The Brand Personified — Jane Fuller

Being a marketing girl I understood early on that your image is a tool. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, whether you like it or not, you are revealing who you are – your brand – with your hair, teeth, complexion, hands, nails, feet, fitness, body shape, clothes. I also believe there is far too much emphasis on looks today – but what are you going to do – fight it?! I happen to enjoy the process. So I try not to step out of the door without looking my best – because if you look good, you feel good and that affects your confidence and point of attraction. Having worked in the glamorous and creative world of film, television and music and working with many first class directors, music artists and actors, wardrobe, hair and make-up talent, has taught me many valuable lessons. My father had also been one of the original 'Mad Men' in marketing – in fact he was Peter Mead of ad agency Abbott Mead Vickers/BBDO’s first client – and my mother had modeled in Lucozade ads etc., in her day. So I had naturally understood that image was important and that pride in yourself and the way you look does not convey or cover-up any deficiency. It’s smart to care and clothes are part of the deal. Clothes reflect how you feel about yourself. So much is communicated by what we wear. I also think you learn about fashion, design, quality and style from great designers.

I was invited by Harvey Nichols to ‘An Evening with Donna Karan’ and met the fabulous designer in person. She was interviewed by the stylish and influential Paula Reed who has just been appointed group fashion director at Harvey Nichols from Grazia magazine. The fashion show was great and proved Donna Karan’s clothes are timeless, sexy and elegant - I have been a fan for many years and will continue to be – she just gets how women want to look and feel.

I was also invited to the Valentino fashion evening SS/2013 at Harrods penthouse with my friend Olivia. We had such fun and the clothes as always were superb. Clothes are part of the deal when looking good – have fun with them!

Talking of superb brands I had a business meeting at Little House in Mayfair last week with the savvy Lesley Everett. Little House is one of the latest sibling clubs in the Soho House group – Nick Jones seems to be on brand with every new opening – its well worth a visit.

Jeremy King and Chris Corbin seem to get it right with each new opening too. Their latest restaurant Colbert in Sloane Square is now my new local – I love it!

Have you noticed with all these successful brands that we know the face behind the name? They have a personality. Even with the big corporates now - it's the one's who have got the personality that are going to succeed. It's not good enough to have that great brand with the chief exec. sitting in his glass office all day - they have to get out and show their personality. People feel they need to know the face behind the corporate name or designer. People buy people.

I think this is why Sir Stuart Rose and Sir Terry Leahy are greatly missed don't you?

‘Give the girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world’ - Bette Midler