My fabulous Friday: Leila Yavari

Days off are...

Rare, but when I do have one, I start with a light breakfast of organic yogurt, berries and Persian tea, followed by some yoga. Even just half an hour of sun salutations and stretching helps me feel invigorated. Then I peruse the newspapers and look out for exhibitions I could visit in the afternoon.

My signature scent

Fri-day to night look

On weekends you can typically find me in vintage Levis teamed with a Jil Sander tee. At night I’ll add a Céline blazer, red lipstick, swap my Reeboks for Pierre Hardy heels and I always wear DiorShow Mascara. It opens up the eyes and lends me a glam look.

Fashion is my calling

I started modelling while I was studying for my PhD. It not only gave me a chance to travel and a deeper grasp of fabric but put me in touch with new designers, models and photographers, and a chance to interact with some of the industry’s most creative minds.

I listen to

Chicago-based rapper Tink, who’s become a favourite. She’s able to harness the dynamism of early 1990s’ hip-hop and rap, which I love, while still having a singular style. I recently splurged on quite a bit of her music.

The Coqui Coqui beach resort and boutique in Tulum, Mexico, is my favourite – it has a laid-back atmosphere ideal for vacations. When it comes to work, though, I stay faithful to the Bowery in New York. The accommodation is luxe but never stuffy and the service is excellent. My dream vacation would be exploring China with my boyfriend. It is such a vast, culturally diverse country with so much history, it feels like a new frontier.

Soul food…

For me is the bouillabaisse at Chez Camille in Ramatuelle, France – it’s blissful, particularly in springtime. I love to cook, and ideally would love to catch up with family and friends over an intimate dinner of home-cooked food. Unfortunately, given my travel schedule I don’t get to do it often.

I’d never let go of...

The Chanel handbags handed down to me by my mum, Parvin. Some of my most prized possessions, they’re elegant, timeless, and remind me of her classic sense of chic.