Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury.
Charlotte Tilbury’s long list of favourite designers includes Tom Ford and John Galliano.Credit: Getty Images
How would you describe your style? Eclectic, bohemian, glam rock and sometimes medieval.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have so many vintage pieces. The oldest is probably my 18th-century Iberian emerald chandelier earrings.
And the most recent addition? A 1930s chiffon boudoir gown in a gorgeous vampy red. It’s very “old Hollywood”.
What would you wear … on a first date? A Saint Laurent LBD with Gianvito Rossi heels and a scent halo of “Love Frequency” and “More Sex” from my Emotions fragrance collection. … on a plane? I wear Lululemon leggings with a cashmere Intimissimi boatneck top, cashmere Loro Piana cardigan, Saint Laurent cowboy boots and my “Immediate Eye Revival” patches, so I arrive glowing. … on the red carpet? The Atelier Versace dress, designed by my friend Donatella, that I wore to the 2023 Met Gala was a work of art.
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What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the old Hollywood glamour of the 1950s, the flared Studio 54 silhouettes of the 1970s and, of course, the 1990s, when I started my career as a make-up artist. It was such an exciting time to be working in the fashion and beauty industry. We created so many looks that are re-emerging on TikTok today.
Who is your favourite designer? I can’t pick a favourite, but I love Galliano, Saint Laurent, Alaïa, Versace, Valentino and Tom Ford.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I carry my “Emotions” fragrance collection with me at all times. I layer them, whether it’s the jasmine and sweet vanilla of “Joyphoria” or the distilled rose and patchouli of “Love Frequency”. They’re my invisible superpowers.

