My London: Natalia Vodianova

Home is…

Where my children are, which at the moment is Paris, in the 7th arrondissement.

Best meal?

Pelmeni (dumplings) at Mari Vanna, a Russian restaurant in Knightsbridge.

Last play you saw?

The musical Hair with my son Lucas. We loved it, but I don’t go to musicals very often, I don’t like them as much as going to the ballet in Russia.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you in London?

I was having lunch at San Lorenzo with my husband [Justin Portman, now her ex] and he got up, saying he was going outside for a cigarette. He actually went into a vintage jewellery shop next door and bought me a beautiful diamond necklace. The best gifts are when they are completely unexpected.

Where do you stay in London?

Normally at The Dorchester. It has a homely atmosphere that I haven’t found anywhere else.

Building you’d most like to live in?

Big Ben would make a nice pad. The view would be amazing.

Best place for a first date?

The Wolseley. I’ve just sent my little sister on a lunch date there.

Favourite London club?

I like the atmosphere at The Arts Club on Dover Street.

First thing you do when you come to London?

Visit Philip Kingsley on Green Street to get my hair done.

What would you do as Mayor?

I would work on the bicycle lanes. It’s still far more dangerous to cycle here than in Paris.

Best place for letting your hair down?

The Box. I have good memories of dancing there.

Building you’d like to be locked in overnight?

The Natural History Museum, without my mobile phone, so I could learn and explore.

Best place for a nightcap?

The Red Room at the Dunhill club in Mayfair because it’s never overcrowded.

Guilty pleasure?

It’s not what it is, it’s how much of it... It’s not really guilty if you eat very little, but I love dulce de leche ice cream and can sit and eat a whole tub.

Who are your heroes?

Audrey Hepburn, who was one of the first actresses to undertake charity work [for Unicef] and make a difference with her life. Diane von Furstenberg is my living inspiration, she’s in her sixties and is still incredibly sexy and beautiful.

What music are you listening to?

The National and The xx. When I’m modelling I listen to Madonna and Beth Ditto, because I need something fun and sexy.

Favourite shops?

I love Dover Street Market and Couture Lab on Grosvenor Crescent Mews for cool clothes. I don’t always buy things when I go but I like to see what’s out there. Harrods used to be my corner shop when I lived in London and I love it because you can literally find an elephant if you want. It’s also the flagship store for Guerlain so I make sure I pop by to see the new goodies. I used to buy my Russian food staples from The Merchant’s Yard, a Russian deli [now closed] on Beauchamp Place.

Best advice you’ve been given?

‘Learn to say no.’ The president of Calvin Klein told me that quite early on in my modelling career.

What animal would you most like to be?

A panther or a jaguar, because they’re fast, free and beautiful.

At the moment you are…

Setting up a new Naked Heart Foundation office in Paris, finalising my move there and getting ready for Christmas. I will be celebrating this year with my boyfriend [Antoine Arnault] and his family.

What do you collect?

I love buying modern art.

Natalia Vodianova is the face of Guerlain