A celebrated television personality; author; and media icon, Leigh Toselli has served as grooming; beauty; and fashion editor for various South African magazines, including Style; Elle; Y mag; FHM; Femina; and Shape. She is currently working as a freelance stylist; fashion and beauty editor; image consultant; and consults to various retail brands. Most recently, she was a judge at the 2009 PICA Awards.

1. What was your first job/ where did you start?
My first job was munching Kellogg’s Cornflakes in a tree house for an advertising campaign at age seven. My first real job was helping Marianne Fassler run her design studio, straight from design college.

2. What made you want to build a career in your profession?
My background and training was in fashion design. From a very young age I was hooked on making clothes for my Barbie, and that quickly developed into a career in fashion design and my exposure to the media from such a young age. I have always been fascinated by the transformation process involved with fashion and beauty.

3. Describe a day in your life at present.
Mostly art directing; styling shoots; and sourcing new ideas. I have just had another book published and currently I am studying textile art, so much of my time is spent on my machine.

4. How do you unwind behind the scenes? List your favourite song; movie; and book.
Unwinding for me is spending time in my veggie garden, barefoot in the earth, and baking bread is a current obsession. I also spend a lot of time sewing and crafting. My favourite movies are The Piano and Singing in the Rain; my favourite book is The Poisonwood Bible; and I can’t possibly only choose one song!

5. Who would you most like to meet - dead or alive - and why?
Diana Freedland, the famous Vogue Editor, for her innate sense of style; eccentricity; and individuality. And Napoleon, as I think he was very charismatic and, no doubt, very sexy.

6. What has been one of the most important lessons you have learnt?
Never get rid of your favourite clothes - you never know when they'll come back into fashion!

7. What is your secret indulgence and your three ‘can’t live without’ items?
Cimbidiums (orchids) when I want to spoil myself! Can't live without my REN skincare products; regular camping trips into the bush; and Emma, my Airedale Terrier.

8. Who do you think is getting it right in the industry?
Naomi Larkin at House & Leisure.

9. Which person in the industry do you think is making waves?
Papama at Destiny.

10. Who is your alter ego?
Emily Strange.

11. What is your favourite perfume?
Gosh, that’s like asking me to have one dress in my wardrobe! I love Prada; Angel; Serge Lutens; Jo Malone Sweet Lime & Cedar...

12. Which car would best personify you, and why?
The Bat Mobile – fast; sleek; mysterious; and beats the traffic!

13. What is your favourite reality TV series?
What Not to Wear, of course.

14. Who is someone you truly look up to, and which qualities do you most admire about them?
My mother, Delyse Harding. She is fabulously interesting; energetic; elegant; stylish; and very beautiful.

15. What’s your stance on social media?
Boring... who cares!