Amanda Wakeley: StyleDNA

In this opening episode of Style DNA Season 11 I go on a style journey with my old friend the legendary Duran Duran frontman, the wonderfully charismatic Simon Le Bon. From their early days in Birmingham to global stadium tours, Simon has spent decades at the centre of music, fashion and pop culture. 
We talk about making his own punk clothes as a teenager, auditioning for Duran Duran in pearlescent pink Chelsea boots and leopard print drainpipes, the psychology of performing on stage, Savile Row tailoring, Japanese selvedge denim and why he once didn’t wash a pair of jeans for over ten years…
This is a conversation about individuality, creativity and the enduring power of personal style. Thank you Simon for such a fascinating conversation x
Duran Duran's new single Free To Love is out now. They headline London's BST Hyde Park on July 5th. Tickets for the full summer and autumn tours are at duranduran.com/tour.

In this episode of Style DNA I go on a style journey with the model, television personality and entrepreneur the effortlessly chic Misse Beqiri.
From building a career in modelling and television to stepping away from London to reset in Mallorca, she speaks openly about finding calm, clarity and strength in a new chapter.
We talk about her return to Ladies of London, launching a marble interiors business with her sister, and the lessons she’s learnt along the way — including navigating public perception and personal challenges.
Her style is rooted in comfort and confidence… strong, structured pieces balanced with an effortless Scandinavian ease.
Thank you @missebequiri for being such an open and charming guest xx.

In this episode of Style DNA I go on a style journey with the extraordinary, eccentric and wonderfully joyful British designer and creative Henry Holland.

From creating slogan t-shirts that “went viral” before social media even existed, to building House of Holland and now reinventing himself through ceramics and interiors — Henry’s career has been anything but conventional.

What began as four t-shirts worn on nights out quickly turned into a global brand. We talk about his entrepreneurial instinct, the realities of running a fashion business, and the moment House of Holland came to an end — something he describes, surprisingly, as a release.

Stylistically, Henry is bold, playful and entirely led by mood… dressing as a form of storytelling.

This is a conversation about creativity, reinvention and knowing when it’s time to evolve.

Thank you @henryholland for such an honest and inspiring conversation xx

In this episode of Style DNA I go on a style journey with the vintage curator, brand consultant and founder of ATELIER MAYER, the wonderfully elegant and eclectic Carmen Haid.

Carmen has spent her career in the world of luxury fashion, beginning at Yves Saint Laurent before following her instinctive love of vintage — long before it became the movement it is today.

She tells me she doesn’t follow trends… and yet somehow always anticipates them. Drawn to pieces with history, craftsmanship and soul, her approach to fashion is entirely intuitive. Her stories of sourcing are extraordinary… from discovering a Paul Poiret coat in a crumbling house to uncovering couture treasures across the world. These are not just clothes, but pieces of history.

This is a conversation about sustainability, individuality and the magic of clothes that have lived a life before us.

Thank you for such a wonderful conversation @carmenhaid xx

In this episode of Style DNA I go on a style journey with the British fashion designer and Creative Director of Max Mara, the thoughtful and incredibly humble Ian Griffiths.

Ian has spent more than three decades shaping the aesthetic of one of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses. Although proudly British, he has lived in Italy for many years and jokes that he has become an “Italian version of an Englishman” … embracing Savile Row elegance with a touch of Italian flair.

We talk about his unexpected route into fashion, the influence of literature and philosophy on his work, and why the coat has become one of the most powerful garments in a woman’s wardrobe. Ian believes great clothes should empower the woman wearing them rather than overpower her … pieces that enhance a woman’s life rather than compete with it…

This is a conversation about culture, creativity and the quiet power of timeless style.

Thank you Ian, for such a thoughtful conversation… I loved it x