Gifts for the Host

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the creative women shaping culture with vision and authenticity. In this special feature, stylist Rachel Bakewell shares her journey from costume design to editorial and brand consultancy, reflecting on modern femininity, motherhood, timeless style, and the power of scent in storytelling. You’ve built a multifaceted career as a stylist, art director and creative consultant – what first drew you to fashion and visual storytelling? My journey into styling began with a degree in costume design, which gave me a strong theatrical foundation. Growing up, I was captivated by fashion magazines and films. I have always been fascinated by how clothes can tell a story and evoke emotions. I love crafting looks that transport people to a different era or mindset. Your aesthetic feels both romantic and timeless. How would you define your personal style ethos in three words, and how has it evolved over time? To capture the essence of my aesthetic, the three words I would choose are: Feminine / Monochrome / Romantic. Over time, I feel my style is maturing and I’m starting to play more with tailoring and cleaner lines – mixing the feminine and the masculine, and buying quality and sustainable pieces over quantity. Was there a defining moment early in your career when you realised this industry was where you truly belonged? Yes, I think it happened on one of the very first shoots I assisted on. It wasn’t just something I wanted to do as a career – I realised I truly belonged here and everything fell into place very fast. It was magical, yet it also took a lot of investment and hard work, but I was really driven from day one. Your work spans editorial, brand consultancy and styling – how do you approach each project while maintaining a consistent creative voice? Each project gets the same attention to detail and commitment to my signature aesthetic. I approach each brief with a unique perspective, but my core creative voice remains consistent. I adapt my approach to fit my client’s needs. How do you balance the emotional richness of motherhood with the pace and demands of a creative career? Being a mother of two daughters and a creative is a balancing act. It has taught me to be more intentional with my time and prioritise what matters. I lean on my support system, which is my husband and family. I always make sure I carve out quality time for my girls! Being a mother brings a new level of emotional depth to my work, and my career helps me model hard work and passion to my daughters. It also brings opportunities for them to travel and experience cultures. Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your fashion journey? Be brave and don't compare yourself to others. Trust and stay true to yourself, and it’s also okay to sometimes stop and take time out. In an industry driven by trends, how do you stay rooted in longevity and timeless taste? I focus on creating work that's authentic to my aesthetic and values rather than chasing the latest trends. I believe timeless style is about crafting pieces that tell a story and evoke emotions, while prioritising quality over quantity – pieces that will stand the test of time. How would you describe your lifestyle outside of work – what rituals or routines keep you grounded and inspired? Outside of work, I stay grounded by nature and the sea – which, in lockdown, we bought a house by. The negative ions in sea air can boost your serotonin levels, and being by the ocean makes you feel more connected and present! Sometimes, with friends, we will watch a new moon at night on the beach – it's magical!! I also have a ritual of cleansing my house by burning sage. It clears the air for me and makes me feel grounded, giving me a clear space for ideas to come in. My children and family also keep me grounded – they are my anchor! Scent is such an intimate extension of personal style. What role does perfume play in your daily life? I always find perfume is the final touch to an outfit and adds personality and flair. Perfumes and scents can transform your mood, uplift you, and bring confidence. It can also act as a time machine, transporting me back to a memory that gives me comfort or happiness. Are there particular notes or fragrance families you naturally gravitate towards, and do they shift with the seasons? I am always drawn to woody notes and frankincense, which I find grounding and sophisticated! The smells sometimes remind me of being a young child in France with my French grandparents – the generous wafts of pure frankincense infusing the atmosphere of the church, and my French grandad playing the organ. It's like time travel to a sacred tradition. Does fragrance influence your creative process – can a scent help you step into a certain mood or mindset when working? Totally, fragrance can be incredible for creativity, evoking emotions, memories, and energies to help me get into the zone. If I am doing a fitting, I also love to have candles or scents to help create a mood. How does Miller Harris fit into your world – both aesthetically and emotionally? I feel Miller Harris sits perfectly in the fashion world and mine, with its rich storytelling and high-quality craftsmanship. Their fragrances feel like stories and evoke different moods in me – I love to alternate between different ones. Is there a Miller Harris fragrance that feels especially aligned with your personality or lifestyle? I am currently enjoying ‘L'Air de Rien’, inspired by Jane Birkin’s artistic freedom. It feels light and hopeful – something we all need in the world right now. On International Women’s Day, what does modern femininity mean to you? That is a complex one, but I feel modern femininity means empowering women to be their authentic selves, not being afraid, and finding strength and hope – the two superpowers we need in the modern age. What advice would you give to women building independent creative careers while staying true to their taste and values? Trust your instinct and surround yourself only with people who truly uplift and support you – the energy of people can make such a difference to your mindset. Take your time and build something meaningful that reflects you and your story. Special thanks to Rachel Bakewell for the interview.