Suzanne Neville speaks to Buckinghams and gives a sneak peek into the designer life

Award winning British Designer Suzanne Neville is already known as one of Europe’s leading designers of bridal and evening wear. Her gowns have been worn by Tess Daly and Elle Macpherson to name a few. But now, talking exclusively to Buckinghams, ‘Nevsie’ talks about her likes, dislikes, love of the Quality Street green triangle and face-timing with Kate Winslet. It’s all in a day’s work.

Suzanne, tell us something about your background. How did you get started in the wedding dress business? “I began making wedding dresses for friends whilst studying at the London College of Fashion and it just grew from there. I started the business with a Princes Trust grant. It’s what I’d always wanted to do and it’s hard to believe it’s now 25 years ago. There are never enough hours in the day to get as much done as I would like because it’s always so busy. Creating patterns is my biggest passion and seeing brides on their big day.”

Does the responsibility of your business ever scare you? “It doesn’t scare me but I am aware of the huge responsibility it holds. It’s a real honour to dress so many brides for the most important day of their lives.”

How do you start your day? “I start my day with a coffee and a bowl of Granola. I’m a morning person so I’m often up at 5 am and find it hard to stay up past 10 o’clock!!”

What do you do to unwind? “I don’t really unwind. I’m a bit of a workaholic but I do have the odd glass of fizz. Champagne is my favourite tipple.”

Favourite meal? “A beautifully cooked lemon sole is my fave.”

Favourite colour? “Black. It’s pretty much all I wear.”

Favourite mug? “My Cath Kidston giant mug.”

Pet hate? “Things that don’t line up straight – I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”

Are you a dogs or cats person? “Cats! I have 4! They’re my favourite animal!”

Who is your favourite Avenger? “Is Iron Man an Avenger?.. if so him as I love Robert Downey Jr.”

Do you have a nickname? “My business partner calls me Nevsie!”

Favourite holiday destination? “Italy, New York, anywhere I can enjoy a short break.”

Favourite biscuit? “A bourbon.”

Favourite shoes? “My Valentinos!”

Favourite author? “I don’t have time to read!”

Which is your favourite Quality Street? “The green triangle.”

Coke or Pepsi? “Diet Coke; I’m a little obsessed.”

Do you like Marmite? “I love it!”

Can you cook and if so what’s your speciality? “I can follow a recipe but I’m no Nigella.”

Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met? “I’ve met many celebrities but the only time I felt starstruck was when I was on face-time with Kate Winslet during a fitting.”

Secret crush? “Aiden Turner of course!”

If you could invite four people to dinner who would they be? “Valentino, Joanna Lumley, Graham Norton and Prince Harry.”

Favourite room in the house and why? “My bedroom because I love sleeping.”

What colour is your kitchen? “It’s neutral.”

Favourite household appliance? “My Nespresso machine.”

Are you a gardener? “No, but I have a wonderful gardener! I love it because she plants all sorts of beautiful flowers and it’s a lovely surprise when they bloom.”

Can you keep a houseplant alive for more than a month? “Nope – that’s why I need a gardener!”

What do you want for Christmas this year? “Another diamond encrusted ring (I don’t ask for much!).”

What is your proudest moment? “Having my children.”

What’s your favourite memory from your wedding? “The vows, It was such a romantic moment. I had a winter wedding at Highclere Castle, otherwise known as Downton Abbey, and the setting made the whole experience even more memorable.”

If you weren’t doing what you do know what would you be doing? “I can’t imagine anything else. It would need to be fashion related.”

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? “I would be taller.”

How would you like to be remembered? “For making lots of people happy.”