Loves in My Life: Sydney Lima and Julia Campbell-Gillies

      The most impactful interviews tend to be the most intimate. In "Loves of My Life," we are introduced to the individuals behind their art, exploring the essential questions we are eager to have answered, such as their favorite dining spots and ideal date locations, the contents of their Instagram Saved folder, their most cherished piece of jewelry, and the items found at the bottom of their handbags. Essentially, we uncover the small joys that fill their lives. Best friends Sydney Lima and Julia Campbell-Gillies are recognized in the Who What Wear UK office for shaping diverse creative careers that go well beyond fashion. Lima engages in insightful writing on digital culture, identity, and women’s experiences, while Campbell-Gillies has a broad practice that includes floristry, poetry, and sustainable design. These London-based creatives are reshaping the concept of modern muses. They reveal their little loves, encompassing date-night favorites, comfort foods, wardrobe essentials, and makeup must-haves.

      What is your favorite restaurant worldwide, and what do you typically order?

      Sydney Lima: Right now, I’m in a phase where I enjoy dining solo at Indian restaurants, so I can’t think beyond that. My current obsession includes chicken saag, garlic naan, and paneer from the nearest place that isn't too crowded.

      Julia Campbell-Gillies: Somine on Kingsland Road in Dalston, East London. Their mixed grill is consistently perfect, and I visit weekly.

      Is there something in your home that holds strong sentimental value?

      SL: A housewarming mug my mother gave me, which my boyfriend accidentally broke last week. My attachment to the mug grew the moment it broke.

      JCG: My ugly Romanian rug; it was the first decorative item I ever purchased! Floral, naturally.

      What items would we commonly find at the bottom of your handbag?

      SL: Tampons, 2p coins, and a lip balm without a lid.

      JCG: Floral debris, 17 lipsticks, and secateurs that I get stopped with when I enter museums.

      Who uplifts you emotionally?

      SL: I love to FaceTime Julia at odd hours, asking silly questions like, "Do you think I've waited long enough to text back?" It definitely fills my cup.

      JCG: Sydney needs to see me during our calls. I think it helps her focus. I’m more than willing to run any decision by her via text.

      If you could vacation in one location for the rest of your life, where would it be?

      SL: Italy, Tuscany. I’d love to live there, but I’d probably end up getting sunburned.

      JCG: A super remote campsite in Puglia, where I first went for a shoot with Vogue Ukraine in 2018.

      What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

      SL: Doomscrolling while watching reality TV at the same time, and making up songs for my dogs.

      JCG: Visiting gardens and indulging in full-body massages.

      Do you have a hidden gem for date nights?

      SL: I've moved to Saint Leonards, and my boyfriend and I frequently dine at our friend's restaurant, Bayte. It's fantastic. I would take Julia there, but she still hasn’t visited...

      JCG: It has to be Café Cecilia. I do venture out of Hackney, but only when I get an invitation!

      Which piece of clothing would you never let go of, and why?

      SL: Much to everyone’s surprise, I’ve been living in one pair of blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms for several years. They don't have a drawstring anymore and the sides sometimes pop open, but I can't seem to stop wearing them.

      JCG: Any of my adorable little sundresses.

      What’s your most-played song on Spotify?

      SL: I’m definitely not sharing that.

      JCG: I’ve had Neil Young’s "On The Beach" on repeat this spring. He’s incredible.

      If we explored your Saved folder on Instagram right now, what would we find?

      SL: Photos of me styling my dogs' hair into an emo look, and images of girls with bobs.

      JCG: Beautiful poetry shared by @sujitprasad or @tomsnarksy, alongside various garden images.

      Which city inspires you the most?

      SL: London.

      JCG: London without a doubt.

      What item do you love to pack for holidays?

      SL: I enjoy packing underwear and socks; it's the only time I feel organized in my life. CEO vibes.

      JCG: I try to take as little as possible, but I always pack a bag within a bag. I enjoy shopping on holiday.

      What’s your most cherished item in your wardrobe?

      SL: My shoe collection. I recently received a stunning pair of red Jimmy Choos from the new collection that