The best interviews are often the most personal. In Loves of My Life, we get to know the person behind their craft, asking them the important questions we're desperate to know—the restaurants and date-night spots, what's in their Saved folder on Instagram, the piece of jewellery they're most attached to and what's lurking at the bottom of their handbag. In short, these are the true loves of their life. Next up is the founder and designer behind KLAYD, Paula Anselmi.
What's your #1 restaurant to visit in the world, and what do you order?
Imperial Treasure Paris, and it has to be the Pecking Duck. It is literally the best; it melts like an ice cream in your mouth. I have always loved Chinese food and this is the best that I have ever eaten, including back in Asia.
Is there anything in your wardrobe that you're particularly sentimental about?
Anything from KLAYD basics. They're a reminder of why I’m trying to achieve my dreams. Body fitted basics have been everything to me ever since I was a teenager, and they play a big part not only in my style and everyday wardrobe, but also in my life as I have found my purpose and created my brand around this particular style.
What would we always find lurking in the bottom of your handbag?
Dior Lip Oil, hair ties, and perfume samples! The Dior lip oil is my go-to product especially in the winter months—I don’t leave the house without it. And of course, I’m a mum of two now, so I always have toys or my son’s unwrapped, leftover snacks in the bottom of my bag somewhere.
What's your signature scent?
Anything with rose. Always loved Byredo Lil Fleur, it's been a favourite ever since I discovered it, and now I would always look for rose based scents from other perfumes, even for home spray too.
If you could only holiday in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?
Bali! It's my safe place. The vibes, food, slow living and lifestyle—it really is paradise. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and as a family, we often go to Bali for holidays, so it has always had a special place in my heart. Now that I have a family of my own, my kids and husband also love to spend our holidays there too, to create our own memories.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan in Bali, Indonesia.
We've caught you on a rare day off. What are you doing with your spare time?
Easy, Netflix and chilling. I really like to have a time on my own to recharge. I’m a person who really loves having private space and time, so I would definitely spend my rare day off relaxing, watching Netflix or having a long bath time with a cup of tea.
What's your secret date-night spot?
It’s very simple actually... my living room. My husband and I can also be ourselves without worrying of being too loud or disturbing other people. We love to tell jokes and cook together.
What's one item of clothing you would never part with, and why?
My KLAYD basics, they complete my style. Body fitted basics are my staple, and. now that I have my own brand, it literally becomes part of me. Jersey has always been the foundation for most outfits, and with basics it’s so easy to dress them up with jewellery and heels for a night out, but then also keep things really casual for the school run and day-to-day errands
What's your current most-played on Spotify?
Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Every time I hear this song it uplifts me and a reminder, that no matter who you are, you can always be and achieve anything in this world
What's your favourite IG account to follow, and why?
Bettina Looney, I love her vibe and style. I have always loved classy vibe, and she is the most relatable person I look up to.
If we looked through your Saved folder on IG, what would we find?
Funny reels and food places. Funny reels, mostly to boost my mood, but food places as my husband and I love to explore different type of restaurants in London. London has so many restaurants from different cultures, and it's one of the things we absolutely love about the city.
Where is your favourite place for inspiration and your favourite place for fun?
My favourite places for inspiration are usually city breaks. Being in London inspires me as that is where I created my business, but we also travel a lot, so I like taking inspiration from the different cities we go to. For fun, I love the beach, nothing beats sun and sea. We went to Ibiza this summer as a family and stayed at Six Senses and it was amazing.
What's one beauty or self-care item you can't live without?
Lipstick! Especially if you're having a lazy day with no make up on, lipstick can make a difference to your whole look. Makes you look and feel fresh!
What are your top three favourite movies of all time?
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker—such an inspirational movie, Just Go With It—my mood booster if I'm having a my bad day, and The Devil Wears Prada for style and fashion inspo.
What's one piece of advice that someone you love gave to you that has always stuck?
"Your past should not define your future."
Who are your professional and personal heroes?
It has to be my husband and my Dad. Because if they believe in me, I believe I can do anything in the world. They are my main support system.
Who is/are the love(s) of your life?
My husband, my son and my daughter. They are everything and my purpose in life
What is the love of your life?
Any time someone sees me as me, and not what I did or do.
SHOP PAULA'S STYLE:
