15 questions for Marianne Fassler

1. Which publication do you read every day?

I don't really call it “reading" because I follow my favorite publications on Twitter and if I'm interested in a column or story I go to the website. Vrye Weekblad makes it easy because they, The New York Times and Daily Maverick send stories directly to my e-mail … it's a luxury to have time.

2. What do you look at first when you meet someone?

To the whole, the eyes, the smile. I feel an aura easily.

3. Your guilty pleasure?

A nap and Birkenstock Arizonas with the soft sheepskin lining. I have them in every colour.

4. Your favourite restaurant?

My kitchen table/any table full of people and delicious food and wine.

5. Hotel?

Oh, it brings back so many memories, but my favourite hotel is any one that welcomes me with the words, “Your room is ready." Especially if you land early after a long flight. In my dreams I often return to RAAS Devigarh near Udaipur in India and Hotel Metropole in Venice.

6. Shopping?

The natural art shop Deyrolle in Paris and the Crazy Store in every small town in the country.

7. Designer?

I am quite diverse in my tastes. I like Martin Margiela, and Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons. I also always have a soft spot for Jean Paul Gaultier's sense of humour.

8. Museum?

Love museums. Of course all the big art institutions around the world and then also the small ones, like Sir John Soane's in London or Le Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature  in Paris.

9. Karl Lagerfeld. Your feelings about him?

King Karl was unique in his way of doing and living. “I am very much down to earth, just not this earth," was one of his sayings. I also try, like him, to live in the moment. “Keep the best, forget the rest." He was of course also the most prolific designer ever and brilliant at reinventing.

10. The most expensive item of clothing you have ever bought?

Anything I never or hardly ever wore. It's always a waste of money.

11. Describe your dream home? And where is it?

A home is where your heart is. Charles [Bothner, her husband] and I live in our dream homes: a rambling family home in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, a pied-à-terre in one of the Disa Park towers in Cape Town, and a log cabin in Nature's Valley in the Tsitsikamma.

12. Your best accessory?

My dreadlocks.

13. Which historical character would you like to meet?   

La Marchesa Luisa Casati. She was an Italian heiress, muse and patron of the arts in the last century. 

14. What is the highlight of your life?

 Hopefully it's still ahead of me. How sad when your peak is behind you!

15. What are you working on at the moment?

I enrich myself — “re-wilding" is how I describe it. I'm experiencing that wonderful Mary Oliver insight from #myonewildandpreciouslife. I say no to nothing and feel energy and excitement in my every breath. In the meantime, I'm having a great time playing in my studio. Yes, #leopardfrock is still alive, but it has a new “edge".

♦ VWB ♦

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