Julien Macdonald

Designer name: Julien Macdonald

Origin: “I’m from a little town called Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.”

Career highlights: “Meeting the Queen to receive an OBE.”

Stockists: Harrods and various boutiques worldwide.

What he says: “My designs are sexy, high octane, powerful and liberating.”

Name three things that are inspiring you at the moment: “Helmut Newton is a constant reference for every collection. I never tire of looking at his visions of strong and sexy women. Secondly, the film White Mischief with Greta Scacchi. I love the juxtaposition of cultures: tribal versus 1940s glamour. Greta Scacchi has an uncompromisingly strong and sexy character, even if it causes her downfall, and the costumes are sublime. I also find Histoire d'O, (The story of O) inspirational. It is a film by Just Jaeckin, the same director as Emmanuelle. Even though the dialogue is rather outdated, the bare breasted gowns, S&M collars and cuffs by Cartier are wildly erotic.”

Who is your ideal customer? “I love confident women who are not afraid of their sexuality: Charlize Theron, Angelica Huston, Charlotte Rampling... I love women so my list is endless.”

A visitor is in London for an afternoon. Where would you recommend they go? “The permanent jewellery exhibition at the V&A has just re-opened. It’s utterly magnificent. Above all, the size of the diamonds will blow you away...”