26 May, 2015
Daisy Lowe doesn't seem to spend much time sitting still, even when she's relaxing in her favourite holiday spot in Palm Springs. The model, sometimes actress, author and chef is constantly on the go, but I managed to interview her while she was bridal underwear shopping (for a friend) at Agent Provocateur. Surprisingly grounded with a passionate, creative streak, this talented multi-tasker seemed to perfectly embody the spirit of the place that she says inspires her most in the world, Palm Springs.
SERENA GUEN: Last year we saw the launch of your cookbook Sweetness and Light. You clearly have an appreciation for food, healthier food obviously. What are some of the best meals you've had anywhere around the world?
DAISY LOWE: There are so many! My dad got us to go to a restaurant in London called Dinings, which was the greatest sushi I've ever had. I don't think it's one that my wallet can handle going to very often, but it is really amazing. The lighting isn't so amazing though so don't take dates there.
In New York, there's a Korean barbecue spot, where all of the chefs (as well as Anthony Bourdain) go called Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong. It's like the chef hangout in K-Town. Order the pork neck, Wagyu beef and beef tartar. I've never had anything like it, it was unreal.
Finally at Soho House Istanbul there is an amazing restaurant on the roof called the Mandolin. I went there with my family just last month, and we ate there two nights in a row and still they're two of our greatest meals altogether as a family to date.
"I'm really lucky, I have a really lucky life."
SG: Although you love food (I'm not sure where you put it!), you clearly keep in very good shape and are an advocate of healthy, clean eating. Have you always had this attitude?
DL: I have a speedy metabolism but I'm also a curvy girl, and I've always tried to embrace that because I think it's really important to promote femininity and make other women feel good about their bodies. I really wanted to look after my body from the inside out. So I went on a quest for healthier things in my early 20s, and started making them for my family and friends. Then I started getting far too many requests and I was like: "Guys, you do realise I have a real job? I can't keep making you chocolate and cookies!" My mum encouraged me to share my cooking with everyone so that's when we started the meetings, and luckily someone wanted to do it. You know, I'm not trying to be a chef, I know I'm not a chef, I just love cooking, and cooking with love, and it was just about being me really.
SG: It seems like you had a shift in priorities, what's important to you in life?
DL: I've been brought up to be very generous with my time, energy and all of my resources. My favourite thing to do is to help my friends, and the people that I love. I spend a lot of time pouring my energy into a bottomless hole. Yeah, it comes back, but since doing it I've been able to give my energy to people and that give back and love me too, not people that take me for granted. And I've learned how to speak up for myself, and have power, not to be afraid. I'm so grateful for that, because it totally changed the whole landscape of my existence. I'm so much happier, I have friends that I love and adore, they make my life so much brighter. I'm really lucky, I have a really lucky life.
SG: What does Palm Springs mean to you?
DL: Palm Springs is somewhere that always inspires me. I don't know, there's something about the light and the mountains, being in the middle of so much space without too many people. No high rises and just the middle of desert. The sun shines and there's a lot of natural beauty everywhere. I love the stars there and I love the people, I love everything.
The Parker is my favourite, and I'm also a huge fan of the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. I like to rent private homes when I attend Coachella festival as it's more homely and you also get more of a local feel when renting privately.
The Parker is amazing for any meal but breakfast especially. Order everything. Alternatively I love to cook so the kitchenette in each of their beautiful spacious villas is an added bonus for me.
Have dinner at Pappy and Harriet's, an old school saloon in Pioneertown. The history of it is so cool, it's an amazing music venue. Everyone plays there from the Rolling Stones to the Arctic Monkeys and Little Dragon. Lots of famous musicians perform secret shows there when they're staying in Palm Springs.
There's a great place called Resale Therapy, I always find really good things there. The owner of Resale Therapy is called Barbie and is a real character! Anyone who comes across her will surely find some delights.
I get very inspired out there. I often end up drawing. I've gone there six to seven times for Coachella. Lots of dancing is definitely a big one for me, listening to music, stargazing and wonderful grounded time with my friends. I also love finding crystals while I'm visiting. Every Thursday there's an Artisan Market where everyone from Palm Springs comes and sells things they have made, found or bought. There's an incredible sense of community there, and the most incredible vintage shops and antique places.
When I go I usually end up trying to embody that Palm Springs spirit of being a 50s pinup or doing that kind of old school Hollywood thing, being very elegant. Vintage or designers that cut the body up in the waist, lots of high-waisted bikinis and big sunglasses. I'm a huge fan of Linda Farrow.
