Exclusive: Millie Mackintosh Talks Fashion, Fitness And Ignoring The Tabloids

With a best-selling clothing line, a food and fitness guide (2015's Made) and over a million Instagram followers to her name, Millie Mackintosh's stint as an original member of the Made in Chelsea line-up feels like a small footnote in her story.

Since leaving the show in 2013, the 26-year-old has steadily been building up her lifestyle empire: her eponymous brand is the biggest selling label on ASOS, and her Instagram klout is such that one post can cause an item to sell out in hours.

Now, Millie has teamed up with swimwear brand Calzedonia to become their first UK ambassador. We met up with the model and designer to discuss the inspiration behind her line, how she got over her fear of exercise classes to become a full-blown fitness advocate and why when it comes to tabloid headlines, she's an advocate of Kate Moss's 'never complain, never explain' mantra.

What’s the creative process like for your fashion line?

It’s based around things that I want to wear, and what my friends want to wear. It’s a really fun process – I start off looking at what’s on the catwalks, take inspiration from vintage pieces and make mood boards. Then I sit down with the team and we come up with sketches and we look at fabrics. Sometimes there are changes to the samples – whether that’s length, lining or fit – then we show it to the buyers who make their orders. I’m currently casting a model for my next campaign – I’m really involved with every decision and I’m lucky to have found a really good team. It’s all about working out the perfect people for each job. The brand has grown a lot and I’m really excited to see where it goes.

Which are your favourite pieces from the summer collection?

I've got some pieces that I'm planning on wearing at Coachella - there's a gorgeous lace bodysuit with a sheer lace skirt, which will look great with a hat and a tasselled waistcoat. I've also got a beautiful printed kaftan type dress that you can wear open over some denim shorts, or with a Calzedonia bikini by the pool.

Buying swimwear can be a nightmare – do you have any tips to make it less painful?

Firsty you need to find a shape that works for your body, whether that’s the difference between, say, trying on tie-side bottoms or ones that are more high-waisted. What helps for me is having a friend take a picture, so you can see if the cut is flattering on. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experiment with different styles as well, though. For me, a one-piece is fail safe if I’m not feeling my most toned, and you can always layer it up with a really gorgeous cover up, a hat and glasses.

How did your partnership with Calzedonia come about?

The brand got in touch and asked if I'd come out to the show. I'd seen it in the press over the past couple of years and had been really excited about what they were doing. I was thrilled to find out that the show was going to be in Verona - it's a lovely surprise to get to come to such a beautiful city, and to see the sights as well as some fashion.

What appealed to you about the brand?

I have a very extensive bikini collection, so it seemed like a good fit! The campaigns always feature these really gorgeous, body-confident women, and the styles are sexy but still wearable. The patterns, the colours and the shapes in this latest collection are something that I loved, as they're so summery.

Which trends are you looking forward to wearing this summer?

The sports luxe trend is really cool, especially for the beach.

You're off to Coachella - how do you plan what you're going to wear?

I bring pieces from my collection, which I like to mix with designer, high street and vintage styles. Then I decide on bags and shoes to go with those looks, and bring a couple of leather jackets - it gets colder in the evening. I'm also bringing lots of pieces from my collection for my friends as well - there'll be a lot of luggage! Seeing my gaggle of girls dressed in the collection makes me really proud - it's so nice to see how they style the pieces themselves.

Is there anyone else you'd love to see wearing your designs?

As the line grows up with me, I’d really like to see it on some inspirational women. Someone like Elle Macpherson would be amazing – she’s got her own brand, she’s absolutely smashing it and she always has amazing style. Obviously Rosie Huntington Whiteley is one of my style crushes, then there’s Gigi and Kendall – we’ll see!

Who's your ultimate style icon?

Going back in time, I love Briggite Bardot - her vibe, her hair and make-up. I also love how Florence Welch dresses - she always kills that Seventies trend.

Who would you love to swap wardrobes with?

Kate Moss is an obvious choice. Just think of that archive of clothes.

Do you have any style rules that you always stick to?

I don’t really have too many rules. With fashion, I change my mind about how to wear things all the time. Sometimes I’ll put a piece over something which I’d never have thought of and really like it: a print with a print, a jumper over a dress, making something girly more masculine … The rules are changing all the time, and you shouldn’t be scared to experiment. It all started with me in my dressing up box when I was little and dressing up my Barbies.

What's the thing in your wardrobe that you love above everything else?

Probably my Chanel boy bag.

Do you have any major fashion regrets?

Ugh, there’s quite a few. For me when I was younger, it was the whole too much fake tan, too much make up, too much hair dye thing. It was all a bit much – dress too tight, no jacket, shoes that didn’t even work with the dress... I just wore them because they were heels. I could have done with someone telling me to listen to my mum when she said ‘Maybe you should wear a jacket, darling…’ I think as you grow up, you actually start to appreciate accessories and putting an outfit together, rather than just wearing the smallest dress you can find.

You’re big on fitness – has it always been that way?

No! I think looking back to about five years ago, I looked so different in my body. I was slim but I had no muscle tone - I was almost like a sausage! I didn’t go in or out anywhere, I just looked soft – once I started training I wanted to feel stronger. Looking back, though, I was the least sporty person - I just didn’t get it. I hated exercise; I was terrified of going to classes – mainly I was embarrassed because I thought I’d look silly. Once you get into training, though, you just get over that. I still feel like that sometimes when I go to a new class for the first five minutes, but it’s about figuring out the things you feel comfortable with.

What's your favourite way to work out?

I’m not good at following a routine – I can handle spinning, but if it’s aerobics or something you have to closely follow, then I can’t do it. Now I know what I like is Pilates, yoga, spinning and weight training, and I do classes for all those things. I like Psycle [for spinning], and Core Collective do a really good class called Velocity, which is fast-paced circuits. I like their TRX classes too, as they're so good for your core.

How do you stay motivated?

I find fitness balances out my lifestyle - I’m in Italy now, but I haven’t made time to find a gym or exercise classes because I wanted to spend my time enjoying walking round the beautiful city. It means I can be a bit more relaxed with what I eat - I can enjoy wine and pasta and ice cream now and not feel any guilt, but I know tomorrow when I go to the gym I’ll work really hard. It’s all about balance – and it’s good for my health, but it’s good for my mind as well - it gives me headspace and makes me feel good about myself.

Do you have 'off' days?

Of course I do. It's good to have two rest days a week when you do nothing - maybe a walk as part of your day, or just some stretching. Sometimes even if I really don't feel like heading to the gym, I just go anyway - afterwards you're always so glad that you did it. I do have sessions where I'm like, 'I'm just not in it today.' I always have to put really good music on - like Missy Elliot or some old school hiphop. No house music for me - it's got to be something that makes you think about dirty dancing... although then I just tend to dance around the gym.

Do you have any tips for people who struggle to fit exercise into their day?

If it's quite intense, you can do a good cardio workout in just half an hour - even something simple like skipping is really good. I see my friends quite a lot at the gym - of course, we go out as well, but I'd say about half the time I see them is when we're working out together. We'll have a catch up before or after over a juice or a coffee. Fitting exercise into your social life is a really nice way to do it – you’re not doing it alone, so you look forward to it more.

Beauty wise, are you high or low maintenance?

I’m actually quite low maintenance - I really like a natural look, and I can easily do my hair and make-up at home in half an hour. Although, saying that, for a big event I do love the process of getting hair and make-up done – I can draw it out for a whole afternoon. I like to look after my skin by having facials and acupuncture – I do different things to look after myself but I wouldn’t say that makes me super high maintenance. I go out without makeup on all the time – I’m always in meetings with no makeup on in my gym kit.

Are there any treatments you swear by?

I’ve been seeing Dr Frances Prenna Jones, who’s a skin doctor – I’ve had microdermabrasion and a couple of peels that have been really good for my skin. She uses a more medical approach, with red and blue lights for healing and moisture. I think often when I get facials, there are too many products which block the skin, whereas her treatments aren’t about using loads of heavy oils and masks. Instead, it’s about stripping back my skincare and finding a new regime. My skin type is combination so I don’t need loads of anti-ageing products – it’s more about locking in moisture, and getting the products right.

Would you ever branch out into a skincare or make up line?

I had my eyelashes a few years ago, and it’s definitely something I’d like to do at some point. I’d like to target problem skin because it’s something that I’ve suffered with myself, and I’d also like to develop products for the summery glow that I love. I’ve been in talks about it but I’ve got a lot of things going on right now, and I just want it to be the right time - I want to get everything so right. Maybe in the next couple of years…

You travel a lot for work – do you have any carry-on beauty essentials?

I have my little ritual - I really love my Aromatheraphy Associates eye mask because it’s got lavender in it, and my This Works Pillow Spray is really relaxing. If it’s a long haul flight, I always try to sleep so I’m not too exhausted, especially if I have to go straight to a shoot. I use a facial mist from Dr Prenna Jones, which has sage in it, and I’ll sometimes put on an oil, because flying can be so dehydrating - I use one from Nurse Jamie. I also got told that arnica was really good for your circulation so I take that, and I make sure that I take my probiotics when I arrive – all that plane food can bloat you so much.

What’s the most random account you follow on Instagram?

I follow loads of weird dogs! There’s this one called Yoghurt the Pirate and it’s a sweet Chihuahua with one eye that makes me happy. I follow this one called Toast Meets World – he does this thing called swalking - which is where he's carried around and pretends to walk. You need to see it. I also love Deliciously Stella – I know she’s taking the piss out of people like me, but I just find it hilarious. You've got to laugh at yourself, really.

You have a big following on social media. Does that feel like a lot of pressure?

I’ve had Twitter and Instagram for years now and I can’t imagine not having them. Mainly I just like to share stuff - recipes, food I like, restaurants I’ve found, a fun work out, places I’ve travelled to. I’m not a Snapchatter – it’s something I keep thinking I should do! I have to experience things with my own eyes rather than just through my phone. Sometimes I do think ‘Put the phone down!’

Have you ever done a digital detox?

I try not to be always looking at my phone. Sometimes over a weekend, I'll turn it off for put it on flight mode - although that's easier said than done. It's actually quite nice when I'm on a plane as I can have a breather. I’ve been trying to bring more mindfulness into my life – I went to a retreat recently and we did meditation every day, I just felt so much calmer. I think your mind is constantly rushing with all these thoughts and when you pick up your phone, it’s so much to take in. It's an overload of information and it can be really exhausting.

Do you feel like people read quite a lot into what you post?

I’m aware that people do it but I don’t over think it- people might read into stuff but I want to keep it real and authentic. If I thought like that all the time I probably would never post anything.

What are the best and worst things about social media?

It’s a great way to get my brand out there and show what I’m doing behind the scenes. When I post workouts and loads of people are tagging their friends like ‘Let’s do this together,’ or ‘I’m going to go to the gym now, I feel so glad I did this workout’ – I love seeing that, I think that’s a really nice interaction. Obviously, there are trolls out there – I get a little bit of that. There’s so much information out there - I have rubbish written about me on a daily basis and I can’t control it. I choose not react to it, because at the end of the day it turns it a bigger deal – so I just ignore it. Never complain, never explain.

Your career involves juggling lots of different projects - how do you manage it?

I love being busy and I love what I do – I think as long as you make time for your family, and make time to do stuff that’s not about your image. It’s about getting out into the countryside with no make-up, no stress and no phone – I balance everything out with stuff that keeps my feet on the ground, so I don’t get swept away by everything.

What do you do to switch off?

Cooking, working out, walking, meditation, yoga. Baking is pretty relaxing – I love making something quite simple like a banana loaf. I also enjoy cooking really indulgent, dinner party stuff like a cheese soufflé or a slow roast pork belly. Cooking proper comfort food – that’s what I get a lot of enjoyment from. I love a dinner party where afterwards everyone is like ‘Oh my god, I’m so full I can’t move.’

Does it feel weird to think of yourself as a brand?

It’s something I’ve got more used to as it’s built over the last few years. I think it’s good to try and step back and look at it as an outsider, rather than experiencing it as Millie, ‘the brand.’ Ultimately, I’m making what I love doing my job so it’s great – even when I’m super busy and stressed I remember that I’ve always dreamed of having this. You have to step back and get perspective, make sure you’re enjoying what you’re doing now, not getting caught up in planning the next year.

What’s the biggest misconception that you think people have about you?

I know that I’ve been seen on a lot of trips in the last year – a publication did a thing on how many trips I’d been on – but what they didn’t factor in was that most of them were work. Obviously if I go to Sydney for a job for two days and I post a picture at the beach, then people count that as a ‘holiday’. I’m working wherever I am - I’m constantly answering calls and emails, and a certain amount of days a month I’m working solely on my clothing line, in and out of meetings. Wherever I am, I’m always picking up inspiration.

Workwise, what are your plans for the rest of the year?

I’ll be working on the line, and this ambassadorship [with Calzedonia] is really lovely, too. It’s going to be Christmas so soon – so I’ll be working on my Christmas collection and presenting that to the press.

What’s the one thing in your career that you’re most proud of having achieved?

It’s definitely my clothing line – as a child, I was so into clothes and dressing up in costumes, then in my teens I’d make my own clothes on a sewing machine and sell them. I was at boarding school, so I’d use the name tapes from my school clothes to sew them into the dresses I’d made. So now, having an actual brand with that name that’s stocked on ASOS and on my own website – that has to be my biggest achievement. I still have some of those designs – I was thinking of getting them out the other day! I used to wear them out for clubbing - they were the smallest little dresses, like a negligee made of old silk scarves. I’ve always just made what I wanted to wear at the time – those dresses were what I wanted at 16. Now obviously the line’s starting to grow up with me, and I’m starting to think about what I’ll want to wear later into my twenties rather than just now.

Millie Mackintosh is the UK ambassador for Calzedonia.