What's Trending With…Jenny Packham

What's Trending With…Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham is a celebrity red carpet favorite—for good reason. The British designer had impeccable taste and a knack for styling Hollywood's hottest so that they look both well put together and effortless.

It's no wonder that she's an event go-to for celebs like Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon, as well as royal mom-to-be Kate Middleton (who wore a standout cerulean Jenny Packham creation to an Olympic concert event last year, and has continued to wear the designer while pregnant).

We caught up with Packham recently and got to ask about her current obsessions. Here's what she shared:

What's your favorite gown in your collection that's been worn by a celebrity?
There's been so many. I loved the dress that Adele wore to the Oscars. I thought [she] was so lovely to do because she was so excited to be there and to win so that was wonderful. That was quite a moment for us.

Which celebrity would you love to dress for an event?
I love to dress Kirsten Dunst. Natalie Portman, wonderful. Maybe Cate Blanchett or Nicole Kidman.

Are there any particular designers or stores that you love to go to?
There are people that I like looking at their collections. I like Dries. I love his stuff with colors and prints. Maybe not always the soft shapes for me but I just like looking at the textures and embroidery. I'm a big Prada fan. I always think that they seem to fit me well.

What's in your makeup bag?
Well, [my makeup bag] is a table that looks like a Laura Mercier counter. They have a product called Caviar Sticks, which are great. I use a lot of their products. I use their primers. What I really like about their makeup and brand is all about they're kind of very fresh.  They do this lovely, sort of dewy look.

What's your favorite place to go to when you're in LA or New York?
We went to Little Door [in Los Angeles]. I love a café for breakfast. We also went to Koi. Vintage shopping—we do a lot of that—and Decades. I haven't had as much time as I'd like but I don't know. Everything's been so different here. It's sort of relaxing yet I can get a lot of work done.

Do you have any gadgets that you always take with you when you travel to help you get through your day?
Music is really important for me—I find it really relaxing. I love my Kindle, and I have a mini iPad. I have a lot of gadgets.

Where do you get your inspirations from?
Every season is a different thing. Maybe somewhere that I've been. Last year, I went to Las Vegas and just thought "Oh dear this isn't what I imagined it to be" so I thought I'd go ahead and create what I thought it was. At this point, I'm looking for a lot of inspirations for the next show. You [are] suddenly sort of noticing everything and jotting down details. But you have to be quite mindful that you don't pick the wrong thing.  You have to think it through and [ask yourself] if this is a good inspiration for the show. Sometimes I can get so carried away with an idea that I have to stop and think, "This just isn't working. It's not suitable."

Are you going on vacation anywhere this summer?
No, not yet. Last year I did that Himalayas so I [had] to get fit for that.

Do you have a workout regimen or classes that you love to take?
I'm more [into] outside walking or going to the gym maybe twice a week.


What gives you energy when you're working?
Just a coffee frappuccino. But the food here is to die for. There's nothing like this in London. It is amazing. The taste…Just the fact that you can get your hands on really healthy things really easily. In London, you know, you generally make wine food if you're going to lunch. You've got it all here.