My London: Hardy Amies

Where do you live and why? Oxfordshire - it suits me. I rebuilt an old village schoolhouse in the same village as my sister and I still get tremendous pleasure from the building and garden every day.

Are you a member of any club? Buck's Club, just around the corner from the house at Savile Row. I used to have a regular lunch table there, and they serve the original buck's fizz.

What was the last book you bought? Holy Dread by James Lees-Milne.

Do you have a favourite restaurant in London? 1 Launceston Place. In fact, I celebrated my 92nd birthday there last year with friends and colleagues from the house.

What keeps you awake at night? The only thing that keeps me awake at night now is my bladder.

When did you last lose something valuable and what was it? My mouchoir [handkerchief]. If anybody sees it, I would be grateful if they could return it to Savile Row.

What is the most beautiful London landmark? 14 Savile Row. I first discovered it in 1945 as a bomb-torn wreck and spent many months putting it back together at the same time as we created our first collection, sometimes with tarpaulin over our heads to cover the dressmakers while they sewed. Today, it is looking as splendid as ever, with a wonderful new collection on display.

And the ugliest? The Queen Mother's Gate, Hyde Park.

What is the last film/play you saw in London? Did you enjoy it? I prefer the opera.

Where is the most intimidating place in London? I am never intimidated by anything. It is always a privilege to visit Buckingham Palace for a fitting with the Queen. Life is too short to feel intimidated.

What don't you leave London without? Haste.

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done? I've never been embarrassed by anything I have done in my life.

Admit to one thing you've done in London that you've never told anyone before. Mind your own business.

When did you last lose your temper? Two seconds ago. I am not the most tolerant couturier in the world.

Where did you last blow £2,000 and what was it on? Me, yesterday - and I am certainly not going to tell you what it was.

What's the first piece of advice you'd give a London tourist? Go home. I would say that in the nicest possible way, of course, but London really is busy enough with those of us who work here.

What was the last conversation you had with a London cabbie? I have a driver - I don't remember the last time I travelled in a London taxi. My driver and I talk about everything under the sun.

If you were invisible for a day, where would you go in London and what would you do? I can't imagine wishing to be invisible. I have spent my life making other people look their best. Who on earth would want to look invisible?

Give us your best tip for overcoming depression. Order a new suit. The feeling of being dressed in precisely the right way by someone who knows exactly what they are doing tends to overcome even the most morbid of thoughts.

What's the most overrated thing in London? British fashion designers who are really doing little more than selling perfumes.

What do you miss most when you're out of London? Its sophistication.

Have you ever been a victim of violence in London? Only by the taxman - a common crime, I am led to understand.

What is the most expensive meal you've had in London and who did you eat with? I have no idea, I am afraid, there have been so many since 1945!

What is your most memorable night out? The one I haven't had yet.

What is your favourite view? Looking out at my garden from my dining-room window at Langford. It has been photographed many times, but I still gain something new from it every time I look.

What and where is your favourite painting or work of art? The Winter Queen, in my drawing room at Langford.

What last made you cry? Losing a close friend.

Where in London would you have your ashes scattered? Nowhere.

If your house were on fire, which three things would you rescue? My favourite raglan-sleeved Savile Row suit, my coral cuff links and a clean pair of underpants.

Hardy Amies' first catwalk show will be held during London Fashion Week, on 21 February

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