S MAGAZINE ★ 28 JULY 2019 35
few years I’ve made my own and
people have asked to buy them.
What has been your career
highlight? I grew up in inner-city
Birmingham, from a single-parent
family, and great things aren’t
always expected of people from
those kind of environments, so
even having a single out on HMV
was an amazing feeling. My
highlight isn’t selling a million
records, it is selling that first one.
Have you ever had any fashion
faux pas? I had a wardrobe
malfunction once when I was
performing – my dress dropped off
to the floor. It was made of chains
and was heavy, and I was really
going for it. I thank the Lord
Instagram wasn’t around then –
I would definitely become a meme.
What did you think of the Strictly
costumes? I hated them. I found
them so exposing. I was going
through an insecure time and on
the show you are surrounded by
gorgeous girls and I didn’t feel like
one of them. I approached it the
way I did Bear Grylls: Mission
Survive – face your fears head-on.
What is the most expensive item
in your wardrobe? A pair of shoes
that cost about £1,000, but they’re
the only thing I splurge on. Being
able to hand them down to my 18-
year-old daughter is a nice feeling.
How many shoes and handbags
do you own? Lots of shoes. But
I have a rule never to go over the
space available on the shoe rack.
I have a few designer handbags
but they have been gifts.
How much do you spend on
clothes each month? Before
I started sewing I would spend
a couple of hundred a month.
What is the best fashion advice
you have been given? My
daughters tell me to wear
whatever I like, not just clothes
I think a mum should wear.
What is your best beauty secret?
I believe if you surround yourself
with happiness it shows on your
face. I’ve no time for negativity.Follow Jamelia on Instagram
(@officialjamelia), Twitter
(@Jamelia) and Facebook
(@JameliaDotCom).Above, clockwise from top left:
z Jamelia bought her lilac satchel
from JustFab and the palm-print
tote from River Island. The red
and yellow bags are by Dolce
& Gabbana z Her blue and pink
Ray-Bans with her Dolce & Gabbana
shades z Jamelia buys her belts
from H&M, Next and Dolce &
Gabbana z A keen seamstress,
the singer made this matching
green top and skirt herself z Some
of the star’s favourite perfumesFar right: “I wanted something
I could wear again,” says Jamelia
about the pretty printed Topshop
dress she wore to get married inFASHION
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