Omni Wellness, founded by a dynamic trio of professionals including personal trainer Josh Davies, celebrity Pilates instructor Aimee Victoria Long, and nutritionist Lucy Raetz-O’Connell, caters to individuals seeking nutritious meal options that support various fitness goals. Starting at just £30 per day, customers can customize their meal plans to fit specific needs, from weight loss to muscle gain. The offerings include satisfying dishes like hearty salads loaded with protein and vital nutrients, designed to keep cravings at bay.

Field Doctor

Field Doctor specializes in frozen meals tailored for individuals with unique dietary needs, ensuring that health-conscious eaters don’t have to compromise on flavor. Their recipes, some of which have earned Great Taste Awards, are developed by dietitians and address various health conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause. Customers can begin their order by detailing their health requirements, allowing them to select from a wide array of delicious options, all prepared in their kitchen located in Somerset.

Kurami

Kurami, a wellness-focused meal delivery service, is developed by nutritionists and features an impressive selection of more than 100 plant-based ingredients in every weekly meal plan. With options like the Nourish plan (1,400 calories), Signature (1,600 calories), and Signature Plus (2,000 calories), customers have the flexibility to choose pre-defined or personalized meal paths. Each delivery includes a range of snacks and full meals, such as roasted chicken salads and tempeh couscous bowls.

FieldGoods

For those craving comforting meals without the hassle of cooking, FieldGoods offers a selection of luxury ready-to-eat dishes. From beef lasagne to fish pie, these meals can be ordered in individual or family-sized portions, with next-day delivery available. The company prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients from famed British farms, ensuring wholesome and flavorful options.

Foodhak

Founded by entrepreneur Sakshi Mittal, Foodhak focuses on delivering delicious Asian-inspired meals. Featuring dishes like Keralan curry and spicy chickpea stew, these meals are not only tasty but also designed to support health with ingredients rich in superfoods. Each dish is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, ensuring they cater to a variety of dietary preferences. Additionally, their healthy chocolate chip cookies incorporate ashwagandha, promoting wellness with every bite.

This memorable arrival, likened to a mini-festival, is the vision of Bertie Alexander and Taimur Noon, the masterminds behind the Nurpur Bandobast expedition. Friends from their days at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, they launched their inaugural season for 2023-24, planning four trips from October to March 2025-26, welcoming small groups of six to ten riders. Customized dates for private groups can also be arranged. Bertie’s enthusiasm is contagious as he shares their goal to craft an otherworldly, thrilling experience for their guests.

Their thrilling safari immerses participants in the rich rural culture of the hazy golden landscapes of northern Punjab, making full use of the Noon family estate’s scenic location in the Sargodha District, positioned on the eastern bank of the Jhelum River. This influential family’s ties to the land trace back to the 19th century, linked with the region’s history both prior to and after British annexation. Taimur and his twin brother Saif are great-grandchildren of Sir Feroz Khan Noon, an Oxford-educated barrister who served as Pakistan’s prime minister in the late 1950s.

The Noon estate seamlessly blends a country house retreat with a base for our week-long expedition. Our introductory polo session took place in a field just beyond the gate, amusing local children who watched in delight. Surrounded by lush trees and modestly set behind the village mosque, the family mansion, though newly built, exudes an air of historical significance. Its striking en-suite rooms overlook the central courtyard, while the walls inside are adorned with equestrian portraits and vintage artifacts. The dedicated staff sets up lunch tables on the lawn featuring local dishes like curry, dhal, and pickles, while reviving us with fresh juices upon our return from rides. Through this communal environment, Bertie and Taimur hope to share the enchanting charm and hospitality of Pakistan with their guests.

The next morning, we regroup with our horses for a three-day trail ride that takes us through two well-planned encampments. Our polo saddles, padded with sheepskin for added comfort, make the hours in the saddle more enjoyable, while simplified tack allows for a relaxed riding experience. I ride Zorro, a spirited young black horse whose fluffy mane and white face bring to mind a playful puppy. He shows a readiness for adventure, effortlessly leaping over the irrigation ditches that punctuate this agricultural landscape. As the day progresses, we quicken our pace to a delightful canter along sandy paths leading to the Jhelum’s banks. Here, we have the choice to swim with our horses or to cross on a ferry. Some of us, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension, remove saddles and clothing to embrace the river, which is gently flowing at a calm December level. Our horses swim with enthusiasm, surging forward as they reach deeper waters, before bounding ashore on the opposite bank.

Our campsite awaits on a semi-permanent island in the river, where large tents provide ample space and a beautifully set dining table is perched on the sandy shore. We find ourselves a few kilometers downriver from the location where early 20th-century explorer Sir Aurel Stein suggested that Alexander the Great might have crossed in his fateful encounter with King Porus. This historical connection intrigues our group, particularly those of us with Classics degrees, but our shared passion lies in galloping across varying terrains, whether through hunting courses, polo fields, or the expansive plains reminiscent of Alexander’s time.

The next morning, we set out to explore the riverine scenery as a misty sunrise embraces the land. We venture out with the English foxhounds from the Peshawar Vale Hunt, who have traveled across the river by boat to join us. The hounds’ excited sounds fade as darkness falls, replaced by the melodic tones of Sufi music performed around our campfire, courtesy of a visiting band.

The following day, we edge closer to the Salt Range, where the terrain dramatically rises in layers reminiscent of Neapolitan ice cream. Our campsite, positioned at the foot of this incline, faces a chill that rustles through our tents like curious spirits. We enjoy breakfast of coffee, spiced omelette, and paratha while watching the salt trucks, laden with pink Himalayan salt en route to Karachi, rumble along the mountain road. These experiences are enriched by interactions with local goats, sheep, and lumbering tractors, all part of the region’s rural life as we make our way to a secluded waterfall cherished by Taimur’s family for refreshing swims. This segment of our journey brings us to a tranquil pool of crystal-clear water nestled among rocks. Each aspect of this expedition offers a unique atmosphere reflective of the diverse landscapes we traverse.

Horseback riding along this expansive route feels like a journey through ever-expanding horizons, seen through the eyes of our equine companions. The brilliance of Taimur and Bertie’s itinerary lies in its thoughtful incorporation of the vibrant traditions at the edge of Punjab. With our skillful horses, we follow the hounds at dawn, navigate dog carts, and even attempt to spear tent pegs while riding at a gallop (my spear misses its mark despite my horse’s steady pace).

The tranquility of Nurpur Noon provides a compelling contrast to the intensity of Lahore, where we conclude our journey. As the oppressive smogs of early December clear, the city still maintains an ever-present haze that mutes its vibrant colors. We experience Lahore’s serene spots, including lunch at the polo club and dinner atop the historic Andaaz restaurant, which offers beautiful views of the Mughal Badshahi Mosque. Extending my stay by one day, I explore more of Lahore’s architectural treasures from the past four centuries, residing at the boutique hotel, The Fred. After the week’s hustle, Sunday morning brings a calmness as I visit the largely empty halls of the Lahore Museum, a colonial-era gem. Meanwhile, the courtyard of the Wazir Khan mosque buzzes with the cheerful atmosphere of wedding photography sessions.

The final stop on my last day is the Shalimar Gardens, which were commissioned in the 1640s by Shah Jahan, the same ruler behind the Taj Mahal. Once the pride of Lahore, this city was known for its grand gardens, featuring refreshing water courses that would enliven the atmosphere. The founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur, emphasized the significance of water in garden designs, with biographer Saleh Kamboh depicting Shalimar’s construction as a poetic endeavor with enchanting fountains harmonizing with the natural beauty around them.

Now managed by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, these lush gardens provide a peaceful retreat for city dwellers amidst noise and dust. Birds flock around the remaining irrigation pools, nurturing a serene environment among the immense plane trees. Initially designed as open-air palaces celebrating sensory experiences, these gardens have evolved into sanctuaries of wellness for the community, and they encapsulate the ideal conclusion to a journey defined by rich ecological discoveries.

If you find yourself longing for the luxury of your parked Bentley, consider lighting a candle to create an atmosphere reminiscent of its elegant interior. Bentley offers tealight holders featuring its renowned knurling design, akin to the switches and dials found in their vehicles. These holders accommodate standard tealights, and Bentley even provides a set of scented tealights with fragrances like Tergus 37 that capture the essence of a Bentley cabin, available in silver or gold-plated finishes for £40.

Porsche Wallbox

Parked your new electric Porsche? Don’t settle for an ordinary charging station. Porsche has introduced its own stylish wallbox, designed to provide an impressive output of 22kW, allowing you to achieve a full charge in just five hours. You can track charging progress via a dedicated app. The cost is £1,485.

Acqua di Parma Diffuser

Bring a touch of elegance to your journey with the Acqua di Parma calfskin diffuser, crafted in partnership with furniture maker Poltrona Frau. This sophisticated accessory fits into your car vent, ensuring the scent circulates throughout your vehicle. Available in various colors and materials, including ostrich leather, fragrance refills from the Acqua di Parma Home Collection can be purchased separately, starting from £144.

Polestar Blunt Umbrella

Polestar’s collaboration with Blunt umbrellas has borne fruit in a minimalist yet robust umbrella designed to endure harsh weather. Made with fiberglass ribs and a double-strung canopy, it can be discreetly stored in your Polestar vehicle, aligning with its serene Scandinavian aesthetic, priced at £90.

Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest

If you’re investing in a champagne chest, opt for the Rolls-Royce version, renowned for its craftsmanship and functionality. This exquisite portable cabinet opens with a simple push of a button, transforming into a party-ready setup for four. The lid serves as a tray, complemented by compartments for canapés or caviar, while your champagne remains chilled in thermal coolers until it’s time to pour into hand-blown crystal flutes with polished aluminum bases. Crafted from natural grain leather and Tudor oak wood, with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy inlaid in stainless steel, this chest elevates any occasion. Price on application.

The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, making it only natural that it also boasts outstanding beach bars. Here’s a selection of bars that effortlessly blend excellent drink options with delicious food, stunning views, and the opportunity to cool off in the waves while enjoying your favorite cocktail.

Sandbar and Sandy Island, Anguilla

This charming bar and restaurant located in Sandy Ground may surprise you with its impressive wine selection, featuring champagne, albariño, Carmel pinot noir, and Argentinian malbec, all paired with tempting small plates like kung pao cauliflower and lobster salad. Just a short water taxi ride away lies Sandy Island, a stunning sandbar known for its delectable grilled seafood, lively music, and refreshing Domaine Ott rosé.

Chat ‘n’ Chill, Stocking Island, Bahamas

Located just minutes by water taxi from the bustling George Town on Great Exuma, this delightful beach spot was originally a simple gathering place for boaters. It remains laid-back but now attracts anyone wishing to enjoy an ice-cold beer in the sun, swim with stingrays in the crystal-clear waters, and savor an exceptional conch salad. Don’t miss Starfish Beach located further north on the island, but remember not to remove starfish from the water as they cannot survive out of it.

Shipwreck Beach Bar & Grill, St Kitts

Situated between two stunning bays on St Kitts, North Friar’s Beach is untouched and faces the Atlantic Ocean, while South Friar’s Beach offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand looking toward the Caribbean. Here, you’ll find the laid-back Shipwreck bar, the perfect setting to enjoy fish tacos alongside a refreshing drink known as a Green Flash, made from blue curaçao, coconut rum, and pineapple. You might also catch a glimpse of the local monkeys that frequent this spot.

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

Although primarily a luxury hotel, Spice Island deserves mention for its prime location on the exquisite, two-mile-long Grand Anse Beach. With an extensive beverage menu, it essentially qualifies as a beach bar. As the resort follows the all-inclusive model, guests can enjoy Sunny Days cocktails—made with sparkling wine, passionfruit, and Cointreau—or rum punches, all while lounging on sofas near the water or in deck chairs on the beach.

Soggy Dollar, Jost van Dyke

Historically, visitors would leap off their boats and swim to this iconic bar, their cash held in their mouths to keep it dry. Situated beside the palm trees lining White Bay on Jost van Dyke, a British Virgin Island renowned for its stunning beaches, the Soggy Dollar claims to be the birthplace of the Painkiller, a tempting concoction of dark rum, orange juice, coconut cream, and pineapple that has become a favorite throughout the region.

Understanding the dress code at Royal Ascot can be challenging, as each area has its unique guidelines. Nevertheless, several common requirements persist: dresses or skirts should be knee-length or longer, shoulder straps must be at least 2.5cm wide, matching trouser suits are permissible for women, and hats are a must. Ignoring these rules could result in denial of entry or disapproving glances from other attendees.

While maintaining adherence to the dress code is crucial, there’s ample opportunity for personal style and flair. To aid you in navigating your fashion choices, we present a thoughtful guide to summer racing fashion.

Elegant Race Day Dresses

Zimmermann Linen Floral Midi Shirt Dress

This lightweight linen dress from Zimmermann offers a timeless shirt silhouette perfect for warm weather. Its vibrant floral print lets you explore a variety of accessory options—either go minimal with a matching baby blue bag or accentuate it using the pastel pink or deep red shades featured in the dress. Priced at £795, Zimmermann at Harrods.

Stella McCartney Gathered Silk Crepon Midi Dress

This stunning dress from Stella McCartney boasts an open back, adding a touch of allure suitable for Ascot, as long as the neckline remains compliant. The high neckline keeps the silhouette balanced, and pairing it with a boater hat and wedges makes it ideal for garden parties. Available for £1,990 at Mytheresa.

Roksanda Nura Bow-Detail Taffeta Midi Dress

Brighten up your race day with the cheerful taffeta midi dress from Roksanda. Keep your accessories to a minimum and let the impressive bow detail steal the show. Priced at £2,795 at Harrods.

Chic Two-Piece Outfits

Nomadissem Cropped Dume Jacket and Tweed Dume Trousers

For a tailored approach, consider a stylish trouser suit. Crafted from luxurious soft tweed, this retro-inspired boxy jacket and flared trouser set from Nomadissem offers a delightfully nostalgic look when paired with pearls and a silk neckerchief. Jacket, £1,790; Trousers, £1,350, Nomadissem at Harrods.

Edeline Lee Polka-Dot Pussybow Blouse and Belted Juno Wide-Leg Trousers

This matching polka-dot set by Edeline Lee offers a maxi dress look, providing the comfort of wide-leg trousers paired with deep inverted pleats that create an elegant silhouette. Blouse, £495; Trousers, £785, Edeline Lee at Harrods.

Carolina Herrera Belted Wool-Blend Crepe Blazer and Wide-Leg Pants

Carolina Herrera’s trouser suit stands out for its versatility, allowing you to mix and match the bow-adorned blazer and wide-leg pants. The detachable bow adds customization for more casual events. Blazer, £2,140; Trousers, £1,245, Carolina Herrera at Net-a-Porter.

Stylish Headpieces

Emily-London Ribbon-Detail Hat

Elegance often lies in simplicity, and this wide-brimmed hat is a classic choice for race day at £1,450 from Emily-London.

Vivien Sheriff Daiquiri Hat Fascinator

Newly popular hatinators blend the styling of fascinators and hats seamlessly. This design from Vivien Sheriff, adorned with a sinamay mesh trim and a bouquet of orchids, retails at £1,050 at Harrods.

Maison Michel Bibi Rose Veiled Hat Fascinator

For a more understated yet impactful look, consider this captivating red rose fascinator from Maison Michel Bibi’s exclusive capsule collection designed for Royal Ascot 2025, priced at £960.

Footwear for Race Day

Gucci Women’s Horsebit Pump

Comfort is crucial, particularly for outdoor events. Block heels offer stability, making them a better choice than stilettos, which tend to sink into the grass. Gucci’s stylish pumps featuring a horsebit buckle are perfect for equestrian occasions, priced at £755.

Chloe Isla Wedge Espadrilles

Wedge espadrilles are not only fashionable but functional, making them ideal for activities like divot stomping at polo matches, available for £690 from Chloe.

Loeffler Randall Dahlia Faux Leather-Trimmed Plissé-Organza Sandals

With pretty bows and signature plissé-organza, Loeffler Randall sandals are the perfect fit for summer festivities, whether for weddings, garden parties, or race day, costing £320 at Net-a-Porter.

Accessories to Complement Your Look

Tusting Clara Handbag

Tusting, a family-owned bag business, is known for its stylish designs. A top-handle handbag in a light hue is perfect for a formal yet daytime look, priced at £445.

Gucci Printed Silk Scarf

Gucci’s luxurious silk scarf can enhance any outfit, whether tied around a handbag handle, added to a blazer pocket, or worn as a neck accessory, available for £430.

Bee Goddess Secret Garden Peacock Earrings

Bee Goddess’s Secret Garden collection features nature-inspired designs combining diamonds with sapphires and peridot gemstones. These artistic earrings are available for £14,700 at Harrods.

Conversely, Boucheron’s Untamed Nature high jewellery line pays homage to the beauty of the natural world. The collection showcases intricate floral representations, from the whimsical carrot blossom brooch to the enchanting fuchsia earrings. Dior continues its exploration of floral elegance, introducing vibrant lacquered floral clusters that blur the lines between the real and the fantastical. Additionally, Bulgari has crafted a rose-inspired necklace, offering a bold statement piece, while Cartier’s Nature Sauvage collection beautifully captures the delicate essence of a dandelion in a luxurious diamond setting. This season, floral motifs cement their status as perennial favourites in the realm of fine jewellery.

Diorette necklace in white gold, adorned with diamonds, tsavorite and lacquer, POA by Dior Joaillerie. Diorette ring in white gold, featuring diamonds and lacquer, POA; dior.com

Wild flower necklace crafted in white gold with rubies and diamonds, priced at £170,000; graff.com

Blossoms diamond bracelet made of rhodium and gold-plated sterling silver, embellished with diamonds, £2,500; buccellati.com

Lotus flower drop earrings in white gold, set with yellow sapphires and diamonds, priced at £19,500; garrard.com

Miss Daisy ring in pink and white gold, featuring a Padparadscha sapphire, spinels and diamonds, POA; davidmorris.com

Roses of Eternity high jewellery necklace in pink gold, decorated with morganites, rubellites and diamonds, POA; bulgari.com

Rose de Noël pendant in yellow gold, featuring turquoise and diamonds, priced at £15,700; vancleefarpels.com [only available in store]

Fuchsia pendant earrings crafted in white gold and accented with diamonds, POA; boucheron.com

Bucherer fine jewellery flower petal earrings in white gold with aquamarines and diamonds, priced at £9,700; bucherer.com

Nature Sauvage High Jewellery necklace in platinum, featuring emeralds, yellow diamonds and diamonds, POA; cartier.co.uk

In 1979, Beaton expressed his immense passion for gardening, stating, “My garden is the greatest joy of my life, after my friends. Both are worth living for.” During his life, Beaton cultivated two significant gardens at his country properties in Wiltshire—Ashcombe House (1930-1945) and Reddish House (1947-1980). This exhibition not only highlights these gardens but also explores the vital role that floral elements played in Beaton’s artistic journey. This includes photographic portraits, such as one featuring the future Queen Elizabeth II adorned in a Hartnell crinoline, surrounded by an array of fresh blooms, and a 1937 whimsical jacket designed for a fête champêtre at Ashcombe, embellished with surrealist embroidered tendrils and appliquéd roses.

Luke Edward Hall, a prominent artist and designer involved in the exhibition’s layout, remarked on Beaton’s multifaceted creativity: “I’m an enormous fan of so much of Beaton’s output—his photography, but also his drawings, stage and costume designs, interiors, and his writing… what I admire most is his approach to life and his dedication to beauty.” The exhibition, entitled Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party, runs from May 14 to September 21 at the Garden Museum.

From an early age, Beaton displayed a knack for floral arrangements, which he showcased in his college room at Cambridge and at the wedding of his sister, Nancy Beaton. In his Ashcombe studio, inspired by interior designer Syrie Maugham, he primarily used white flowers to craft a surreal, ethereal ambiance that deeply influenced his photography. Beaton even established a garden dedicated to cultivating these flowers. His fascination with blooms extended into his stage and costume designs; for instance, he embraced floral themes in the ballet Apparitions and drew from nature for the iconic Ascot scene in My Fair Lady, reflecting Eliza Doolittle’s flower-selling background. The exhibition features original illustrations for the ballets Les Sirènes and Apparitions, as well as a headdress worn by famed ballerina Margot Fonteyn in Apparitions.

Hall believes Beaton’s diverse talents continue to resonate in today’s artistic landscape. “Perhaps two or three decades ago, the notion of an artist engaging in various fields would have faced skepticism, but now it’s almost a standard expectation.” Drawing inspiration from Beaton’s visionary aesthetic, Hall stated, “Cecil Beaton endeavored to infuse his life with extraordinary vibrancy and sheer wonder, which I find quite remarkable.” The exhibition will be available at the Garden Museum in London from May 14 to September 21, 2025.

Sophie Labbé, a notable nose behind fragrances like Versace Dylan Turquoise, recalls her passion igniting at a young age while exploring the scents of the Paris Metro. Similarly, Roja Dove of Roja Parfums reflects on his childhood experiences, where he was inspired by his elegantly dressed mother and her collection of fragrances.

Carlos Benaïm, a key figure at Sana Jardin and creator of Ralph Lauren Polo, developed his appreciation for natural ingredients while assisting his botanist father during summer outings, experiencing firsthand the joys of plant life. Likewise, Jérôme Epinette, associated with Bibbi Parfum, spent his formative years in a perfume boutique run by his mother, becoming engrossed in her stories about fragrance creation.

Olivier Cresp, famous for creations like Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue, grew up in the renowned perfume capital of Grasse, surrounded by fragrant herbs and flowers, which heavily influenced his career path. Cresp emphasizes that becoming a nose requires dedication and a decade of rigorous training, asserting that creativity and curiosity, rather than genetics, are essential for crafting exceptional scents.

Ambitious perfumers are encouraged to start with a degree in chemistry, which provides a grounding in molecular composition and reactions. This foundational knowledge paves the way for specialized postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions such as the Grasse Institute of Perfumery or ISIPCA in Versailles. Aspiring noses must pass a series of evaluations, including logical reasoning, olfactory skills, and creativity assessments, followed by interviews with established perfumers.

These educational programs typically span one to three years, immersing students in the nuances of various raw materials before they delve into the art of blending. Epinette recalls the initial phase of his training focused solely on the scents of raw ingredients.

Dora Baghriche, known for Glossier You, vividly remembers the intense pace of her education, linking aromas to memories and emotions as she learned multiple new fragrances each week, culminating in a rigorous internship at a leading fragrance house. Graduates often begin their careers as junior perfumers or lab technicians, striving to ascend to the coveted title of master perfumer.

The path to becoming a nose has evolved significantly over the years. Many current top perfumers, such as Olivier Polge, have benefited from familial legacies in the industry. Polge learned the essentials from his father Jacques, long-time in-house perfumer for Chanel. His experience showcases the informal yet effective mentorship that characterized earlier training methods.

While some entered the field through traditional family ties, others, like Dove, had to forge their paths independently. After securing a position at Guerlain without formal training, Dove played a crucial role in developing a training program for aspiring perfumers and ultimately deepened his knowledge of fragrance ingredients through hands-on learning.

Mentorship remains integral to the perfume industry today, fostering a supportive atmosphere where many experienced noses invest time in nurturing newcomers. Esteemed fragrance houses now create opportunities for students to engage closely with noted perfumers, aligning with traditional training methods.

What qualities define a successful nose? Listening is paramount, as Labbé advises, emphasizing the need to interpret a brand’s vision into a tangible fragrance. Inspiration can stem from myriad sources: art, travel, or even nature. For Epinette, engagement with a brand brings forth ideas that he develops into olfactory concepts to be realized in the lab.

Ultimately, the passion for their craft shines through for these perfumers. Labbé encapsulates the joy of the profession, stating that for her, life truly began upon becoming a nose, underscoring the profound connection they hold with their work.

“If you’re not a model, you should be,” he told her. “You could earn a lot of money.”

When he asked for her name, she revealed it was Christie Brinkley.

Fast forward to the present day, and Brinkley is lighting up the screen from her kitchen in the Hamptons. Leading up to our Zoom interview, I was informed that her camera would remain off, a point that initially frustrated me. However, there seemed to be a miscommunication, as her video feed is clearly on. Dressed in an embroidered denim jacket from her own fashion line, she is a delight to converse with—charming, humorous, and down-to-earth. We are discussing her upcoming memoir, aptly titled Uptown Girl, a nod to the famous song penned by her former husband, Billy Joel, which features her in its iconic music video.

“I love the song,” she expresses. “It’s so fun to have a theme song for myself.” Yet, Brinkley’s influence extends far beyond her role as a muse. She is credited as the world’s first supermodel, gracing over 500 magazine covers and holding the distinction of being the only model to appear on three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers. Her illustrious career includes an unprecedented 25-year contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, which is among the longest modeling contracts ever. Today, she holds an estimated net worth exceeding $100 million thanks to her thriving fashion line, skincare brand, and organic wine label.

“I’ve always aimed to embrace as many opportunities as I can, filling my life with rich experiences and adventures,” Brinkley reflects. It has indeed been a remarkable journey, interspersed with fame, exotic locales, and personal struggles stemming back to her childhood.

Born on February 2, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan, Brinkley relocated to Los Angeles as a child. Her biological father, Herbert Hudson, is remembered as “unhappy, unkind, and often cruel,” frequently punishing her with a belt.

“Sometimes, he’d dictate that I wait for my punishment in the den, and other times, it was immediate. I often wondered which was worse: the anticipation or the pain itself,” she recalls. To lessen the sting of her punishments, she would hide a copy of Life magazine in her pajamas.

“I believe I suppressed many of those memories,” Brinkley admits. “I remember feeling fearful of his return from work, the belt, and his threats to send me to an orphanage.”

After her parents divorced when she was eight, her mother remarried TV writer Donald Brinkley. “My mom wanted to ignore that part of our lives,” Brinkley states. “We never discussed it.”

Despite living in Malibu, Brinkley developed a fascination for all things French. She attended the prestigious Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, and at 18 moved to Paris to study art. There, she encountered cultural icons like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and fell in love with her first husband, Jean-François Allaux. When he was drafted into the military, she acquired a dog, Bianca, who eventually changed her life.

Post-discovery, Brinkley’s life became a whirlwind of modeling opportunities: go-sees, photo shoots, endorsements, and magazine covers. She and Allaux made a life in New York, where encounters with John Lennon and Yoko Ono were not uncommon. “I made the cover of 11 magazines nearly simultaneously,” she reflects, naming prominent titles such as Mademoiselle, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue.

Her modeling success led to other ventures, including a brief stint as a boxing photographer. “Once, while dining at the Plaza Hotel, I spotted Muhammad Ali crossing the street. I dashed through the lobby to him, declaring, ‘Muhammad Ali, I love you,’ and he replied, ‘Christie Brinkley, I love you too.'” This chance encounter led to her snagging ringside seats for his fights and getting published in The Ring and Sports Illustrated.

As Brinkley’s career skyrocketed—Harper’s Bazaar recognized her as one of the world’s most beautiful women—her marriage to Allaux began to suffer. “The more I succeeded, the clearer it became what I was missing by racing home to keep him company,” she says, noting that he might have been the only partner who didn’t cheat on her. Their marriage ended in 1981.

Following her divorce, Brinkley began dating French racing driver Olivier Chandon de Brailles. After he confessed to infidelity, she sought solace in St. Barts, where she met Billy Joel. He captivated her with his humor during a bar duet of The Girl from Ipanema. Later, they returned to New York and embarked on a relationship.

One day at Joel’s Long Island home, he revealed he had been writing a song about a “fantasy girl”—a song he named Uptown Girl, upon realizing he was inspired by Brinkley herself. She was present during its recording, which became a hit worldwide, topping charts in the UK for five weeks in 1983. She later joined him at the recording of We Are the World, reminiscing about sharing moments with music legends.

Reflections on Life and Love

Joel and Brinkley wed in March 1985, welcoming their daughter, Alexa Ray, in December. Nevertheless, Joel’s escalating alcohol issues strained their marriage. Brinkley mentions an incident where he, inebriated, shattered the patio doors of her parents’ home. “His drinking overshadowed everything—it felt like he preferred it over me.” They divorced in 1994 but maintained a friendship.

Brinkley faced two tumultuous marriages after Joel. She wed Richard Taubman following a helicopter crash, only to file for divorce a year later, claiming he owed her $2 million amidst a custody dispute for their son, Jack. “I don’t know what drove me into a rapid relationship; a psychologist concluded I had PTSD, which often leads to hasty decisions. Taubman was a stable relationship compared to my fourth husband, architect Peter Cook. They married in 1996 but separated when Cook’s infidelities and inappropriate behaviors came to light.

Brinkley first crossed paths with Donald Trump in the 1980s. Although she found him pretentious, she has been actively politically engaged, advocating against the Vietnam War and supporting Democratic candidates. She’s vocal about her opposition to Trump’s policies, even facing fears of government scrutiny due to her activism.

In our conversation, I ask a tough question about her critique of Trump, considering her perceived wealth and status. “I’ve been a working girl since I was 16, and I created my path,” Brinkley asserts. “I grasp the challenges people endure, and while I had my ups and downs, I have continued to persevere.”

When I inquire about the rumor of her owning 18 homes, she clarifies, “No, I don’t own that many. There was a time I had substantial investments in real estate in the Hamptons, but not 18 properties now.”

This year, Brinkley turned 71. “In my early career, 30 was deemed a fearsome number,” she reflects, citing warnings of being ‘washed up’ by that age. They were clearly mistaken. Her stepfather encouraged her, saying, “Christie, baby, you write your own script.” It’s a gripping narrative, one she notes would make a compelling film, perhaps humorously titled Four Weddings and a Funeral due to the trials in her love life.

“It’s still a script in progress,” Brinkley concludes. “At times, I felt as though others were writing it for me, yet it’s been a captivating story.”