Evening Standard - ES Magazine
VANITY, ALL IS VANITY
Landed an invitation to the front row? Then you need the perfect dressing table and its entourage
Given that my beauty routine consists of a chilling burst of deodorant, a splodge of something in my hair and beard, and very occasionally some borrowed moisturiser, I don’t personally have much use for a dressing table. But I have been involved with organising many for others and it is always an enjoyable experience to plot and plan.
First thing to think about — unless you want to look like the leading character in a Japanese Noh drama — is natural light. As much storage as possible is also vital: more often than not I use antique desks or writing tables and vintage dressing mirrors that add great atmosphere and individuality. Make-up, like any artistic endeavour, can be a messy business: so keeping the space as clutter-free and organised as possible is important. Glamorous Hollywood style lights are — of course — a must (Astro lighting does a good-value version of these called, perfectly, ‘Cabaret’).
I asked the interior designer Kate Guinness about her dream space. ‘My perfect dressing room has masses of beautifully built bespoke storage, with doors or curtains to hide any potential chaos within,’ she says. ‘A huge window gives excellent natural light and has panels so I’d feel properly private, as well as sumptuous curtains for night-time. In front of the window is my generous dressing table, which has ample space for a comfortable chair or stool to sit at. A lovely mirror and lamp sit on top. And a good soft rug underfoot plus a comfy armchair are also essential.’