My London: Supermodel Natalia Vodianova on baubles, Bulgari and the best skincare in town

Home is…

Paris, along with my husband and my five children.

When in London, where do you stay?

The Bulgari, or Chiltern Firehouse. I alternate depending on what I’m what I’m doing and how long I would stay. Bulgari has a great spa and is very private. Whereas Chiltern Firehouse is exactly the opposite! I see a lot more people there and the vibe is of course, very different and it’s fun. I get to have some drinks with friends.

Which shops do you rely on?

I love Selfridges, it’s just a really great department store. Then I’d also go to Harrods, but once I go in I can’t get out. I love Harrods for Christmas, I buy personalised baubles for my children every year.

What’s the best meal you’ve had?

I love brunch, and The Wolseley is so the best brunch place for me. I really miss that experience of the traditional, delicious, classic brunch.

Where would you most like to be buried?

The National History Museum. I always loved going with my children to the section where they put all the different animals in jars. These things frozen in time — it’s so strange and spooky but it’s one of my favourite places.

If you could buy any building in London and live there, which would it be?

I felt quite peaceful in Westminster Abbey. You know, the decoration is a bit outdated, but I can work with that.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?

Well, I’m a co-founder of the app Locals, which uses technology to get people to meet in real life. So I think the best thing would be to just actually take phones away for a day.

Who is the most iconic Londoner?

Stella McCartney. In my industry she has been so important in showing the way you can have a successful brand while still completely keeping to your values. She’s an icon.

What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?

‘Hello, love!’ These big words that are very cab driver, like ‘darlin’ — I just love it.

Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?

I’m very boring, I’d pee my pants if I had.

Where do you go to let your hair down?

In my case, I would be going to a friend’s house for some karaoke. I really have to let my hair down in privacy and comfort, it’s a big deal for me. But if I come back to the hotel still singing to my husband, he knows ‘she’s had a good night’.

What is your London beauty secret?

Doctor Anita Sturnham’s clinic, Nuriss. This is someone who’s dedicated their life to what they’re talking about. You have to come with all your products and she dissects it for you to really strip down to what you need. I think in today’s frenzy of skincare, it is so easy to get lost. So it’s a fantastic experience.

What’s your favourite beauty spot?

I love the face massage at FaceGym in Selfridges. I do a lot of self-massage, but it’s nice when someone else does it!

What’s your favourite work of art?

I just want to go and see the new Banksy, I was going to try to find time today.

What are you up to for work right now?

I’m working with Guerlain, I’m really proud of them. They recently hired seven autistic people in their factories and it’s wonderful to see when you’re working with a company and they do things you believe in.

Who is your hero?

My grandmother (a beautiful embroiderer), my mother (who raised us alone and never lost hope with my sister) and my sister Oksanda, who is nonverbal and was born with multiple disabilities. Oksanda is my teacher, her joy is so inspiring.

Natalia Vodianova is the new ambassador for Decree skincare by Dr Anita Sturnham (thedecree.com)