The Steeple Times asks ‘Queen of Jeans’ Donna Ida: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My own ambition.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I think Ivana Trump trumped everyone when she said “don’t get even, get everything”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2014?
Intolerance. Be nice.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
The sea, relaxation and not having anything to think about.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Health.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I would love the banks to drive themselves into a position of irrelevance. I think we’re close.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
Diet.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I am a patron of Jeans for Genes and actively support them through Donna Ida. I am a generous person and if I have something I usually give it. I don’t like to be too greedy.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I am one of the most inappropriate users so am at risk of being blown up myself. I am at the point of having to lock my phone in the boot before I get into the car.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Elton John, Kate Moss, Ari Onassis, Marilyn, JFK, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Richie, our friends Bill and Pat Anton from America (who would probably buy the carriage for prosperity at the other end) and my husband Bobby Dazzler to take it all in with me.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Pasta with shaved white truffle washed down with champagne. I would eat it on a PJ which was getting me the hell out of there.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
On holiday: 11am. Christmas Day: The minute you open your eyes. Any other day: 5pm.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Ones that are for me. That way I won’t be trying to make awkward conversations with people before my second drink.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My husband. He comes only second to me.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A nap in the afternoon or eating as much chocolate and cake as I want.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
The ying yang symbol.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A 1950 Porsche Speedster.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That my last name isn’t Ida.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A lot of Rachel Vosper candles.
Donna Ida was born in Sydney and is now widely known as the “Jean Queen”. She owns boutiques in Belgravia, Chelsea and Guildford and is the “lady who knows what jeans suit ladies best”.
Follow her on Twitter at @donnaaida.
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