Harper's Bazaar UK

When I look back on my adult life, I find it punctuated, alongside its significant events – graduation/love/marriage/children – by lipsticks. There was my first crush, a pearlised pink from Barry M that I wore out clubbing as a teenager. Then, to mark a new sophisticated persona during a year abroad in Paris, I invested in Mon Rouge by Paloma Picasso; and I bought a rose-pink Clinique Dramatically Different bullet in a ribbed silver case to celebrate my first proper pay-packet… Alongside my current favourites (I can’t resist Hermès’ Mondrian-esque magnetic cases, the delicious smell of Celine’s Le Rouge or the velvety staying power of Dior), I still keep these. They are now worn down to little stubs, but nevertheless can transport me straight back to my youth the moment they…

VENUS WILLIAMS One of the greatest tennis players of her generation, Williams has achieved seven Grand Slam titles, four Olympic gold medals and a number-one ranking in both singles and doubles. Off the court, she has launched her own fashion line and interior-design studio, and published her first book. She talks to Lottie Lumsden about her astounding career and the wellness journey that is helping her fight back after health problems. Your signature fragrance is… ‘Right now, it’s Dior.’ What do you love most about autumn? ‘I don’t really get the fall in Florida! I like heat.’ What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received? ‘My mum always told me to moisturise, but I never did it until recently. Shame on me.’ When do you feel most beautiful? ‘When I’m not wearing a lot…

1 THE CAT COLLAR Recline in laid-back luxury with Loro Piana’s cashmere-jersey romper, coupled with its gold chain-link necklace to make a moment of the everyday. 2 SIZE MATTERS Swathe yourself in supple suede with Gucci’s larger-than-life B bag – an investment accessory so good, you won’t want to wear much else. 3 THE CAT’S PYJAMAS Keep things simple with sleek, pared-back separates for effortless co-ordination. 4 ON POINTE The ballet-shoe trend shows no sign of abating. This versatile slipper is still the ideal finishing touch to any look. 5 GLOSSY COAT Expertly tailored, this embellished piece instantly refines your silhouette, with impeccable detail to elevate and make all the right moves. 6 PURRFECT PROPORTIONS A ludicrously capacious bag could not be chicer this season. Scale up with a sporty edge for extra style points. 7 TUFT LOVE Trust Bottega Veneta to bring…

My style signature is… all black, from my headband to my Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Mascara. My style icon is… Grace Jones. She’s the past, present and future — all at once. My best fashion investment is… my Louis Vuitton Coussin BB bag in black. Perfection! The items in my wardrobe that I couldn’t live without are… my black headbands – case closed. The pieces of jewellery that mean the most are… my Lorraine Schwartz bangles. They never leave my wrists. If I had five minutes to get ready, I’ d throw on… my Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, a few coats of Dark Star Mascara and my Lust Gloss in Bronze Venus, my go-to shade. The items that best represent my style are… a fabulous cashmere turtleneck, because it’s cosy but elegant; and Porsche…

What would you recommend as an investment buy this season? Everything you spend money on should be equally considered, whether it’s an H&M dress or an Hermès bag; we need to stop seeing fashion as a cheap thrill. But if you do want to splurge on a big-ticket item, then it should be something that will spark joy for a lifetime. I long for a Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Bone cuff or anything from the Cartier Juste Un Clou collection – they’re iconic pieces that have stood the test of time. They are also incredibly sought-after on the resale market, so a good investment in every sense. Which single accessory can I buy to make me look like I’m in the know? If you regularly read this page, my love for Toteme…

In the early 1930s, Betty Fiechter became the first woman to run a watch maison. Her pioneering legacy remains at Blancpain today as it continues with its innovative creations, such as the Ladybird watch collection, combining playful femininity with intricate design. The style was introduced in 1956; at the time it was the smallest mechanical watch ever created and was a roaring success as a result. Blancpain’s modern iterations are just as exciting: there is a rainbow-hued edition with Technicolor numerals and interchangeable watchstraps, while a sky-blue shade sparkles with more than 100 brilliant cut diamonds. The numerals subtly change in shape as the eye moves around the dial and, at six o’clock, Blancpain’s iconic moon sits on a mother-of-pearl cloud. The Ladybird still dazzles with its elegance almost 70…