London based Bay Garnett – daughter of Irish writer and broadcaster Polly Devlin – is a fashion stylist, author, editor, creative director and advocate for sustainability in fashion.
I have so many treasures in my wardrobe but one of my best vintage bargains was a Paris t-shirt with cap sleeves and the Eiffel Tower on it, bought at the Salvation Army in New York 25 years ago. I also have a dark green velvet chain bag, found while pulling for the Oxfam show, and an infamous banana print top which I found at the Cancer Research shop and subsequently styled Kate Moss in for a Vogue shoot. It inspired a print Phoebe Philo designed for Chloé.
Something that has earned its keep, I have worn it so much, is my Marc Jacobs Edwardiana jacket. I bought it at full price in 2013 in the Mount Street store in London.
I keep buying purple stuff – think dark violet table mats and lilac velvet scrunchies that everyone else in my family hates.
Something I am loving right now that was given to me by a friend is the incredible Garavani Nellcote bag from Alessandro Michele’s newest Valentino collection.
I am inspired by so many books and movies, but I always gravitate back to Thomas Hardy. I just love Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd, and the remakes from the 1970s are all just sublime. I have used these as the basis for many a fashion shoot. I really do love anything Victoriana. Film wise, I get so many ideas from the 1970s and ‘80s. From the double denim in Thelma and Louise and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to the sleek everyday tailoring in Annie Hall. I am also obsessed with the aesthetic of Badlands, Paris, Texas and Footloose.
One of my favourite coffee table books is Cheap Chic. It was written in the 1970s but has been re-issued. It’s such a classic and has given me so much inspiration over the years.
If I could go on a weekend away anywhere it would either be to Donegal, for its beaches and wild weather, or New York, which as a city you just can’t beat. I might rather live in Paris but NYC feels electric.
I studied Art History at university and often look to the Old Masters from the Flemish, Dutch and Italian renaissance to see how they capture light, jewellery and texture. The jewellery, the velvets, the sumptuous greens and reds, it is all so delicious and inspiring.
The last book I read is Dorothy B. Hughes’ In a Lonely Place, which I just recommended to a friend. It is a super cult classic which had me gripped.
On my bedside table are photos of my kids (19 and 16) – when they were little. I also have Charlotte Tilbury body cream, lavender spray and The Great Big Book of Shakespeare Quotes. I am also reading a 1930s classic which is set in Regency times. It’s by Georgette Heyer and is called The Corinthian.
I never leave the house without my phone. I am obsessed with checking the weather! My other most used apps are The Guardian, First Dibs and Ebay.
My most recent shoe purchase is Tabis from Maison Margiela. They are surprisingly comfortable!
My favourite ever house purchase was my leopard print Christian Lacroix cushions as well as my leopard print carpet on the stairs, which I had shipped in from the US.
What I am most excited for this year is a trip to Venice with my daughter in spring (She has never been!) On a professional note, I launched a podcast in February called This Old Thing. My first guest was Lily Allen!
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of IMAGE.
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