The Scottish Mail on Sunday - You
Henrietta’s story
brilliant. Eventually, I got pregnant again with Charles and Henry – and then I had Henrietta when I was 35. She was the icing on the cake. Sometimes I think if I hadn’t lost Charlotte, then maybe I wouldn’t have had the other children.
Raising five children is absolutely mad. But I’m lucky I had four boys – boys are not as complicated, whereas girls like to do their own thing. I could never make Henrietta wear anything I chose. I remember all the boys had dungarees, and I got her a gorgeous little pair of leggings. She threw a huge tantrum: she hated them. After that I thought, ‘I can’t be bothered. I’ve got too many children. I haven’t got time!’ So from then on she always wore what she wanted.
Growing up, Henrietta was very thoughtful. I was so proud when she won a little cup at school for her good manners. And she’s always been honest with me – she’s good that way. She didn’t rebel as a teenager – or if she did, I didn’t know about it! She was the last of my children to leave home. Some mothers get empty-nest syndrome, but you’ve got to let them fly into the big wide world and flourish. You can’t interfere too much. I read something lovely that said your children go out to sea but then they come back in again.
Did I worry about Henrietta leaving home? Of course. But she’s savvy. I knew she would be able to look after herself because she’s got four brothers. And she has each and every one of them eating out of her hand, let me tell you.
The two of us have always shared a love of fashion. I probably inherited it from my own mum. She always looked glamorous and would have her hair done like Princess Anne, whereas I used to crayon my bell-bottoms and mess about with my clothes. I still do. The other day I bought a Mickey Mouse T-shirt in a charity shop and chopped the arms off; it looks dead cool. I’ve collected lots of vintage pieces – original Biba, classic Chanel. Whenever Henrietta is visiting, I can hear her upstairs in my wardrobe going click, click, click through the hangers, seeing what she’s going to help herself to.
I already have eight grandchildren and I adore being a grandparent. It’s a lot of fun. I would love it if Henrietta had children one day but I’m so proud of what she has achieved with Rixo. I wear the designs myself; the patterns are fabulous and they complement any age – I have a cousin who is 70 and she adores them.
Fashion is a tough industry. I’ve seen all the hard work Henrietta and Orlagh have put in, so I always smile like a Cheshire cat when
I see someone out wearing a Rixo dress.
Rixo has launched a ‘Stay at Home’ T-shirt (£55) in white, with 50 per cent of profits from each sale donated to NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal and Carers Trust. For details, visit rixo.co.uk
New York, London, Paris, Milan… and your patio! How to bring the catwalk’s hottest trends to your outdoor space
1 Lounger, £120, laredoute.co.uk. 2 Side plates, £29 for four, amara.com. 3 Pouffe, £49, Ella James, notonthehighstreet.com. 4 Palm cushion, around £30, fentonandfenton.com.au. 5 Resin cactus, £299, laredoute.co.uk. 6 Deckchair, £65, and sling, £14.50, maisonsdumonde.com. 7 Cushion, £7, direct.asda.com. 8 Hammock, £59, made.com. 9 Planters, £39 for two, made.com. 10 Seat pad, £35, grahamandgreen.co.uk. 11 Tray, £24, emmabritton.net. 12 Chair, £517, amara.com. 13 Outdoor rug (160cm x 230cm), £131, maisonsdumonde.com. 14 Cactus glasses, £48 for six, goodhoodstore.com
Bring interest to a neutral palette with woven textures and organic materials
1 Cotton hammock, £110, maisonsdumonde.com. 2 Rattan hanging chair, around £311, fentonandfenton.com.au. 3 Recycled polyester cushion, £85, nordicnest.com. 4 Bamboo daybed, £379, amara.com. 5 Bamboo lantern, £99, maisonsdumonde.com. 6 Bee house, £22.95, grahamandgreen.co.uk. 7 Glass and rattan jug, £32, rockettstgeorge.co.uk. 8 Teak table, £172.50, maisonsdumonde.com. 9 Fir parasol, £142, maisonsdumonde.com. 10 Recycled plastic rug (120cm x 180cm), £295, sohohome.com. 11 Cork stools, £370 each, conranshop.co.uk. 12 Rattan plant stand, around £100, fentonandfenton.com.au. 13 Rattan bench, £399, laredoute.co.uk