He’s dressed proper celeb royalty from Angelina to Beyoncé, so we catch up with designer Julien Macdonald, 41, to talk fashion icons and style disasters.
Fabulous’ Laura’s casual attire incurs Julien’s wrath
Where Massimo Restaurant at The Corinthia Hotel, London
Afternoon Julien, you’re looking as dashing as ever. We bet you’ve never made a fashion faux pas.
Oh I have. I dyed my hair pink about 15 years ago and thought it looked amazing when it was actually hideous. And last year, I hit my 40th birthday and had a bit of a mid-life crisis and tried to grow my hair long! All my friends, including Elle Macpherson, told me it was horrible.
What was the world’s worst fashion moment?
Grunge. Marc Jacobs created that look and it was the most unglamorous and unflattering way for women to dress. Thank God, it will never come back.
Julien in front of the design pattern for his charity bag
I think women are too powerful now, they’ve become the new dictators of fashion. Grunge was all about skinny women who don’t really exist.
Which celeb embodies real style?
Madonna is always reinventing herself. She challenges everybody. I love Adele, too. I’ve never dressed her, but I have met her a few times at get-togethers in Alan Carr’s garden.
What trends should we be watching out for next season?
Purple and royal blue, and tiny geometric checks.
And which British designers do you rate?
The obvious one is the queen of print, Mary Katrantzou. And Christopher Kane is a talented young guy.
What about Victoria Beckham?
I dressed the Spice Girls for years and know them all personally. I actually think Victoria does a brilliant job and has built a very successful brand. She’s a funny woman and people don’t see that.
Are there any current trends you’d like to ban?
I hate coloured tights, and leggings are a pet hate, too.
Uh-oh, I’m wearing leggings…
They should be banned or worn with great consideration. Sometimes women wearing skintight things is not such a good look.
Erm, I’ll go change… You’ve dressed loads of women over the years, but who’s been your fave?
I love Beyoncé because she’s a strong, powerful woman and a positive role model. Sometimes she’ll send me a text saying she likes a dress of mine, and asking if I can do her one in a different colour. If she needs it by the next week, that’s a lot of people who’re not going to get much sleep for the next seven days!
You’ve designed a bag for Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign…
The bag offers women affordable fashion and that’s really important to me. Also, my parents shop in the big Asda in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from and am very active in my local community.
What’s Welsh for “fabulous”?
Gwych! Well, it actually means fantastic.
Julien, you’ve been gwych!
● Asda’s Tickled Pink bag designed by Julien Macdonald is available in Asda stores for £2.50, and 80p from each purchase goes to the campaign.
The damage
Times Julien tried to remove our shirt (oo-er) 5
Minutes we wished we’d not worn leggings 3
Times Julien said he wanted to come back to the super-swanky restaurant 2
