My London: Lady Kitty Spencer

Home is…

London, Italy and South Africa. Home is where the heart is. I grew up in South Africa with many happy memories, so it will always have a piece of my heart. My family is in London and the love and passion I feel for life is ignited in Italy. I hope to have a proper base there someday and it is certainly where I would like to retire.

Where do you stay in London?

Claridge’s. It’s one of my favourite places and feels quintessentially British. The Fumoir is iconic and is my favourite place to have champagne with artist in residence David Downton and be regaled by his stories. It’s the most fabulous 1930s-style bar, with a very sexy energy.

What’s the best meal you’ve had?

From the age of about three, my mother would take me to Scalini on Walton Street and they would bring me pasta that looked like the Italian flag with pesto, cheese ravioli and pomodoro. [The tradition] has carried on and I still can’t bring myself to order anything else — it tastes just as good at 30 as it does at three.

What makes someone a Londoner?

It’s an attitude. Londoners are irreverent; they have a blend of culture and creativity.

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

My sisters have just moved to London, so Eliza and Amelia. We don’t stop laughing when we are together.

What’s the best thing a cabbie has said to you?

I was having a bad day, was crying — I thought discreetly — and he passed me a tissue and said, ‘Would you like me to kill him for you?’ It made me burst out laughing and completely changed my mood.

Favourite work of art in London?

A dear friend of mine, Romero Britto, is a Brazilian pop artist who put his prints on London cabs a few years ago. It always puts a smile on my face when I see one go past. They are bright and happy and full of life, just like Romero.

Which podcast are you currently obsessed with?

I have never listened to a podcast, I can barely charge my phone. I’m terrible with technology.

Who is the most iconic Londoner?

Queen Victoria, her reign saw so much expansion and industrial development.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I would roll-out Centrepoint’s independent living programme, it’s designed to set up young people for ‘normal’ life. It provides accommodation that charges a maximum of a third of their income as rent.

What are you up to at the moment for work?

I’m a global brand ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana. It’s such a natural fit for me, as I have always been obsessed with the brand. It truly is a dream job.

Biggest extravagance?

Travel. Less so over the past year, but I plan to make it up. There are places that I return to and love: Milan for work, Cape Town for family, Florence and Capri for the beauty.

Favourite beauty spot?

The D&G Casa in Harrods Beauty hall, of course. The rich and baroque scents of the Velvet Collection immediately transport me to Italy.

Lady Kitty Spencer is a Dolce & Gabbana global brand ambassador. Dolce & Gabbana Beauty is available at Harrods