(Image: Siobhan Murphy)
Lara Fawcett, star of TV’s Gogglebox and sister of adventurer Bear Grylls, is an adventurer herself - in 2021, she took part in an open-air ice-swimming challenge for charity, raising £23k. As founder and CEO of PR First London, life is one big fashion moment for Lara, who lives near Leeds
How did you get into style PR?
I was unemployable! I really annoyed my last boss, who couldn’t understand my style of working, which involved racing around London on a multicoloured moped and roller blades, schmoozing and picking up clients.
I set up my own PR business in 1992 specialising in lifestyle PR. It was the height of the Ab Fab era and I was always compared to Edina. I managed to surround myself with amazing people in the agency and our work ethos was ‘presentation not persuasion’.
Describe your look
More is more! Bold is beautiful. I dress to brighten up the world. It is not about drawing attention, but about making others happy (including myself obviously). I love the conversations that start as a result of my whacky clothes. Four years ago I had to wear spectacles full time, so decided they were to become part of my style. I collect funky glasses in different colours to match my outfits and now feel naked without them. Laser surgery? I don’t think so.
Lara loves a pair of statement specs. (Image: Lara Fawcett)
Favourite brand and designer?
Azuzu in Wetherby is a total gem and so well priced.
I have to confess to being a TK Maxx addict, as I love the thrill of the chase. I do not buy expensive clothes. I also love a charity shop mooch and have bought some amazing one-off pieces. I love shopping abroad as it reminds me of my travels.
I very rarely buy mainstream brands and I love going to pop-up fairs. The Yorkshire Pop Up that happens every April and September is amazing. I always model in their fashion show and particularly love a brand called Sansom Reed. I love a pair of Fitflops too.
Lara in a dress that's an homage to fashion icon Iris Apfel (Image: Supplied)
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Who is your style icon?
Iris Apfel, which is exactly how I want to look in my dotage. Also, Hen Tatham, Queen of Galle in Sri Lanka. I bought a wonderful Iris Apfel dress from a local tailor called Karma in Unawatuna Sri Lanka. I went in to buy some material and it was already on the dummy! So I grabbed it. I also love the style of the Yorkshire interior designer Siobhan Murphy – so full of colour.
Favourite fashion item?
Buffalo shoes and wedged trainers with glitter. Colourful Rigby and Peller bras, which make me feel happy! Cowboy boots. My hat collection. I especially love Jonny Beardsall and Nicola de Selincourt.
What do you wear to impress?
Funky tights and jewellery. I am also particularly passionate about my Tatty Devine Chandelier earrings.
Lara Fawcett swims in the River Nidd in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, to raise money for the Archbishop of York Youth Trus (Image: Lara Fawcett)
What do you wear to relax?
Kikili kaftans. I love fun loungewear for the evening and furry Fitflops.
Worst fashion faux pas?
I went for an interview with David Emanuel (designer of Lady Diana’s wedding dress). I was desperate to get into fashion and saw this as a way in. I turned up at the chic Mayfair salon dressed in a yellow zip dress with bumble bee striped tights. I never lived that down as they were all about minimalism. I did actually get the job but I was given a uniform!
Another one was turning up at boarding school as the only new girl aged 11, whose mother hadn’t sent her to school with her ‘own clothes, just uniform. I came down on the Saturday where all the girls of my age were dressed in cool OshKosh dungarees and Kickers shoes. I was wearing navy cords and brown Hush Puppies lace-ups and an Aertex shirt. Also I had waist-high white granny knickers. Everyone burst out laughing and mocked me.
The first time I went home after that I marched my mother down the King’s Road to buy some trendy clothes and I never looked back. I think that must have triggered my fashion sense.
Favourite fashion trend of all time?
Flared jeans and mini skirts.
Pet hate of the moment?
Flat Mary Jane shoes on adults.
Lara loves clothes that are a talking point! (Image: Lara Fawcett)
Best style advice?
Don’t follow the crowd. Find what suits your shape. If you find something you really love and they’re not too expensive then buy two of them.
Most stylish celebrity?
Annabel Croft always looks beautiful. Mary Portas never fails to impress. Also the beautiful Santa Montefiore.
The look I wish would come back?
In honour of Penelope Keith – the housecoat.
What item has had its day and should be confined to the back of the wardrobe?
Ballet pumps if you are not a ballerina. Elasticated trousers. Lady Diana high collars. Velvet headbands..