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Vassi Chamberlain

5 MINUTES WITH...

Vassi Chamberlain

Meet The Contributing Editor At British Vogue and Editor At Large for AirMail...talking about life, hobbies and motivation

What was your New Year’s resolution?

I've never stuck to a single one in my life, but if push came to shove a) to be on time (I am always 20 minutes late - I have ADHD, I have a valid excuse) b) to write a book (I've been dodging a deadline for 15 years, see ADHD) c) to become best friends with Dave Grohl (lead singer of the Foo Fighters). 

 

What are your hopes for 2022?

That I do all of the above (unlikely) but most of all become besties with Dave.

 

First thing you do when you wake up?

Check my dog Roodle is in his usual position - lying on his back in bed next to me, his legs and paws in the air. 

 

Last thing you do before you go to sleep?

Face-time my daughter Allegra who is at uni in America. She either wants to talk for hours, or get rid of me quickly. I always fall asleep smiling. 

 

Power breakfast?

Either an ascetic or a gluttonous one. Ideally, it’s the perfect croissant. I’m still searching for a London one that tastes of Paris. 

 

Favourite cocktail? 

Caipirinha, Moscow Mule, or a Mojito, and a Rum Punch or Pina Colada when in the tropics. The Hemingway Bar at the Ritz in Paris is where the world’s most impeccable potions are created.

 

Motivational mantra/quote of choice? 

Get your ass out of bed. Do some effing work. Return that call. Work Out. Write that bloody thank you letter. Organise a dinner party. Send Christmas cards. So far, all a failure. 

 

Travel essentials?

Noise-cancelling headphones, cashmere blanket and socks, eye mask, very dark chocolate with toasted almonds (preferably very expensive, to annoy my husband), and last but not least, Xanax, for turbulence and sleep. 

 

What did you want to do when you ‘grew up’?

Banker, Lawyer, Journalist, novelist and general layabout. I’ve achieved at least three.

 

Dream suit? 

Predictably Bianca Jagger’s sexy white Saint Laurent wedding suit. 

 

Role model? 

Someone who is naughty, charming, funny, kind, sexy,  opinionated, likes a drink, a party, dressing up, an elaborate culinary feast, occasionally fucks up. French women basically.

 

Favourite London restaurant?

I prefer bars. But if pushed, a bit of Michelin-style theatre and extravagance. My husband prefers Macdonald’s. 

 

Favourite European city?

Rome. 

 

One thing you took out of lockdown?

That I’m not such a shit storm after all. I was diagnosed with adult ADHD. I now have an excuse for being a shit storm. 

 

Advice you wish you’d been told as a child? 

Show me a child who has ever listened to advice. 

 

Prefer a suit paired up or paired down? 

Up. I’m too short for the baggy suit and trainers look. 

 

How do you de-stress?

See answer to question 4, above.

 

Biggest luxury?

My weekly copy of Hello! I’ve never missed an issue. I also buy too many newspapers.   

 

What is keeping you laughing? 

My girl-gang, the Hormonal Voyagers. We excel at affectionate needling. 

 

What are you watching on Netflix? 

Nothing, done the lot. 

 

What are you reading? 

I read a book a week on average. I loved Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and I thought Lady Glenconner’s diary was an unexpected hoot. 

 

Workout of choice?

On the sofa watching TV in my pjs, supper on a tray, long-suffering husband beside me.  

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