The talented British actress Romola Garai spoke to guest blogger Jenny Dyson at our Spring Summer 2012 show.

What’s your take on Mulberry’s new collection?

I absolutely love it. It’s so fun and playful. The Sixties mood, the tweedy sportswear, the colour and humour, and the lollipop coloured bags!

How important is fashion to you?

As an actor, if the costumes are wrong it really throws you off. As a woman, clothing is costume. You adapt your clothes to your state of mind and the way you want to be perceived. When I’m preparing for a new role, the collaboration with the costume designer is so crucial. When I was working on The Hour, my character was originally written as uber-glam. I felt quite strongly that wasn’t right; she was a woman working in a very male environment, not wanting to draw attention to herself, so in the end my wardrobe was much more prim. I feel a bit suspicious about 1950s costumes. I think if movies and television series turn into fashion parades they become too self conscious.

Talking of consciousness, it’s time to delve into yours. What’s behind you?

Probably a giant inflatable donkey.

What’s above you?

The enormous Claridge’s chandelier!

What’s below you?

The hot pink carpet I just spilt lemonade on and tried to pretend Brix Smith-Start’s dog weed.

What’s beside you?

You are!

Where are your worries?

Still in bed.

Where are your fears?

On my laptop.

Who is with you?

My sisters. I have one older and one younger. They are always in my mind.

What is your idea of happiness?

I suppose it would be a pie.

Where is your favourite place?

Shropshire.

Describe your perfect day.

Bed, food, sex, food, bed.

What shape is your mind?

The shape of a cupcake.

What do you collect?

Books.

What colour are you most drawn to?

Pale pink.

Do you have recurring dreams?
I sometimes dream I’m at home and everyone I know is having a party in the street outside, but I can’t find the keys to my house to get out. They don’t know I’m there. And I really want to go.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A writer. But I tried it recently and discovered I was not very good at it!

Playtime is…

Reading on my bed maybe with a hot chocolate. I’m currently reading the Life of Montaigne by Sarah Bakewell and it’s very gripping.

What is your earliest memory?

Trying to make a friendship bracelet.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Probably a guinea pig.

THE END
Among her many secret plans and movie projects, Romola Garai starts filming series two of The Hour imminently.