In the style court of Shepherd’s Bush in west London, Alexandra Foulkes is the power behind the throne.
Share:
"She is by far the most popular thing about me,” Nick Foulkes, The Rake’s Contributing Editor, said of his wife, Alexandra, during his 50th birthday speech. It was a pithy dedication that had everyone chuckling but no one disagreeing, and for someone with famously perfect taste, there is no greater evidence of it than in his spouse. But enough about him. Alexandra, a former Press Attaché at Cartier and a one-time budding fashion designer has always had her finger on the style industry’s pulse, and while she claims that her now distinctive sense of style “came about in the last 10 years”, she has forever been fascinated by the trade. “I always thought I was going to be a fashion designer when I was growing up,” she says. She came to the (modest) conclusion that she was not quite up to standard. She studied journalism instead, during which she began to understand the role of public and press relations, and decided she could play a role in promoting fashion. These days she has a more confident and defined style. “I like old stuff, I don’t get excited about anything contemporary,” she says.
It was wonderful to have an audience with her, and no doubt she will become by far the most popular thing about this issue of The Rake.
A collection of things that Alexandra has bought on holiday, after trawling markets and neat shops where she thought she might find something ornate, unusual or fun.
A trio of special watches: Patek Philippe Ellipse, the jewellery watch bought at Somlo in Burlington Arcade, the ring watch from the Piccadilly Vaults.
This chest is the first gift Nick brought her from Cuba. On top are three rings from Grima, her favourite jewellery brand.
“I like nothing more than buying something cheap and making it look expensive,” says Alexandra, who, showing her discerning eye, took these shoes from John Lewis and bought the kilties from J.M. Weston to add on top.
It is the couple’s 35th wedding anniversary this year.
Alexandra’s scent du jour, Vétiver d’Haïti au Thé Vert. Chopard may have more of a trade in watches and jewellery, but Alexandra “drinks this stuff”, she admits.
This sixties owl ring by Gene Moore for Tiffany is a find of Nick’s. He had to concede that it did not fit, and was therefore adopted by Alexandra. “Every time I wear it, he reminds me it is his,” she says.
Alexandraisnotasmoker:theashtraywas her grandfather’s. It sat at his side-table andwasasmuchapartofhimashis voice.
