The Muse Diaries: #1 Lauren Laverne
Welcome to our first Muse Diaries.
First up is our forever muse Lauren Laverne. A lady of many talents, musician, author, DJ and broadcaster, Lauren took the time to speak to us about fashion, music and what she loves about Queens of archive.
Queens of Archive is all about celebrating trailblazing women — the rebels, the innovators, the legends. If you could step into the wardrobe of any style icon, who would it be and why?
Oh there are so many! If there was one wardrobe I got to steal in its entirety it would absolutely be Natasha Lyonne’s. I’m obsessed with her style. She’s an incredible actor too but I love the joy in what she wears and the way what she wears is so personal and confident. She always looks so strong and really plays with femininity and boyish elements too. For me getting dressed is all about pleasure and self-expression and I really feel that coming through in what she wears.
Our new SS25 collection is inspired by the dream thrift store, where every piece feels like a rare discovery. Do you have a vintage find that holds a special story?
I grew up as a vintage shopper so I have quite a few. The most special to me is my vintage jewellery, though. My Mam and I would trawl secondhand shops and antique places just for the fun of looking, but occasionally would buy something to celebrate a big moment. For one of her big birthdays she got a very old (Georgian!) ring which diamond and aquamarine - my birthstone and hers. She gave it to me years later and now that she is gone wearing it is a way for me to take her with me day to day and feel close to her.
Fashion is a canvas for self-expression, much like music. When you’re getting ready for a big event—or even just a great day ahead—what’s the one song that always lifts your mood?
Oh there are so, SO many! I have playlists upon playlists. In terms of breaking out the musical defibrillator and rebooting myself completely, the track that absolutely never fails is Elaine Strich - Are You Having any Fun? The sheer SASS and JOY is off the scale.
From the SS25 Palais de Rêves collection, which dress speaks to you the most, and how would you style it for a perfect day out?
The collection is just stunning and the Pandora dress jumped out at me straight away! Like the jammy bugger I am I have already worn it for a magazine shoot - we styled it with vintage Westwood heels in an orangey coral and big old earrings and I felt like an absolute diva. On a more casual note I’m also hoping to get my paws on the Penny shirt to wear with jeans and sandals this summer. Lots of blondes worry about wearing yellow but it’s one of my favourites combinations.
The SS25 collection aspires to be effortlessly opulent, capturing the golden promise of summer. If it had a soundtrack, what songs would set the mood?
For me it would have to be the Ye Ye genre pioneered by so many cool European pop stars of the 60s, like France Galle and Jaqueline Taieb. If I had to pick just one record I might go for Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg’s 1966 Comic Strip - cool, sunny French style encapsulated in one album!
What are your must-pack items for a summer getaway, and which Queens of Archive piece would make it into your suitcase?
I love floaty dresses and shirts for summer breaks - QOA pieces are just perfect, especially as I like a long dress for summer evenings. That moment when you’re showered and dressed after a long, hot day and heading out for dinner is the best bit of any holiday, isn’t it? The Aria dress would work so well for that. I’m also a big fan of taking a couple of vintage kimonos. They’re great over swimwear, with denim shorts for daytime and for an extra layer on cooler evenings.
Your voice has been a morning staple for years, and now, with your new 10 am show on BBC 6 Music, you’re soundtracking a different part of the day. Does what you wear influence how you feel behind the mic?
Absolutely. But I’ve always been like that and I think I would be regardless of what I did for a living. Being from the northeast getting dressed up and putting your best foot forward it very much part of the culture. Wearing something I feel good in sets me up for the day and makes me feel like me - it’s just the same when I’m on air.
Describe your perfect day—from the outfit to the soundtrack playing in the background.
I love my weekends with my family and friends. A perfect day would definitely involve pottering around at home with them, maybe cooking while listening to music (loads of my 6 Music favourites as well as my husband’s playlists - he works as a music consultant creating playlists for venues, hotels, shops and restaurants, so has a playlist for every mood and occasion!). I’d take a walk on Hampstead Heath or a trip to my favourite museum (the V&A) and then have cocktails and dinner at J Sheekey if I had the energy. If not I’d head home and curl up with a film and a takeaway. I’m a big fan of North London institution The Tiffin Tin…
You've supported our small brand from the early days. What draws you to Queens of archive and our limited edition pieces?
You just never miss! The pieces are everything I love about dressing up - they’re cool but don’t try too hard. QOA clothes make you feel great but are also comfortable and easy. They reference so many of my favourite artists and their style - I’ve spotted refs to Stevie Nicks, Deborah Harry, Kate Bush and Donna Summer in past collections - and that rock n roll attitude is in the mix too. It’s also a lot like I feel about some of the music I play on air - it makes a difference to know you’re supporting good people working hard to make something really special!
Listen to the playlist inspired by the interview
Inspired by Lauren's interview, we made a playlist to accompany the SS25 collection.
Lauren wears the Pandora in the May 2025 issue of Good Housekeeping. Photograph © Jonty Davies.