Writer, singer, songwriter Viv Albertine
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought?
A long mismatched patterned silk maxi dress with bell sleeves that gather into a long tight cuff with three buttons. It’s a bit Biba and a bit 1960s Marianne Faithfull/anita Pallenberg. I couldn’t afford that sort of thing back then.
What are you addicted to buying?
Black knickers, especially boy-shorts style from M&S and Gap. I like my pants to feel new. Don’t know why.
Best ever bargain?
A couture Donna Karan straight black wool maxi skirt that looked terrible on the hanger but falls like a dream when on. I got it from TK Maxx in 2000. It’s worth a couple of thousand, and I bought it for £50.
Who has great style?
Singer Héloïse Letissier from Christine and the Queens, when she has short hair and wears a suit. Also Mica Levi’s brown suit at the Oscars. Actress/singer Zoë Kravitz and Neneh Cherry, mixing street, sportswear and high fashion.
Name your favourite high street shop.
I like Sandro and Pinko . I’d never buy very expensive designer stuff for a special occasion anymore, I’ll go to one of these mid range designer shops; the clothes look just as good, are well cut and have an edge. Not very high street, I know. I don’t shop basic high street anymore.
Any fashion disasters you’d care to tell us about?
Yes all in the 1980s. A terrible decade for fashion. Big shoulders. Tulip skirts. Flicky hair.
What’s your favourite item in your wardrobe?
My Paige cropped black raw-hem jeans (expensive but I wear them most days) and a soft white or grey James Perse T-shirt. I always feel good in those. n