CLAIRE LLOYD
DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND AUTHOR Claire lives between Sydney, Tasmania and Greece with her partner, artist Matthew Usmar Lauder.
What do you love about living in the country? After living in London for 25 years I felt the need to find a quiet sunny place in nature. I chose the Greek island of Lesvos. Then on my first trip to Tasmania four years ago I fell in love with its beauty. A year later Matthew and I went on a trip to the West Coast and were drawn to its big skies and rugged landscape, so we decided to buy a simple shack. We are privileged to live in two different worlds.
How would you describe your style? Simple, light, relaxed and feminine.
Are you interested in fashion? As a teenager I loved drawing and designing. I would draw a dress or skirt, trousers or a shirt and my very clever mother would cut a pattern from my drawing and then whizz it up for me on her sewing machine with fabric I had collected. I always had new outfits as she would never say no. I was the envy of my friends.
What are your wardrobe essentials? Simple white linen dresses, white jeans and white cotton shirts. Sometimes a little bit of pink creeps in.
What are your favourite clothing labels? Connolly England, Lee Mathews.
What are your essential beauty products? I’m not so good at beauty products but I do love a wonderful rosewater spray made on our island by the local women. It’s a recipe handed down the generations made in the traditional way.
Do you have a favourite fragrance? Grandiflora Madagascan Jasmine.
Do you have any favourite accessories? Cashmere throws and shawls and some beautiful jewellery pieces from Pippa Small and Ram.
What things in your daily routine help you keep a balanced life? Walking, the gym, swimming when it’s warm and eating lots of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables. Chocolate and wine are a must, too.
What are you reading and listening to? I’m reading Bruny by Heather Rose and listening to A Promised Land by Barack Obama on Audible.
What do you never leave home without? My keys!
Do you have any favourite local cafes? In Greece, a lovely family-run taverna called Caravan. It serves the most delicious fresh seasonal food. In Sydney my favourite local café is The Lookout at Elizabeth Bay Marina. In Strahan, Tasmania, The Coffee Shack is fab. The Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk is divine but sadly not quite on our doorstep!
To read more about Claire’s Tasmanian shack restoration, turn to page 58.