EXETER LIVES
Q&A
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Answer to Where Am I? (page 11): statue of World War Two fighter pilot in front of Exeter Airport terminal
f you’re one of this lady’s numerous social media followers, you’ll know her as Miss P – but on her passport she’s Pavla Henshaw. The owner of the gorgeous Crede Boutique on Little Castle Street is one of the most stylish people we know – little wonder, then, that she’s taking part in the first ever Style In Exeter shebang over the weekend of 8-9 October. She’s also quite private. So, we dragged her away from her new AW16 stock deliveries and quite literally forced her to talk to us... Where do you call home and what makes it special? Wherever I lay my hat – or should that be (Westwood) handbag? I moved a lot growing up (from Alaska to Africa) so learned early that home could be anywhere. All I need in a new space is to put out a few favourite pieces, buy some orchids, light a few candles, put on some music… there, that’s home! Crede is one of Exeter’s best places to shop for grown-up fashion: what designers/pieces are rocking your world for AW16? High, especially the silver fleck, stretch lace pieces, and the beautiful jackets. Plein Sud, especially the asymmetric jersey shapes, sophisticated leopard print optional. Isabel de Pedro, she’s always great for a foxy ’n’ fitted little dress. Love the new Andia Fora shoes, very ‘Balenciaga runner’, and looking forward to the Chie Mihara shoe delivery this week – great ankle boots. Transit, for relaxed and easy layering.
PAVLA HENSHAW
What piece of music would you put on at the end of a trying day? The Fun Lovin’ Criminals always wind me down, smile me up…
If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say? I went straight to the horse’s mouth on this one, and asked my friend Gemma. Here is her answer, no editing; it made me laugh: “P, as she is known to me, is a pirate’s dream-captive. Bold, brave and beautiful, there’s nothing she couldn’t survive.”
What are you listening to at the moment? Bowie, who I’m mourning/celebrating.
When did you last cry? Yesterday morning, on dressing the shop mannequin and pricking my finger on a pearl-topped pin. A very ‘modern Sleeping Beauty’ moment...
What’s your favourite indulgence? My oriental/tobacco signature scent from Serge Lutens.
What has been your proudest moment? ‘Moment’ is too transient, so instead I’d say the learning curve of Crede. What’s your earliest childhood memory? Being mesmerised by a skirt my mother used to wear – deep damson colour, with tiny, round mirrors hand-embroidered on. It was always catching the light. I used to ask if I could have it when she died (!) in that way small children do, with no concept of such things.
You have no idea how hard it was to get a photo of this Exeter fashion queen. . . .
What issue, more than any other, makes you want to get up on a soapbox? Don’t judge. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always. When people ask “So what’s Exeter like?” what do you say? Exeter is what you want it to be. As with most of life, you find what you look for. Who would play you in a film about your life? I’d rather imagine who would play my leading man.
106 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Do you have any hidden interests? The weather. Any retail girl will know this one: will it rain, will it shine? It has such an effect on shopping.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? The ability to slow down time – when did it get s-o-o-o fast? We’d better let you get on… What are you doing right after this? I will be in the shop early to prep for my next Plein Sud delivery drop. Fashion waits for no man (woman, that is)!
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