My other mother

Couturier, stylist (to my Barbie dolls included) and all-round fabulous woman. I tell Elle magazine about my “other mother”, Brazilian grandmother, Irene

Growing up in Brazil, my Barbie doll was the envy of my friends. Like an A-list actress on the red carpet, she wore the most beautiful ballgowns. And my Barbie had a stylist: my grandmother.

Irene was a seamstress and specialised in occasionwear, including wedding dresses. With the fabric scraps of her clients’ dresses, my grandmother created miniature versions for our dolls.

Now I can see how lucky I was to grow up with such strong women. My mum worked full-time and spent several months in England, so my grandparents looked after my sister and me. During the day, we mingled with my grandmother’s all-female staff - listening to their gossip, joining in their laughter and getting in the way by hiding under the sewing machines. My grandmother was proud that she made her own money and felt no guilt for spending it on clothes, make-up and jewellery - and her grandchildren.

When I moved to England, I missed her terribly, and continue to now, after she passed away six years ago. I always thought she’d make my wedding dress. But as I walked down the aisle three months ago, I pictured her face: proud, beaming, a little teary, and beautifully made-up.