“The New York that Frank Sinatra sang about, people will never know that place. The New Orleans that Louis Armstrong sang about is the New Orleans that’s still there – it’s preserved.”

I’m no editor, no artisan, no expert. And certainly no arbiter of what you should buy, wear, or eat.

I was in a show choir. I can’t sing or dance to save my life, but I was very passionate. People said my parents paid the choir director to let me in. It was actually the parents who started that one!

Ngila Dixon is such an incredible costume designer. She’s such a cool, stylish woman. She has such an understanding of character.

I never really cook from recipes. But the worst is when something turns out great and I can’t figure out how to make it again!

All I need is my Chanel dress, my Louboutins, and some red lipstick.

I’ve kissed just three people in my life, other than stuff that I’ve done for TV or movies. I know – I’m weird!

To be around me, you must love food, or I’m the most obnoxious person you’ve ever met.

I always like hair being a little messy because I think there’s something appealing about the whimsy of putting on a gown with any hair or make-up – just stepping into it, and you’re ready.

My mother had very humble beginnings – to put it mildly. Her dad built their home out of timber that he cut down on their land. No heat, no air-conditioning – ‘no foolishness,’ as he would call it.

I had the Buffalo shoes, a customised Baby Spice necklace – when I say custom-made, it was made out of plastic from the local mall – and a Union Jack dress.

Actually, I’m happiest in Williams-Sonoma in New York. That’s a wonderful cooking store.

Every relationship you have, you’re learning and growing and taking something from that.

I have a strong sense of myself. That gives me a sense of security, you know?

The food, the lesson, the chef, the ingredients – all the best of the best. I see why Le Cordon Bleu is world-renowned.

The Gucci woman can be the equestrian woman, the woman in the suit, the woman in the flowy bohemian dress, or the couture woman.

I would have to read the script and feel for a character. And if I feel in my gut for a character, I know that that’s somebody I have to play.