Published: 28 May 2011
Jimmy Choo shoes tycoon Tamara Mellon:
The treasured item you lost and wish you could have again...My father Tommy Yeardye. He died in 2004 and was the most wise person in my life. We used to speak every day. He gave me the drive to take risks. [Yeardye was a TV stuntman and entrepreuner].
The unending quest that drives you on...The thrill of a new idea. Fifteen years ago i dreamed of creating the perfect luxury brand. I’m proud of everything we’ve done at Jimmy Choo, but I know the best is yet to come.
The way you would spend your fantasy 24 hours, with no travel restrictions...I’d spend the whole day on the beach in St Barts in the Caribbean, playing with my nine-year-old daughter Minty. It is one of the most beautiful, relaxing places in the world. We go there every Christmas with friends and family.
The temptation you wish you could resist...Smoking! I started when I was a teenager. I know it’s bad for my health, but I really enjoy it and I’ve resigned myself to not giving up.
The book that holds an everlasting resonance...Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. It has given me the courage to live out my dreams as a businesswoman.
The priority activity if you were the Invisible Woman for a day...Run around naked in my heels.
The way fame and fortune has changed you, for better and worse...Initially, I found being in the limelight hard, but now I’m more relaxed about it. I’ve worked hard to become self-sufficient and to give my daughter a secure future. On the downside, I have midnight binges on Net-a-Porter, the internet fashion site!
The film you can watch time and time again...Scarface with Al Pacino. I love the dramatic plot and Michelle Pfeiffer is very sexy in it.
The person who has influenced you most...My daughter. She keeps everything in perspective.
The figure from history for whom you’d most like to buy a pie and a pint...Winston Churchill. He was one of the most interesting men of all time. I also think he had a wicked sense of humour.
The piece of wisdom you would pass on to a child...Don’t try to control the outcome, go with the flow.
The unlikely interest that engages your curiosity...Snakes! I love the pattern and texture of their skin. I have six huge photos by brilliant Swiss photographer Guido Mocafico of coiled coloured snakes in my sitting room.
The prized possession you value above all others...My penthouse apartment, which I bought two years ago on New York’s Upper East Side. I love the location, space and sexy interiors. Moving there was a new beginning for Minty and me. [During a tumultuous period, Tamara lost her father, was divorced from her husband Matthew, fought and won a battle to retain control of her business and became estranged from her mother following a court case over a trance of Jimmy Choo shares, which Tamara won].
The unqualified regret you wish you could amend...I believe in never regretting anything. Everyone’s story makes them who they are. There are chapters of my life I’ve enjoyed more than others, but each has brought me to where I am today and for that I’m grateful.
The poem that touches your soul...The vision by Kahlil Gibran is one of the most inspiring pieces of texts I’ve ever read. His wisdom and delicate use of language are astounding.
The misapprehension about yourself you wish you could erase...People are often surprised by how soft I am when they meet me in the flesh. I wish that wasn’t the case.
The event that altered the course of your life and character...Opening the first Jimmy Choo store in 1996 in London. Jimmy was a cobbler in Hackney when I approached him about going into business. My father lent us £150,000 to get started. There are now 130 stores worldwide.
The crime you would commit knowing you could get away with it...I am a pretty law-abiding citizen, so I’m afraid no crimes spring to mind.
The song that means most to you...Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me by Elton John. He is a great friend and this reminds me of lost loved ones. The happiest moment you will cherish forever...After becoming a mother, my happiest day was last year when I was awarded an OBE by the Queen for services to the fashion industry. It was a humbling experience.
The saddest time that shook your world...When my father died suddenly
from a brain aneurysm. He was 73 and I miss him immensely every day.
The unfulfilled ambition that continues to haunt you...I have a real passion and fascination for psychology, so perhaps I could study it properly one day.
The philosophy underpinning your life...Don’t do anything by half.
The order of service at your funeral...I am concentrating on living at the moment, but some of Elton’s tunes would definitely be on the cards.
The way you want to be remembered...As an innovator and, hopefully, as an inspiration to women and mothers.
The plug...Choo 24:7 Bag Collection, which includes luggage. www.jimmy choo.com
Copyright: Rob McGibbon/Accessinterviews.com 2011 (2014). All rights reserved