The best interviews are often the most personal. In Loves of My Life, we get to know the person behind their art, asking them the important questions we’re desperate to know the answers to, like their favorite restaurants and date-night spots, what’s in their Saved folder on Instagram, the piece of jewelery they’re most attached to and what’s hiding at the bottom of their handbag. In short, the little loves of his life.
best friend sydney lima And Julia Campbell-Gillies The Who What Wear UK office is known for building multifaceted creative careers that extend far beyond fashion. From Lima’s thought-provoking writing on digital culture, identity and women’s experiences to Campbell-Gillies’s interdisciplinary practice spanning floristry, poetry and sustainable design, the London-based creative is redefining what it means to be a modern musical. Together, they share all their little loves with us, from date-night spots and cozy meals to wardrobe heroes and makeup-bag staples.
What is your #1 restaurant to go to in the whole world and what do you order from?
Sydney Lima: Okay, so I’m in my solo-Indian-restaurant era right now, where I go to Indian restaurants on my own, and so I can’t really think beyond that right now. Currently I have a one-track mind to go for chicken saag, garlic naan and paneer wherever it’s closest to me (and not busy).
Julia Campbell-Gillies: Somin on Kingsland Road (in Dalston, East London). The Mixed Grill is perfect every time, and I go once a week.
Is there anything in your home that you are particularly passionate about?
SL: My mother had bought me a housewarming mug, the handle of which was broken by my boyfriend last week. My feelings for the mug increased as it broke.
JCG: My awesome Romanian rug; The first decor item I ever bought! Of course, flowers.
What will we always find hidden at the bottom of your handbag?
SL: Tampons, 2p coins and capless lip balm.
JCG: Floral remains, 17 lipsticks and secateurs which are removed from me when I visit museums.
Who is the person who fills your cup?
SL: I love confronting Julia at inappropriate times of the day, and asking annoying questions like “Do you think I left it long enough to message back?” It’s pretty cup-filling.
JCG: Sydney needs to meet me when we talk. I think it helps him focus. I’m quite happy to base every decision on text.
If you could only vacation to one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?
SL: Italy,Tuscany. I’d love to live there, but I’d probably burn out.
JCG: This extremely remote campsite in Puglia where I went to shoot for the first time vogue ukraine In 2018.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
SL: Doomscroll and watch reality TV shows together. And sing make-up songs to my dogs.
JCG: I like to go to gardens and get full body massages.
Do you have a secret date-night spot?
SL: I’ve moved to St. Leonards, and my boyfriend and I always go to my friend’s restaurant, Byte. It is rattling. I would take Julia there, but she has failed to go there so far…
JCG: It must be Café Cecilia. I leave Hackney, but only when invited!
What item of clothing would you never give up and why?
SL: Well, everyone’s horrified, I’m living in a pair of blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms have been available for many years now. I’ve lost the waistband and the legs sometimes open up (they have poppers at the bottom), but I’m afraid I’ll never stop wearing them.
JCG: Any of my little beauties.
What’s your most played song on Spotify?
SL: Not saying 100%.
JCG: i’m listening to neil young on the beach A lot this spring. She is very based.
If we now look at your saved folder on IG, what will we find?
SL: Pictures of me pushing my dogs’ hair into emo haircuts. And pictures of girls with bobs.
JCG: Good excerpts from the poem were shared @sujitprasad Or @tomsnarksyAnd various garden photos.
Which is your favorite city for inspiration?
SL: London
JCG: Easily, London.
What’s your favorite item to pack when you go on vacation?
SL: I love packing knickers and socks for holidays; This is the only time in my life I feel organized. CEO Energy.
JCG: As little as possible, but always a bag within a bag. I love shopping during the holidays.
What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
SL: My shoe collection. I was just gifted some red Jimmy Choos from the new collection. They’re so fabulous I don’t think I should actually wear them.
JCG: my marc jacobs Rainy! Or my Malone Souliers collection. Well, we’re both extremely bad.
Do you have any item of jewelery that has a lot of meaning?
JCG: I have been wearing the same pearl jewelery that my mother wore for the last decade! I am very connected to all this.
What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?
SL: Azelaic Acid and Rosehip Oil. A Julia recommendation, that one.
JCG: Sunscreen! Bioma makes a good value one that I’m enjoying. Also, Lisa Aldridge skin color. It keeps incredibly well.
What is your favorite comfort food?
SL: Dough Re Me Pizza in St. Leonards.
JCG: Monday pasta! Nothing like puttanesca on a Monday night.
What are your three favorite movies of all time?
SL: Betty Blue, 8 Mile, The Odd Couple
JCG: pride and Prejudice (2005)Jane Eyre (2011) And Marie Antoinette.
What is your favorite fragrance?
SL: My Diptyque Perfume, Fleur de Peau.
JCG: Parisien Masque by Matier Premiere.
do you collect anything? If yes, what?
SL: Embarrassing stories. My own, mainly.
JCG: Pin the badge. Well done, RSPB.
You can choose three fashion brands to wear for the rest of your life. What are they?
JCG: Ruze, Hai and Alessandra Rich. Rouge because it’s already such a big part of my everyday wardrobe, High for those silky slippers and sets and Alessandra for rich power dressing.
What’s your latest obsession?
SL: Industry Season 4 and place the chocolate in the freezer.
JCG: Butterfly Ranunculus and The cool-girl world of Damson Mader.
Coffee, tea, wine, cocktails—what’s your poison?
SL: Coffee, four a day. I am unbearable.
JCG: Full fat-cow’s milk flat white before noon, mocha after noon.
Share some advice from a loved one that always stuck with you.
SL: I think a little about living without regrets. Just throw yourself into anything and everything. Except crime.
JCG: Be what you needed. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but when you imagine it might encourage someone else to try, it suddenly becomes a lot easier.
Who is your professional hero?
SL: Richard Gadd.
JCG: Monty Don.
Who is the love of your life?
SL: My dogs, Mrs. Tiny and Lord Pinkerton I.
JCG: All the people who supported me.
What is the love of your life?
SL: Making things.
JCG: Amen.
