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Grace Woodward

Behind the scenes at the Fitzrovia home office of the leading creative director and stylist
Behind the scenes at the Fitzrovia home office of the leading creative director and stylist Grace Woodward
James Winspear

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I've been here for eight years. I'm mobile most of the time, but this is where my brainstorming happens. It's an amazing location and I have access to absolutely everything I need. I can walk everywhere, and there's the park, a farmers' market... and it's still quiet. I love it.

1 A few celebrity magazines — I'm fashion director on the X Factor and it provides lots of funny stories. I oversee everything and nothing goes out without me approving it. You get to know the contestants very well, although it's a very strange environment. We're all thrown together in this strange bubble and you have to get to learn people's foibles and breaking points incredibly quickly. It's a huge production. I have seven full-time assistants on my team, it's pretty full on.

2 A lot of time you can only do a fab garment with statement jewellery, especially on the X Factor, as the shots tend to be either close-ups or way out. The jewellery has become what brands someone, for example when I put Rebecca in a pair of Lara Bohinc earrings. I suppose I'm known for being a bit sparkly. A lot of people are into the 'less is more' look, but I'm definitely 'more is more'!

3 Richard Gray is one of the best fashion illustrators around. When I was starting my business I asked him to do an ident for me. People need to remember you, so if there's something key that they recognise, it helps to build your brand. And it reminds me of my journey to where I am now.

4 Quite a few years ago, the British Fashion Council sent me on a project called UK Styling, where they send representatives to their offices in different parts of the world. I went to Chile. We were shooting in Valle de la Luna — the most arid place on earth. Nothing grows there and it's very spooky. On the way out I found this cross in a pile of things being sold by the side of the road.

5 This dress is by a designer called Richard Sorger. His RJS line is worn by celebs like Kelis and Alexandra Burke. I've worked with him for about four years now on colours and trends and we've recently shown at the incredible Masonic Temple at the Andaz Hotel. Elle Macpherson, who I worked with on Britain's Next Top Model, came along so I managed to get some of my worlds to collide.

6 I love animals but I can't have a dog here. I'm not even supposed to have a cat! Her name is Ujiii. My ex and I couldn't decide what to call her, then one evening we were looking at pet insurance online and she got on the keyboard and in the 'pet name' space typed Ujiii — so that was her name.

For more information visit gracewoodward.com

Olivia Palamountain

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