Rosamund Pike on the 'genius' of Alaïa, her skincare secret, and the tea bags she can't live without

The actor reveals her favourite indulgences...

How do you define luxury?

Right now, for me, it’s time.

What’s your signature style?

Elegance with an edge. Alaïa is a silhouette that works for me.

I had the good fortune to meet Azzedine and he was such an inspiring man: a genius, and passionate about his work.

Skincare secrets?

I always come back to Sisley’s Black Rose oil, mask and cream.

Black Rose cream mask, £105, and skin infusion cream, £134, Sisley

Your favourite piece of jewellery?

I have two: a gold charm bracelet that was given to me by my neighbour growing up – it’s full of intricate charms that open to reveal different secrets and is completely enchanting. The other is a ring from my husband by Greek designer Elena Votsi. Her jewellery has a real spirit and humour.

What’s on your wrist?

My favourite watches are the ones that are technically made for men. For everyday I wear an IWC Portugieser chronograph. I like the simplicity of it; it’s beautiful without shouting at you. And I’m always using the stopwatch – far more than I ever thought I would.

Portugieser Chronograph, £13,950, IWC

Art you covet?

I would love to have James Turrell come to my house and create an artwork where the roof slides off and the sunlight bounces off the interior.

Favourite hotel?

I have a few: the George V in Paris, the Mandarin Oriental in New York, the Summer Palace in Beijing.

If I really want to treat myself, I’ll take myself alone to Claridge’s for the night, even though it’s in the city where I live.

Sight for sore eyes?

Any view of the sea. I’ve had my breath taken away by the might of the sea in California and on the wild coast of Hawaii, where the waves are enormous.

Any little luxuries you can’t live without?

I won’t travel without Birchall Tea in silken tea bags. Those, and my Globe-Trotter suitcase.

Deluxe wooden compartment box, £80, Birchall Tea

It was the first case I bought, and I still use it 21 years later. It’s terribly battered but it has my life in it: it’s perfectly imperfect.

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