Where were you born?

The Netherlands.

Where do you live?

Richmond, London.

Which is your favourite area in London?

The South Bank.

What is a typical day like for you in the build-up to show day?

I either go to the head office in Hertfordshire where the sample room is based or I travel to the handful of factories we work with who produce external sampling for us and check the process. In between I drop by the press office in central London to see how that end of things is going. There are also a great deal of meetings in the run up to Fashion Week and the last four days we hunker down in a photography studio in east London to focus on castings, fittings, soundtrack and running order. As you can tell, I spend a lot of time in transit.

What makes style in London different from anywhere else? London is the most eclectic and adventurous fashion capital in the world, while British style fuses a grand heritage with a wide range of tastes and cultures in a really special way. I’ve travelled a lot and have not seen it duplicated or done better elsewhere. I never get tired of peoplewatching in London.

What shows are you most looking forward to this season? In London, my own, of course, but in Paris it’s Céline and in Milan it’s Prada.

Which is your favourite restaurant during Fashion Week?

It usually ends up being take away, unfortunately, but Bar Italia Soho on Frith Street is great for the best late-night ciabatta and café latte.

Which is your favourite show space?

If you want to secure attendance you can’t get too adventurous or go too far off the beaten track. I think the BFC Gallery at Somerset House will be a great catwalk venue this season.

Which are your favourite boutiques?

These are oldies but still good: Dover Street Market on Dover Street in London, Colette on rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, and Corso Como in Milan. They are boutiques that you can walk into and see the most desirable clothes, accessories, books and gadgets.

And your favourite department store?

Bon Marché in Paris, Barneys New York or Liberty of London. They stock the best of everything.

Which is your favourite shopping city?

London for tailoring and winterwear and Los Angeles for summer pieces and vintage research.

And your favourite international store?

H&M is pretty incredible. You can go into an H&M store wherever you land in the world and get whatever is missing in your wardrobe.

What are your tips for surviving Fashion Week?

Caffeine, water and lots of help from your nearest and dearest in the run-up to the day – and alcohol when it’s done.