Amanda Wakeley: StyleDNA

In this episode of Style DNA I go on a style journey with the founder and CEO of the Rodial beauty empire, entrepreneur, author and former Dragon’s Den investor, the fabulous Maria Hatzistefanis.
Maria’s story begins on a tiny Greek island where, as a young girl, she spent her pocket money on fashion magazines, creating mood boards of the life she hoped to one day live. Decades later, she rediscovered them and realised she had become the woman she had imagined all those years ago.
We talk about being fired from her banking job, launching Rodial 25 years ago, building a global beauty brand without outside investment, and the lessons behind her latest book How To Make Your First Million.
Stylistically, Maria describes her Style DNA as restrained, elegant and sporty, favouring tailoring, monochrome dressing, beautiful overcoats and timeless pieces over trends.
This is a conversation about ambition, resilience, personal style and building the life you once dreamed about.
Thank you Maria for such an inspiring conversation x.

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