*collage by* Alessandra Macrí @ Wib Milano

Amelia Windsor is a cultured, passionate, established young woman: columnist, model, in the same agency that launched Kate Moss, a fashion influencer with a curriculum that at 26 has already led her to work as an intern in the Heritage department of Bulgari, and in Azzedine Alaïa's atelier, shortly before the designer's death.

Amelia is also outspoken: "Twenties is madness", she admits, "you have to learn not to be overwhelmed by life and... try to keep dancing". Dancing is one of the things she likes best, dancing and traveling. Rightly, Amelia Windsor asks us to leave in brackets that title (lady) that she accompanies for reasons of her rank, the legacy of a dynastic bond with the British royal family that perpetually echoes in her surname. That right has been earned by establishing herself without scandals or reluctance, with tangible professional achievements. So let's open and immediately close the "royals" chapter, which in the novel of her adventurous life as a twenty-year-old has the effect of a somewhat arrogant preface: daughter of George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, and granddaughter of the Duke of Kent, cousin of Elizabeth II who accompanied the Queen in the recent Jubilee celebrations, Amelia Sophia Theodora Mary Margaret Windsor, this is her full name, raised in Cambridge, where her mother is a teacher, and graduated in Edinburgh, is, at present, 43 but in the line of succession to the throne.

It is in fact fashionable, and not blue-blooded, that Amelia is interested in talking; in particular about ethical and sustainable fashion, a theme that also inspired her latest article for the cover story that Tatler has just dedicated to her. Model and journalist, Amelia appears radiant on the June cover, but she also signs a passionate editorial in which she underlines the profound bond that haute couture has, for unsuspected times, with ethics and sustainability. We talked to her about it on Zoom from her London home. "It's raining cats and dogs", she updates us, pointing to the windows streaked with water: "but tomorrow is expected to be nice, I'm counting on it”.

**shirt** Pin Denim **trousers** Igor Dieryck **personalised “AMELIA” necklace rings** BY DOLLY **loafers** TOD'S

What are you working on now?

I don't know how much of the next commitments I am allowed to anticipate, but I can tell you that I am writing a lot, and this makes me happy.

What do you write about?
Travel, fashion. I'm also starting to get passionate about gardening, a topic that offers me food for thought, which teaches us to live in balance with the environment.

A theme that is close to your heart, such as that of sustainable fashion.

It is exciting to tell how that front is evolving. Obviously there are still many aspects to improve, but it is really surprising to realize how now the new brands focus above all on social and ethical responsibility and put the theme of sustainability at the center of their communication. I believe there are still many interesting discoveries to be made. Right now I'm happy to help share this kind of message as much as possible. I like to tell the independent experiences of recycling and reuse of those who pay attention to the entire supply chain, working in synergy with suppliers, with farmers who produce, for example, cotton or linen. Another thing I love is to introduce readers to the many independent realities that, together with the design and clothes they create, celebrate their artisan history and traditions. This is the aspect that interests me the most: the human side of fashion, the one that contains the real magic.

Sustainable fashion garments always have an interesting past behind them. Who knows how many stories are locked in your closet.

Several. Some I have yet to tell them, I'll give you one: I recently had a dress recycled. I bought it at a charity sale, but unfortunately, it didn't suit me very well. So I took it to a place called Reture, a platform that deals with sustainable fashion and upcycling. A lovely designer, Freya Simonne, took care of it and transformed it into a fantastic halter neck dress, perfect for me. Also, underneath, the dress had a lining that hung down. Freya took it off and turned it into a skirt. So, from a single dress, bought for charity, I got two items of clothing. It is not yet warm enough to wear it, but I hope the sun will come soon to be able to show it off.

What item of your wardrobe do you care about the most?

Difficult to choose one. There are many. It depends on my mood, on the seasons. Among these, there is certainly a Bamford sweater that I bought a couple of years ago. It's still the way it was - it's incredibly soft, navy-colored wool with gray inserts. I love it.

**jacket** UOOYAA **dress** Paula Knorr **slippers** Balenciaga

Another well-known passion of yours is traveling. What does travel mean to you?

Traveling, seeing new places, in general knowing new contexts and people, serves to open the mind, to broaden perspectives. If you intend it in this way, you can make interesting trips even without moving from your city. How many neighborhoods and glimpses have we never visited? You have to be curious, train your eyes to adapt to new scenarios and your mind to new situations, otherwise the brain atrophies and everything becomes so monotonous. A trip must always be a little uncomfortable, overturn your certainties, your comfort zone. But traveling is also an extraordinary way to meet new people, discover other cultures. It is a unique opportunity to grow and evolve.

Are there any trips that have changed your point of view on things?

Every trip changes you, on your return you are never the same person as before. I was incredibly lucky to be able to leave for Panama, shortly before the pandemic, to write an article about an eco-resort run entirely by solar energy and without waste called Islas Secas: I was really impressed by their ecological commitment and the attention to the local population; the resort is located in an archipelago that is 75 percent unspoiled and protected: all around, there is only nature and the evidence of pre-Columbian civilization. All the water is recycled, as is the food. Like many people, I am increasingly reluctant to travel long air distances: I try to reduce and compensate my ecological footprint as much as possible by staying in structures that are based on sustainability and environmental awareness: I will never forget the time spent there and I hope that others resorts follow their example and their kindness.

Where would you go now?

I don't have a favorite destination, every destination is special for its own reasons. But I love the sea. If I had to book a vacation now, it would be close to a beach.

Would you travel alone?

There is something very special about traveling with other people and being able to share experiences and memories. But I love to travel alone. I've done it many times: these are the occasions when you really find peace and food for thought. Maybe even too much, sometimes you get lost in your own thoughts, it happens to me especially when I walk. But they are the only situations in which you are truly in control of your time. For those who have never done it before, it can be a rather upsetting experience.

**dress** MET-CODE **headdress** Florentina Leitner

What do you always pack when traveling?

The Birkenstocks, for sure. A lot of books, maybe a bathing suit, you never know.

No jewelry or watch?

I try to leave the items I care about at home, I don't want to risk losing anything.

Do you remember your first trip?

Oh my… It was probably to Austria, I think, to visit my mother's family in the mountains. It is obviously a very special memory.

Do you like skiing?

I haven't done it for a long time, I don't know if I'm still good at it. The last time I skied, many years ago, I was the fastest in my race. Now I don't guarantee anything.

You have chosen to study French and Italian at university. How come?

French is my mother's language and I was very sorry not to have been able to learn it as I grew up: I owed her a debt of affection. And Italian... how can you not love it?

Were you good at school?

I think so. I have certainly worked hard in recent years.

You said you like to write. What do you write when you are not working?

A bit of everything, notes, comments. As a child, I kept a diary, which I filled out every single day. I think my love for writing was born from there. Rereading it now is rather embarrassing, at times even very amusing.

Have you ever thought about writing a book?

No. I think I need a little more practice. If I ever manage to do it, however, I'd like to write something that can entertain, make people laugh.

Have you ever gotten lost inside a work of art?

I like art, I follow it and there are many works that have that effect on me; lately I’ve been really into Michaela Yearwood-Dan: she makes amazing abstract paintings using many colors, in her art she somehow incorporates poetry. I could stare at her paintings all day, they are absolutely hypnotic. I visited her solo show a couple of weeks ago and I was genuinely amazed.

Do you feel the same with your books?

Books keep me a lot of company. At the moment I am dedicating myself to volumes that talk about gardening. I find them relaxing. They help me stay in touch with the earth, with the ability to cultivate and make life grow, they make me want to discover and do more.

**jacket** Onarin **trousers** Martha **diamond necklace and rings** Matilde **personalised “AMELIA” necklace rings** BY DOLLY

What is your day like?

The beginning is always the same: I get up very early, do some exercises, yoga, pilates and then work. The rest varies, depending on the day.

What do you notice the most in people?

I try to find out how open and friendly they are. I attach great importance to the ability to be welcoming and kind.

Where do you go when you want to have fun?

To dance, of course: dance and music make me happier than anything else.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Lots of different types of music, especially drum'n'bass for dancing. There's also a song I've been listening to lately that makes me particularly happy: it's called"Smile", an artist called Iyamah sings it and it really makes me smile. I highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves having a bad day.

Do you sing in the shower?

I sing everywhere. Even on the street. I can't help it, I warn you: I can be quite embarrassing.

You have a reputation for being a nonconformist. Do you see yourself as one?

It always depends a little on what is meant by nonconformist, but if this is the impression I give, I accept it, it suits me.

What is beauty to you?

I believe that beauty is being able to love and believe in yourself and in your own beauty, if you allow me to play on words. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, you just have to learn to recognise it.

And do you succeed?

Every other day.

What is the beauty look you go for when you want to feel beautiful?

'Do you know what I do to cheer myself up, especially in these gray English days? My little secret is Charlotte Tilbury's makeup line. A few brushstrokes are enough to restore light to my face. London Rainproof.

**suit** PAUL & JOE **necklace rings** BY DOLLY **diamond necklace and rings** Matilde **headdress** Florentina Leitner **loafers** TOD'S

How do you make decisions? From your head or from your heart?

A mixture of the two. I'm not particularly good at deciding. I struggle for a long time between my heart and my head and this makes every single choice particularly difficult for me.

Between past, present and future, which is the place you visit most willingly?

I think it's important to live in the present, but it's not easy for me, I try. Let's say that I live in a continuous loop between past, present and future, also undecided on the rhythm to follow.

And how do you look to the future, anxiously or hopefully?

The future is the place of hope, I want it to be so, I do everything possible to keep it in mind.

What is your comfort zone?

Home. My bed.

And where is home, London?

Home is in Cambridge, where I grew up.

If you were to show your childhood in three souvenir photos, what would they be?

Me playing on Norfolk beach or swimming in the sea. Me walking in the mountains in Austria: my family really like walking, we have spent miles and miles together. And then at home in Cambridge… and probably also in Scotland.

Amelia Windsor for French Fries Magazine issue 5

© French Fries Magazine