Sunday Express
22 April 2001
By Ceril Campbell
Photographs by Tessa Hallmann

Not content with singing and playing the piano - she has an album due out in September - Maya has also launched a clothing label, Planet Maya, that sells in some of London's coolest shops. She is married to Magnus Fiennes, music producer and brother of the actors Joseph and Ralph. She and Magnus live in London with their two daughters, Shanti and Cheyenne.

What is your favourite outfit?

A mulitcoloured skirt and "Serious Bitch" T-shirt. Another favourite is a tiara that I wear all the time. It was bought in Spitalfields market for £30.

How would you describe your style?

I always dress for myself and, however unusual the outfit, always wear it with confidence. I enjoy wearing colourful, patterned clothes - my favourite colurs are pink, red and orange - that break fashion rules. I see myself as a leader not a follower of fashion.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Five minutes. I always plan ahead.

Do you clear out your wardrobe each season?

Absolutely. At least twice a year. I usually cut up unwanted items and customise something new from them, or give them to friends. I have favourites for a short while then I'm happy to say bye-bye to them. I have no sentimental ties to my clothes.

Have you ever had anything made to measure?

I often make my own clothes as they seem to represent me best, but Elizabeth Emanuel made my wedding dress, which was somewhat like Princess Diana's - big and baroque.

Have you ever made a fashion faux pas?

I once made a long skirt out of a plastic tablecloth that received a lot of startled looks.

Is there anything in your wardrobe you've never worn?

I utilise everything in my wardrobe by customising, so no waste there at all. But I did buy a dreadful pair of shoes in Spain that were long, pointy and black like witch's shoes. I was pregnant so maybe my hormones made me choose them. Whenever I put them on, my husband says, "Please don't."

What's the most expensive item in your wardrobe?

Lots of jumpers and dresses from Voyage. I used to wear their clothes all the time. The most expensive item is a winter tweed jacket with burgundy velvet, bead and leather appliqué that cost over £2,000.

Do you own more daywear than evening wear?

Daywear, but some of what I wear in the daytime many people would consider evening wear.

What do you wear on "fat" days?

Less than normal as I put on my swimming suit and go for a swim to lose the weight.

What are your favourite designer shops?

I like Yasmin Cho in Soho, Justin Kara in Portobello Road and eg. Butterfly on the New Kings Road.

What's your favourite high street shop?

Boots for practical bits and Knickerbox for underwear. But I really like Urban Outfitters and Whistles, too. Do they count as high street shops?

Are there any things about your body you dislike, and how do you disguise them?

I don't disguise anything. Quite the opposite. I have decided to flaunt my body. After years of hiding it under layers of clothes, why not start showing it? I love the fact that Jennifer Lopez first became famous for her bum.

Do you wear a G-String or briefs?

Whatever happens to be clean.

Do you wear matching underwear?

I wear Agent Provocateur for special occasions and sporty styles from Knickerbox for everyday. I am very practical and my choice of underwear is much more boring that my clothes.

Bikini or swimsuit?

Bikinis - bought wherever I happen to be on holiday.

How many handbags do you own?

About 20. My favourites are by Zouki-Douk and Normandie Keith.

What do you wear in bed?

My husband.

Do you have a favourite little black dress?

I don't wear black unless I'm attending a funeral.

What's your best fashion bargain?

Vintage lace and sequin motifs from Portobello Road market that I make into bracelets.

Do you wear silver or gold jewellery?

I prefer jewellery with interesting stones. I also love the rings made of sea glass by Gina Cowen, who sells privately.

Do you wear diamonds?

If I'm feeling opulent I'll wear more ice than sank the Titanic - but not real diamonds; I prefer huge, chunky-stoned rings. I do like diamonds - as an Aries they are my birthstone - but after my diamond engagement ring was stolen, I decided to give up wearing them.

What make of sunglasses do you wear?

Whatever suits me, from cheap plastic to Gucci.

Do you wear shades in winter or at night?

Only if I'm working deep undercover.

How much do you think you have spent on clothes this month?

I can't tell you in case my husband reads this.

What's the most crushing remark anyone has made about your clothes?

Wearing clothes is about confidence. If you do it well, people rarely dare to comment negatively.

What outfit would you choose to be buried in?

I would favour the ancient Egyptian method: to be buried adorned in all my finest and funkiest outfits. You never know what the dress code for the afterlife will be, so I'd like to travel prepared.

Which is your favourite clothes shop abroad?

Tracey Ross in Los Angeles stocks colourful, cool one-off clothes. She has a big celebrity clientele.

What outfit makes you feel sexy?

A dress I created recently with a daringly placed peacock on the front and a lizard on the back.

What is your must-have for this season?

The ankle watch that I designed, called a Legit.

Who is your style icon?

Joan of Arc. She stood up for her beliefs regardless of what others thought - that's style.

Which celebrity's wardrobe would you most like to own?

Probably Prince's. I like his fitted jackets with the floppy, foppish lace coming out of the sleeves. They are the sort of clothes Mozart might have worn.

Where do you buy your shoes?

From Miu Miu, DKNY and Normandie Keith, though I own more trainers than shoes.

What is the one item of clothing you couldn't live without?

My wedding ring. It is inscribed "M & M ad infinitum".

What would you save from your burning house?

Life is more important than clothes, so my answer is that I would save my life first.