Roald Dahl once wrote; “if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” It seems as though he was writing about Lisa Snowdon, who arrives at our photo shoot at The Hari with a fresh blow dry from Salon Sloane, exuding happiness toting a bag full of glam heels and pieces from her gorgeous jewellery line. Lisa is a real girl’s girl, she’s vibrant, friendly funny, down to earth and loves a bit of glamour so she suits our opulent yet understated location perfectly.
Lisa wears IDA Ginger Leather Track Pants and DONNA IDA On Stage Cashmere in Rainbow Luxe
Lisa’s Style Insider shoot takes us on a journey from breakfast with the morning newspapers wearing cosy cashmere and culottes to lunch-ready blue jeans and a fresh white printed blouse, before reclining with glamorous cocktails in silk pyjamas and hitting the town in leathers and serious strappy sandals. Our makeup artist for the day, Buster Knight from Studio10 created a sexy and sultry look, in keeping with our sumptuous setting.
As we sit down later to chat over lunch of Salted Cod at Il Pampero, you could easily forget this is the same woman who has danced to third place on Strictly Come Dancing with Brendan Cole, who has picked up several coveted awards for The Capital Breakfast Show, hosted Britain’s Next Top Model AND conquered the jungle in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! However, today we are talking about jeans, fashion, jewels and style inspiration, here’s a glimpse into Lisa’s world.
DONNA IDA: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
Lisa Snowdon: I grew up in Welwyn Garden City so I’m a Hertfordshire girl originally. Now I live in Essex and home is where the heart is!
DONNA IDA: How did you get started in the fashion world?
Lisa Snowdon: I got scouted as a model when I was 19 at a nightclub. I’d jumped on stage to have a little groove when a lady called Lindsay came up, asked me if I had thought about modelling and gave me her card. For two weeks I thought about it, but in the end I went for a meeting with her and decided to give it a go. I started working very quickly with some really iconic photographers and great campaigns. I worked with a photographer called Bob Carlos Clarke on a Kit Kat campaign and with Patrick Lichfield on their Triumph Calendar so I was really lucky.
Lisa wears IDA Moving On Margot Denim Culottes and DONNA IDA Friller Cashmere
DONNA IDA: What inspired you to start your jewellery line?
Lisa Snowdon: I’ve always been a real girly girl, and a bit of a magpie so I like anything that sparkles! I’ve always loved accessories, even when I was little and I always had my nana’s pearls on with necklaces and beaded bags. I love having fun with fashion and so it is every girls dream to have her own jewellery line.
My favourite pieces change every collection, so at the moment I love my little Moon Necklace which is rose gold with little diamonds as I’ve got a bit of a cosmic vibe going on. I’ve also got a little Diamond Star And Moon Set and I’ve got a little smiley Diamond Happy Face face plus I love my Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Band Ring. I’m fickle though, I love new pieces! Shop Lisa's jewellery here
DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?
Lisa Snowdon: My wardrobes staples are denim, leather, good quality cotton T-Shirts, cosy knits and pyjama suits. I’ve always been such a big jeans girl because they just go with everything and make up most of my wardrobe. You can go day to night, they can be smart, casual or they can be comfortable and cosy. I like to dip into different styles and I love the Rizzo Skinny Jeans because they are so versatile and look great with a chunky Chloe boot, Converse or a pointy high stiletto. I love boyfriend jeans for the weekend, just for slouching around with a big T-Shirt in and they super comfortable for travelling in. I also love a quality T-Shirt or a nice girly shirt to finish off.
Lisa wears DONNA IDA Lounge Lizard Silk Pyjamas
DONNA IDA: Why do you think jeans are such an iconic item?
Lisa Snowdon: If jeans fit you really well you can feel really sexy, powerful and that you can go into any situation. They are so flattering that if you get the right style that works for you they’re like a best friend; they’re reliable, they can go anywhere with you and make you feel fantastic.
Lisa wears IDA Rizzo Jeans in Road Tripping and DONNA IDA Feeling Fran Blouse
DONNA IDA: Which are your favourite jeans from our shoot and why?
Lisa Snowdon: I love the little Iris the Frill Jean, they are so cute and fun to wear so they can be quite girly and feminine or you can toughen them up make them look fierce.
DONNA IDA: Who is your denim icon?
Lisa Snowdon: I like Brigitte Bardot’s really delicious look with just a simple T-Shirt, great hair, hardly any make up and really beautiful bell bottom flare with a slight high rise. It is uber chic and feminine so I love that silhouette and vibe.
Lisa wears IDA Iris Jeans and DONNA IDA Miss Maggie Blouse
DONNA IDA: What are your tips for taking a great photo?
Lisa Snowdon: Lighting, you’ve got to have good lighting. If I’m outside on location, I’ll always look for the golden hour first thing in a morning which creates a beautiful soft light which is really flattering. If you’re inside, avoid overhead lighting as it creates loads of shadows and if you’re taking a selfie, try and raise your arm a little bit and take it from above. Always remember light is your friend!
DONNA IDA: Tell us about Fashion Week; what are your survival tips?
Lisa Snowdon: I always have comfortable shoes in my bag for navigating from location to location around London. Water, food, snacks as shows always run over. Perfume, phone, a portable charger so you can record the show and charge your phone wherever you can.
DONNA IDA: Where in the world are girls best dressed? What kind of style do you admire?
Lisa Snowdon: French girls, I love going to cafes in Paris and just watching the world go by. I just think they just do it so well and it is effortless. It’s understated but always so chic and not try-hard with a tailored jacket, jeans and a relaxed T-Shirt. French girls have got it going on!
DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
Lisa Snowdon: I think style highs would probably be right now as I feel very comfortable in my skin and I feel I shop really well for my shape. Style lows would be over the years trying to find my style, for example looking back at the 80 and wondering what you were wearing, even though it was really fun at the time! What I love about fashion is that I enjoy it and dip in and out of it. Some days I want to be more tailored, sometimes more feminine and floaty so my style is quite eclectic in that way. I enjoy fashion and I feel like you should experiment with it.
DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite restaurant?
Lisa Snowdon: I love my food so my favourite is Pollen Street Social, which is gorgeous and their set menu is delicious! I like Nobu as I’m completely Japanese obsessed and they are famous for their exquisite flavours. The Quality Chop House has a really understated interior with epic food so I love ordering steak and chips there but they also have amazing vegetarian options too. My new fav. I also went to Bistroteque last night which is so cool inside as it opens up like a warehouse with an open kitchen. 
DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
Lisa Snowdon: The far east, I’ve got a real soft spot for Japan and I feel like it is my spiritual home. I did modelling there when I was younger and went back recently after 26 years. It was so amazing and I think the Japanese culture is amazing with their fashion and their food. They’re so organised and tidy and minimalist.
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite fashion magazine?
Lisa Snowdon: I love Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. I also follow a lot of really cool chicks on Instagram for inspiration like Isabel Marant, Donna Ida Thornton and Emmanuelle Alt.
Take a look at Lisa's new beauty blog You Glow Girl.
Lisa Snowdon's Jewellery range is available at QVC. With thanks to The Hari London, Buster at Studio10 Makeup, Gio at Salon Sloane.