Millie-ing around

She shot to fame on reality TV show Made in Chelsea but now Millie Mackintosh is a bona fide style icon, with a bestselling fashion range of her own. Katie Wright meets the Instagram favourite to talk style secrets and shopping

Sipping on a roseinfused vodka cocktail and sampling the occasional canape, Millie Mackintosh talks enthusiastically about the multiple projects she’s juggling (a hair brand linkup, a potential activewear collaboration she’s hoping to land) but she’s most excited about her own fashion line, which, in just three years, has become the bestselling range on ASOS, after the site’s own brand. “Right now, I’m designing next spring,” she says. “I’ve got to finish shooting the winter lookbook, then I’ll start seeing samples next week for next summer. “I’m just getting used to working so far ahead but it’s going really well.” Between her own designs and her years of fashion shoots and red carpet appearances, Millie’s fashion credentials are second to none, so I end by asking for her top shopping tips and I’m pleased to discover it’s not all high-end and haute couture.

MILLIE’S STYLE SECRETS

1. Know where to go on the high street. “You have to know where to go for certain good things,” says Millie.

“Zara do really good shoes for a night out and really nice blouses. Sandro’s really good for winter coats, and The Kooples I like for tailoring.”

Zara fine strappy sandals, £39.99 (www.zara.com)

The Kooples jacket with contrasting braid, £112.50 (www.thekooples. co.uk) 2. Choose a holiday look and stick with it. “I’m going to Greece for two weeks in August and I plan on

wearing all white with colourful accessories, like pom-pom sandals,” she says.

Millie Mackintosh embroidered off-shoulder maxi dress, £110 (www. millie-mackintosh.com)

Public Desire Susanna Aztec pom pom sandals, £24.99 (www.publicdesire.com) 3. Shop around online. “I don’t spend much time shopping but I do a lot online. I like ASOS, Shopbop, The Outnet – a real mixture,” explains Millie.

ASOS Salon Premium floral maxi dress, £130 (available September; www.asos.com)

W118 by Walter Baker Monique off-the-shoulder cotton top, £52.50 (www.theoutnet.com) 4. Embrace the athleisure trend. “I’ve probably got more workout outfits than anything else. If I’m working out later in the day, I just run around in my workout wear all day,” says Millie.

“I’ve just discovered this new fitness brand that’s come over from Brazil, called Live! They’ve got amazing leggings and bras and nice prints.”

Live! explosion leggings, £89 (www.liveclothing.uk)

Nike Flyknit Zoom Agility women’s training shoe, £140 (www.nike.com) 5. Have fun with festival fashion.“I go for different looks at a festival,” she continues.

“I might go for something that’s more rock-chick, then another day I might be more boho and feminine.

“It’s all about mixing it up and having fun with festival fashion, because anything goes.”

Millie Mackintosh lace body suit, £27, lace maxi skirt, £55 (www. millie-mackintosh.com)

Lipsy Love Michelle Keegan faux fur gilet, £60 (www.lipsy.co.uk)