to England as a boarder at the age of eight, was born in 1969 in Switzerland in a prominent Jewish family. He is the author of ten bestselling books, has produced and presented five TV series -including the acclaimed BBC documentary Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness- and is a founding member of the School of Life and Living Architecture. Despite having inherited a fortune at the death of his father, a successful financier, he has made the choice to support himself solely from the proceeds of his work. He lives in Shepherd’s Bush with his wife Charlotte and their two young sons.

My main character traitA desire to understand the world, a curiosity about other people and the world around me.

The trait I am most proud of in myselfThe capacity to analyse situations and feelings.

My greatest faultI worry too much about everything.

The qualities I want to see in a manKindness and openness, an absence of machismo. I like men who cry and can admit to feeling sad, isolated and lonely.

My favourite quality in a womanKindness and sensitivity.

What I most appreciate in friendsBeing open about their worries. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Ron Arad, Design Maverick and Superstar of London Art

The London-based artist and architect, born in Israel in 1951, is without a doubt one of the most influential designers of our time, whose creations -from unique pieces of sculpture to everyday objects such as the iconic Bookworm shelves and Tom Vac chair- have already become modern classics. His work -which was shown last year at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris- is currently exhibited at the Barbican Art Gallery. Here, he reveals to Chic-Londres some of his personality traits.

The character trait that defines me the mostLaziness.

If I could change something in the way I lookI would have a head full of hair.

What I most value in my friendsBenevolent intelligence, which I define as the kind of intelligence that goes with being a good person, as opposed to nasty intelligence.

Faults that I am most likely to forgiveMistakes that come from good intentions.

My favourite hobbiesPlaying Snatch, which is like Scrabble on steroids, and the best game in the world. I also like ping pong. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Hélène Darroze : the «Wonder Woman» of French cuisine

Hélène Darroze (43), the most famous French female chef, surprised everyone when she moved from Paris to London 2008 to oversee the cuisine at the revamped Connaught hotel, which has just gained its second Michelin star under her direction. Despite coming from an old family of restaurateurs, she first chose to study business, before being discovered at the age of 25 by celebrated chef Alain Ducasse while she worked as a manager at his Monaco hotel. Since then, she has won three Michelin stars, inspired a Disney character in Ratatouille, adopted two little girls in Vietnam and wrote a bestselling book.

My main character trait: Generosity.

My worst character trait: The same. I tend to give too much, too quickly and some people take advantage of that.

My main quality: Honesty combined with fairness.

If I could change something in myself: I wouldn’t mind losing a stone and a half!

The quality I appreciate most in a man: Kindness.

The quality I appreciate most in a woman: Frankness.

What I appreciate most in my friends: Their honesty towards themselves and others.

The weakness I am most likely to forgive: A fondness of food. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Marc Lévy, the French literary sensation

With the combined worldwide sales of his nine novels -translated in 41 languages- exceeding the 19 millions copy mark, Marc Lévy (48) is the most read French author in the world. At 18, he joined the French Red Cross in Paris while studying Economy, before setting up two businesses, first in the States then in Paris. In 1999, he left his office architecture company to dedicate himself to writing and moved to London (where he lived until last year), after selling the rights of his first novella, If Only it Were True, to Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks, which adapted it to the screen in a film starring Reese Witherspoon. His new novel, The First Night, will be published in France on 2 December.

The character trait that defines me the most I wouldn’t have the slightest idea…

The trait I most deplore in myself An excessive fondness of food.

My main quality That is something you should ask to my friends and my wife.

If I could change something in the way I look I would change the way I look.

The quality I appreciate most in others A sense of humour and generosity.

The fault that I am most likely to forgive Fear.

My favourite hobbies Watching movies and flying.

My idea of happiness Being surrounded by the people I love. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Sir James Dyson : The “Gyro Gearloose” of British engineers

Like his creations, James Dyson (64), made famous by the invention of the bagless vacuum cleaner, is a rather unique prototype : as an engineer and designer equally interested by looks and functionality, he appears as a prolific inventor as well as a shrewd business man. Despite a fortune estimated by Forbes magazine at more than one billion pounds, a knighthood by the Queen and a guest starring role in popular American TV series Friends, he remains incredibly low key, and more likely to be found gardening than attending jet set parties. Here, the inventor reveals to Chic-Londres a few of his personality traits…

My main character trait: Perseverance.

The trait I most deplore in myself: Dissatisfaction, as it doesn’t make for an easy life.

The trait I am most proud of in myself: Obstinacy… I don’t give up easily.

If I had to change one thing about the way I look: Actually, I would quite like to change the way I see, as I still have to wear glasses despite braving laser surgery.

The quality I appreciate most in a man: Inquisitiveness, I like people who ask “Why?”.

The quality I appreciate most in a woman: Ditto. read more

Proust Questionnaire

Mourad Mazouz, the king of London nights

With his restaurants, bars and clubs (Momo, Sketch, Double Club…), Mourad Mazouz has left his unique mark on the London food and party scene. Here, the French-Algerian “restaurateur extraordinaire” offers us a glimpse of his personal world.

My main character trait: Curiosity, which makes me want to get up every morning. I believe this is one of the most beautiful qualities to have, as it means that you are interested in other people.

My main weakness: Laziness, even though I work very hard, and perfectionism. I find the latter awful because to want everything to be perfect means to live in a state of suffering, as one can’t achieve true perfection.

My main strength: Straightforwardness. I always see things through to the end, I always do what I say and I never let people down. read more

London by

David Downton, Fashion Illustrator and Claridge’s Artist in Residence

Best known for his classically elegant, yet contemporary, illustrations of style icons such as Catherine Deneuve, Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett and Dita von Teese -who have all modelled for him- David Downton (53) is undoubtedly the most sought after fashion illustrator in the world. Having worked for powerhouses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Vogue or the V&A, he is also super chic Claridge’s hotel’s first artist in residence, with a mission to draw some of the Mayfair hotel’s most illustrious guests, including Dita von Teese, Christian Louboutin and Diane von Furstenberg. Here, the artist -whose work for Claridge’s will be exhibited from September 13 to 18 at the hotel’s bar Le Fumoir- talks to Chic-Londres about his favourite places in the British capital.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I remember dragging my parents to Hamley’s around Christmas time in order to buy some figurines from the TV series The Thunderbirds. For a small child from the countryside, London appeared as a great metropolis, huge and busy.

What do you miss most when you are not here? The parks- you only realise how green London is when you go to other big cities, like New York. I also miss how forward thinking and eclectic Londoners are. read more

London by

Catalina Guirado: Music Prodigy, Model and Art Curator

Discovered by British Vogue’s booking editor aged 15, British model Catalina Guirado (37) has appeared in top fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, walked runway shows for Vivienne Westwood and fronted campaigns for L’Oréal, amongst others. Nowadays, she might be mostly known as a reality TV personality and lads’ mags favourite -having been voted four times by FHM as one of the 100 sexiest women in the world- but there is much more to her than meets the eye. An exceptionally talented violonist, she had performed at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall by the time she was 11, which led her to win a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and to become a signed music composer for Universal. She has now added a new string to her bow, as art curator to the collection of her late father, acclaimed essentialist Spanish painter Juan Antonio Guirado, who passed away in 2010. Here, Catalina, who divides her time between London and Los Angeles, gives Chic-Londres her favourite addresses in the British capital… and answers a few more personal questions.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I lived in Hampstead as a child and remember going for picnic in the Heath by the ponds when I was four- I absolutely loved it there, and was very sad when we moved to Clerkenwell later on, because it looked so grey in comparison.

Where do you live in London? I live in Ealing now, near the golf course. There are country lanes and fields and I am surrounded by trees, which makes mehappy! Plus there are stables only twenty minutes away, which is great as I love horse riding. read more

London by

Patrick Cox, Shoe Maestro and Sex (Cake) Shop Owner

Canadian Patrick Cox (47) has made his name by designing shoes for Elton John and Madonna, and by launching the bestselling Wannabes in the mid-90s, a collection of loafers so successful that they inspired the title of The Spice Girls’ first single. But nowadays, Elizabeth Hurley’s best friend gets much more excited by cupcakes than shoes, after opening last September in Soho his first pastry shop in collaboration with French chef Eric Lanlard. Deliciously raunchy, with its black and neon decor and its “titty cakes”, Cox Cookies and Cake (pun intended) has injected a serious dose of sex appeal to the normally tame world of cupcakes. Here, the designer turned shop owner talks to Chic-Londres about his favourite addresses in London, and this encounter with Lady Gaga in Elton John’s kitchen at 3 in the morning.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I used to live in Africa as a child, so like most expats, I would always come to London in summer with my parents to escape the heat, and because my father’s family originally came from the East End. My first memories date back to 1972, when I was a little boy. I remember seeing all those girls with crazy platform shoes, as well as waving at the Queen, whom I saw in her car driving through a park. So I obviously developed a love of shoes and of the monarchy at a young age. read more

London by

Vanessa Branson: Art Patron, Hotelier, Little Sister…

Vanessa Branson (51) might have a more famous big brother, but within the London art world, she has definitely made a (first) name for herself, as the co-curator of the Wonderful Fund collection and the president of Art in Marrakech, a biennale which she launched in 2005. Focusing on cutting-edge contemporary art, literature and film, the festival’s past contributors have included Tracey Emin, Esther Freud, Anthony Gormley, Gavin Turk, John Boorman, Annie Lennox, Hanif Kureishi, Kim Cattall and Richard E. Grant. Vanessa lives in Notting Hill with her partner and their four children, and regularly travels to Marrakech, where she owns boutique hotel Riad El Fenn.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? Staying with a girlfriend aged about ten. Her father was starting up Capital Radio and it felt as if we were playing a part in something momentous: so exciting.

Where do you live in London? Notting Hill Gate: I have lived within half a mile of the Portobello Road for nearly 35 years.

What do you miss most when you are not here? Popping out to the cinema and my neighbours.

How would you describe London in three words? Unexpected, international, green. read more

London by

Nicolas Anelka, the Man behind the Football Star

The talented (ex-)Chelsea footballer is as famous for his brilliant game on the field as he is for his “difficult” reputation. The notoriously secretive Nicolas Anelka (31) overcame his usual reserve towards the press to welcome Chic-Londres in his Wimbledon’s home to tell us about his favourite places in London.

What is your first London memory and what was your initial impressions of the city? I first came to London when I started at Arsenal, aged 17. I arrived at Waterloo station from the Eurostar with my brother and two friends, and we went straight to Piccadilly Circus from there, so my first impressions were that London was quite frantic and full of tourists.

Where do you live and why? I live in Wimbledon, which is practical for me as it is situated midway between Cobham, where I train every day, and Chelsea stadium. I like the village atmosphere of the place, the fact that it is both very quiet but full of good restaurants. The fact it is so close to the tennis championship is an added bonus: I love tennis and my Parisian flat is also close by to Roland Garros. read more

London by

Designer Nicole Farhi: French chic, London style

The famous French designer was born in Nice in 1946 in a Turkish immigrant family. She studied Fashion in Paris before moving to London in 1970, where she launched French Connection in 1972 with then partner Stephen Marks (with whom she has a daughter, Candice), before launching her eponymous brand in 1982, which includes fashion as well as home and restaurants. She is married with play and screen writer Sir David Hare and was made a CBE by the Queen in 2007.

What is your first London memory and what was your initial impressions of the city?

I first came to London when I was 14, to study English in a Chelsea school, in the 60s. I spent all my free time walking down the Kings Road. I thought it was a particularly fun and colourful place, which I absolutely loved. I remember in particular the music that was coming from every shop, and how happy this made me feel. I knew then and there vthat I would be coming back to this place.

Where do you live and why?

I live in North London, near Hampstead Heath, where I go to walk my dog. I came here by chance, because I found a house which I liked. I also love the fact that this district looks like a small village, even though it is part of such a big city. read more

London by

Alastair Campbell, Novelist and Political Animal

The former Spin Doctor in chief might have turned his back on politics for a new career in writing -as well as fundraising for research into leukaemia- but his tireless blogging and occasional scuffle (see Adam Boulton on Sky) proves than an old Labour bruiser will always remain so. Here, the man once described as “the real deputy Prime minister” talks to Chic-Londres about “his” London.

What is your earliest London memory? I was 12, with my father, and had come on a visit where I was competing in a bagpipes contest. I found London too big.

Where do you live? In Gospel Oak, because it is almost central and close of Hampstead Heath.

What do you miss most when you are not here? Running or cycling in the Heath and Regents Park, as well as my neighbours: I have good neighbours.

How would you describe London in three words? Vibrant, multicultural, challenging.

What do you think makes London special? The mix of nationalities and the mix of old and new. read more

Nicolas Anelka, the man behind the French star of English football

Roland Mouret, London’s French fashion star

Vincent Cassel, the unlikely Golden Boy of French cinema

Alastair Campbell, from spin doctor to soul doctor

Carole Bouquet: Buñuel’s Muse, Bond Girl, Chanel Icon and Wine Producer

Jean Van Hamme, the Great Master of Graphic Novels

Alastair Campbell, From Spin Doctor to Novel Writer

Alain de Botton: Best Selling Author and Everyday Philosopher

Ron Arad, Design Maverick and Superstar of London Art

Hélène Darroze : the «Wonder Woman» of French cuisine

Marc Lévy, the French literary sensation

Sir James Dyson : The “Gyro Gearloose” of British engineers

Mourad Mazouz, the king of London nights

With his restaurants, bars and clubs (Momo, Sketch, Double Club…), Mourad Mazouz has left his unique mark on the London food and party scene. Here, the French-Algerian “restaurateur extraordinaire” offers us a glimpse of his personal world.

David Downton, Fashion Illustrator and Claridge’s Artist in Residence

Catalina Guirado: Music Prodigy, Model and Art Curator

Patrick Cox, Shoe Maestro and Sex (Cake) Shop Owner

Vanessa Branson: Art Patron, Hotelier, Little Sister…

Nicolas Anelka, the Man behind the Football Star

Designer Nicole Farhi: French chic, London style

Alastair Campbell, Novelist and Political Animal

Nick Jones: Master of the Houses, Emperor of the Private Clubbing

Leslie Caron: on Fred Astaire, the English and Praying Not To Win an Oscar

Nicolas Anelka: the Talented “Enfant Terrible” of Football