Riddle me this… Nancy Meiland
We cross question the British perfumer Nancy Meiland as her latest collection is launched in Harvey Nichols
If you knew then what you know now… would you still do it..?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but when all’s said and done, je regrette rien.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t live in the shadow of the past. Speak from the heart and with conviction. Bless all those around you.
What’s the weirdest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
Strangely I’ve been called Nancy Miliband quite a few times so you could say people think I’m Ed Miliband’s wife…!?!?
What was your biggest break?
Meeting perfumer and mentor Anastasia Brozler. I didn’t realise what I had been gifted when I started out as her apprentice, cleaning thousands of little vials in her St James’s fragrance library. Anastasia was generous and inspiring and believed in me.
Do you consider yourself lucky?
I’ve been blessed at times with luck, synchronicity and a definite feeling of benevolence. But it’s also what you make.
What’s most important in your life?
Eye contact. And an authentic connection with those I love.
What brands do you admire?
Astier de Villate, Dyptique, Bloomingville, Frederik Malle, Liberty, Madeleine Boulestrix.
Do you have a guilty pleasure – if so what is it?
A daily cat nap – whenever and wherever possible. I’m like a budgie with a blanket thrown over its cage, anytime, anywhere. I either reset with a little sleep or endless cups of tea…
Describe your own personal sense of style?
Eclectic when dressed up. Outdoorsy when dressed down. But like good perfume, it’s a case you should wear “it” not let “it” wear you. 