Business of Fashion - Fashion & Beauty Editor Lisa Haynes

We first met Fashion and Beauty Editor Lisa Haynes at London Fashion Week where her cool boyfriend jeans and pastel blue coat caught our eye and we put her straight to the top of our Best Dressed list. We invited Lisa to our beautiful boutique in Belgravia to pick out her SS14 key pieces and explore the specialist boutiques on Elizabeth Street. Our journey starts at cupcake heaven Peggy Porschen, before moving on to try the new Fragrance Brasserie Bar at JO LOVES and finally picking out stunning jewels in Vicki Sarge. Here Lisa shares her tips on how to become a top fashionista, her make-up must-haves and how to style Summer denim.

Lisa Haynes wears J Brand 835 Crop Jeans in Aero & Duffy Striped Cashmere Jumper with Sophia Webster Shoes, Cutler and Gross Sunglasses and Vicki Sarge Beatrix Cuff

DONNA IDA: How did you get started?

Lisa Haynes: 'My background is in journalism but I quickly fell into fashion. It’s no surprise as I was always playing dress-up and making cocktail rings out of Quality Street wrappers as a child! In my first job on a features desk, I dabbled in fashion and beauty writing and immediately fell in love with both worlds. There’s often overlap, especially during Fashion Week seasons.'

DONNA IDA: Where is your hometown?

Lisa Haynes: 'I’ve lived in London for almost a decade but I’m originally from a small town in the West Midlands. I think I knew every fashion store inside out when I was growing up!'

Lisa Haynes wears IDA Ivy Jeans, IRO Vendela Tee, Lulu Guinness Bag, Jiya Bracelets and Nicholas Kirkwood Shoes

DONNA IDA: Who was best dressed at London Fashion Week?

Lisa Haynes: 'The buzz may be about Cara D right now but I’m obsessed with big sister Poppy Delevingne’s wardrobe. One of my favourite London Fashion Week looks was the high-low outfit she wore to a formal Creative London party - ripped jeans with embellished Erdem top. I love a fresh spin on an evening wear look. Burberry Prorsum is religiously one of my highlight shows of London Fashion Week, partly for the trench-clad guestlist. I have a seasonal Burberry ritual of watching the pre-catwalk red carpet arrivals before taking my seat. FYI, Anna Wintour is always early and her bob is always immaculate.'

DONNA IDA: Which show was your favourite at LFW?

Lisa Haynes: 'I adore some catwalks for the spectacle and others because I want virtually every piece in my closet. This season, I got the I-want-everything buzz at Peter Pilotto’s show. It was an explosion of colour, texture and detail – my eyes couldn’t keep up. Another favourite, Christopher Kane, closed his show with some incredible origami-style organza dresses. I'm just waiting to see somebody like Alexa Chung work one on the red carpet. And I can't not mention Sophia Webster’s 90s Heartbreak Hotel presentation. With a Chihuahua, heels and Pretty Woman references, it was every shoe addict’s dream. I had to stop myself Instagramming every single pair.'

Behind the Scenes at JO LOVES: Lisa orders Fragrance Tapas. Bath Cologne is served from steaming hot tagines, warm Body Lotion and Crèmes are painted onto your skin and Bath & Shower Gel is shaken, not stirred, and served over the rocks.

DONNA IDA: Who is your denim icon?

Lisa Haynes: 'It has to be Kate Moss, for denim and beyond. She redefines a silhouette and makes it instantly cool overnight. I’d never considered high-waisted flared jeans until I saw Mossy rocking a pair. Her look is always so effortless.'

Lisa Haynes tries the newest fragrances from JO LOVES wearing J Brand Leather Skinny Jeans, Roseanna Starr Jersey and crystal and gold plated Pow Necklace by Vicki Sarge

DONNA IDA: Which style of jeans are your favourite?

Lisa Haynes: 'I’ve always been dedicated to skinny jeans but more recently I’m crushing on the Boyfriend Jean. I love the contrast between the loose, masculine silhouette and sky-scraper, killer heels. The boyfriend is versatile too – I wear mine worn down with pointed courts, or rolled up with strappy sandals – and they look like two completely different pairs of jeans. I’m also partial to a rip or three.'

DONNA IDA: What are your Summer make-up tips?

Lisa Haynes: 'Invest in one of this summer’s new BB Sun Creams – Lancome and Vichy have launched amazing ones. They offer SPF50 protection and a skin perfecting tinted base. I always carry blotting papers in my handbag or clutch during the Summer. I’m not a powder person so these are pretty magic at mattifying the skin and banishing excess shine. I like Shu Uemura or Paul & Joe. Work a statement bright lip with sun-kissed skin. I love a punchy, matte orangey-red or hot pink, which I apply, blot, and apply again for extra longevity. M.A.C Morange is my signature shade. Electric blue is the backstage colour of the season for eyes. Create a subtle flash of colour with an eyeliner or mascara, like Clarins Truly Waterproof Mascara in curacao blue.'

DONNA IDA: What are your top five fashion possessions?

Lisa Haynes: '1) Louboutin Ariella Clou studded ankle boots - they're pretty rare in the suede colour that I have. I kind of want to keep them in a glass case. 2) Black leather biker jacket – undoubtedly my hero item, Summer or Winter. I’m on the lookout for a worthy replacement but it’s proving to be a very elusive search! 3) Fendi initial necklace. I'm a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw with personalised trinket jewellery and my gold ‘L’ pendant is something I wear almost every day. 4) Christopher Kane leather skirt. I hesitated over the price tag but it’s paid for itself in compliments. 5) Collection of bridesmaid dresses (I have a few!). I love the happy memories attached to each one.'

Behind the Scenes: Lisa tries on an amazing head piece by Vicki Sarge wearing IRO Aden Blue Print skinny jeans, Mauro Grifoni Lucemax

Lisa Haynes wears IRO Aden Blue Print skinny jeans, Mauro Grifoni Lucemax, Nicholas Kirkwood shoes and Avenger gold plated necklace with Swaovski crystals by Vicki Sarge

DONNA IDA: If you weren’t a Fashion Editor what would you do?

Lisa Haynes: 'Maybe give Nick Grimshaw a run for his money in broadcasting. I worked at a few local radio stations in my late teens and early twenties, including a breakfast show. It’s when I really discovered that I’m much more of a night owl than an early bird… I'm also a keen photographer so perhaps I'd be snapping fashion or beauty rather than writing/talking about it.'

DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?

Lisa Haynes: 'My style high was appearing on the pages of Vogue for a Fashion Week street style spread (those studded Louboutins made their print debut). I’m not ashamed to say I bought four copies and I think my mum did the same. My style low was a very suspect Boho phase, circa 2004. I blame Sienna Miller…'

Lisa Haynes wears 360 Cashmere Knit, Nobody High waisted boy shorts and Sophie Anderson Bag and Mario Testino Necklace and Cuff from Vicki Sarge

DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?

Lisa Haynes: 'I'd say; “Don’t worry, being tall and gangly will be kinda cool when you’re older.”'

DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite hangout in London?

Lisa Haynes: 'Shoreditch House’s rooftop pool, preferably in a heatwave, please. It’s the closest place I can get to LA living in London without hopping on a plane. There’s also the bonus of a Cowshed spa a few floors below for an emergency pedi – my kind of place.'

Shop the Lisa Haynes Feature - Belgravia Style.

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