My London: Julien MacDonald

Where do you live and why?

I live on Portobello Road because it's the most exciting place in London. I've lived there for seven years.
Where were the last three places you went on holiday?

I went to Rio for the New Year celebrations. Everyone dresses in white and goes down to the beach on New Year's Eve - it's fantastic. I spent a week in Ibiza in the summer but it felt like a year because I hardly slept. There were about 15 of us in this massive villa. It was one non-stop party. Hawaii is somewhere I wouldn't recommend. It's very Americanised and not the hula-hula place you imagine it to be.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Hire a driver and don't forget to have tea at the Ritz. Who's in your secret address book?

There's a great pawnbroker at the end of All Saints Road. It's called Jewellery and is the most modern pawnbroker I've ever come across. The interior is concrete and glass and they have live lizards in a tank downstairs. You can get Gucci, Tiffany and general bric-a-brac, too. The prices are fantastic.

What is your most memorable London meal?

Last December I was invited to a VIP lunch by Lord Snowdon at the Dorchester. Tom Ford was there, just to give you an idea of how VIP it was. The food was amazing and there were at least ten courses. The Oliver Messel suite, where it was held, is the most ultra-decorative room. What is your earliest memory of London?

Getting lost on the Underground. I rarely use public transport now but when I do get on the bus, I always feel like a big kid on a day trip.

Harvey Nicks or Selfridges?

Selfridges. It's much younger, it's vibrant and it's where I buy my underwear.

What are your favourite home comforts?

Scented candles by Jo Malone. I love exotic plants too. My place in Portobello Road is like an oasis - there are palm trees and cacti all over the place.

What are your extravagances?

Chocolates. I'm always in Harrods buying truffles and cakes. Its food hall does the best coffee puffs in London.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? I'd make sure that there was a 24-hour carnival in London - just like in Rio.

What is your life philosophy?

Smile, be happy and enjoy life because it only happens once.

Do you have a favourite pub?

I don't like pubs, so I usually go to bars instead. The Purple Bar at the Sanderson is my favourite. A new one I went to recently is the Lonsdale on Lonsdale Road. I recommend their banana coladas.

Good read

What was the last book you bought?

I hate reading so I always buy picture books. The last book I bought was Elizabeth Taylor's My Love Affair with Jewelry. It's dripping with rocks.

Retail therapy

What are your favourite shops?

Tesco Metro, just around the corner from my house, and Tiffany. I recently bought a diamond stud from there.

Top tracks

Romeo's new album. 'It's All

Gravy' is my favourite track.

Can't do without

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

Fish and chips. My favourite fish and chip shop is George's at the end of Portobello Road. It happens to be Jamie Oliver's favourite, too.

Dramatic moment

What was the last play you saw in London and did you enjoy it?

Up For Grabs with Madonna at Wyndham's Theatre. I was so close, it was like observing a best friend. Normally I fall asleep during plays, but the action was non-stop - she was brilliant.

Spring wardrobe

What is in your spring wardrobe?

My white Valentino cashmere coat and my Goyard luggage. It's the most exclusive luggage in the world and you can only buy it in Paris on the Faubourg St Honoré. I've got my initials, JSM, on the set.

How do you get around town?

In my black Ford Street Ka.

Fragrance

What cologne do you wear?

Jo Malone --Lime, Basil & Mandarin.