Betty Jackson, fashion designer: my stylish London life
Betty Jackson dresses have been making women feel chicer and slimmer for decades. The designer talks to Culture Whisper's Verity Owen about her stylish London life
Betty Jackson, fashion designer: my stylish London life
Betty Jackson has been creating beautiful, wearable womenswear since the Seventies, and was made an MBE in 1987 and later a CBE for services to the fashion industry. Proving she can design for laughs too, she was responsible for Edina and Patsy's extravagant and frequently ridiculous costumes in Absolutely Fabulous; and she has been a voice of sanity in the 'size zero' debate, joining a panel to address the issue in British Fashion Council's Model Health Inquiry. A reliable presence on the high street too, she launched the Autograph Collection for M&S and now designs the Betty Jackson Black label for Debenhams.
Which pieces are on your autumn/winter wish list?
A large black cashmere wrap with fringes – it’s such an essential part of a winter wardrobe. And shoes from Marni.
Top fashion dos and don'ts?
Do take a risk and try a new shape, colour or proportion each season.
Do go for quality over quantity. It's better to have a couple of great, well-designed, versatile pieces in great fabric that will always look good than cheaper items that have to be thrown away after a couple of outings (CW loves this Bella Freud sweater).
Don’t follow fashion slavishly. It’s there to excite and stimulate so make sure you interpret the trends that suit you and your lifestyle and enjoy it.
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
Manon at the Royal Opera House, and Ade Edmondson in a new play at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Couldn’t be two more different events! I’m also hoping to see Sylvie Guillaume dance in November.
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
The V&A is my absolute favourite but the Matisse Cut out exhibition at Tate Modern is probably the best show I have ever seen.
The Dulwich Picture Gallery has also had some great exhibitions on recently; David Hockney and then the Nicholsons.
Do you consider fashion an art form?
Yes. If you consider the colour, texture and form of a garment and the creativity that goes into each process of fabric-making, shape-making and detail, it’s art! And clothes should be as magical and uplifting as a great piece of art or a wonderful exhibition.
What was the last book you read?
The Secret River by Kate Grenville.
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
I have been going to Portobello Road for years and it’s always interesting and exciting. Friday morning for vintage clothes, or lunch at the Electric. Our office is around the corner so it’s easy to just walk over and see what’s going on.
Best weekend brunch in London?
The Wolseley does a great brunch on Sunday mornings, and in the summer, the roof at Shoreditch House is hard to beat.
Favourite websites or apps?
Tune in radio for when I travel and can’t sleep if I’m in a different time zone, and Words with Friends.I currently have 12 games on the go.
How do you relax?
I pretend to garden! Someone else does all the hard work and I wander around dead heading a few plants. I also watch back-to-back episodes of box sets or on Netflix.
Which pieces are on your autumn/winter wish list?
A large black cashmere wrap with fringes – it’s such an essential part of a winter wardrobe. And shoes from Marni.
Top fashion dos and don'ts?
Do take a risk and try a new shape, colour or proportion each season.
Do go for quality over quantity. It's better to have a couple of great, well-designed, versatile pieces in great fabric that will always look good than cheaper items that have to be thrown away after a couple of outings (CW loves this Bella Freud sweater).
Don’t follow fashion slavishly. It’s there to excite and stimulate so make sure you interpret the trends that suit you and your lifestyle and enjoy it.
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
Manon at the Royal Opera House, and Ade Edmondson in a new play at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Couldn’t be two more different events! I’m also hoping to see Sylvie Guillaume dance in November.
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
The V&A is my absolute favourite but the Matisse Cut out exhibition at Tate Modern is probably the best show I have ever seen.
The Dulwich Picture Gallery has also had some great exhibitions on recently; David Hockney and then the Nicholsons.
Do you consider fashion an art form?
Yes. If you consider the colour, texture and form of a garment and the creativity that goes into each process of fabric-making, shape-making and detail, it’s art! And clothes should be as magical and uplifting as a great piece of art or a wonderful exhibition.
What was the last book you read?
The Secret River by Kate Grenville.
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
I have been going to Portobello Road for years and it’s always interesting and exciting. Friday morning for vintage clothes, or lunch at the Electric. Our office is around the corner so it’s easy to just walk over and see what’s going on.
Best weekend brunch in London?
The Wolseley does a great brunch on Sunday mornings, and in the summer, the roof at Shoreditch House is hard to beat.
Favourite websites or apps?
Tune in radio for when I travel and can’t sleep if I’m in a different time zone, and Words with Friends.I currently have 12 games on the go.
How do you relax?
I pretend to garden! Someone else does all the hard work and I wander around dead heading a few plants. I also watch back-to-back episodes of box sets or on Netflix.
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