How Lowe Can You Go?

Catching my reflection in the sleek, dark exterior of London's Burlington Club doors, I immediately regret running out of the In Style office without a pit stop at the loo mirrors - a bad move, considering I'm about to interview possibly the coolest mother-daughter duo around. Whipping my beanie off and unzipping my parka in a lame attempt to look vaguely presentable, I'm ushered into the moody ambience of the club, handed a mojito and left to make myself at home. At this moment I'm glad the cocktail is so delicious as I'm able to engross myself in its bittersweet flavours rather than the quietly cool, intimate launch party I've just crashed. Fashion designer Pearl Lowe is sitting with a couple of friends, looking animated and involved, while her 17-year-old daughter Daisy is at the bar with her boyfriend looking equally unapproachable. However, reaching the end of my drink and in danger of making unpleasant slurping noises with the straw, and knowing that are no peanuts to prevent me from the impending moment when I will be standing empty-handed at the bar, I take the plunge and introduce myself.

"Hi, Pearl- I'm Hannah from In Style online. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?" Immediately breaking off her conversation and swivelling around to face me, Pearl gives me her full attention: "Oh my goodness, darling, of course not!" She has the most strikingly beautiful skin - particularly for someone who believes she's wasted the last couple of decades by playing hard on the party circuit. "I always wanted to be more creative and create my own designs, but until recently I haven't been sober enough. You can't be creative with a hangover," she says. Emphasising the point that she wants to be seen as a role model for not doing as she has done in the past, she is a convincing advocate for the "do as I say, not as I do" ethos. A former model and ex-vocalist of 1990s indie band Powder, Pearl has been sober for almost two years and has just launched her new clothing line - a stunning collection of handmade, Twenties-inspired lace dresses. Each piece is beautifully feminine and designed to flatter the female form. "My dresses are designed for women with bums and boobs, I've tried them on the models, but they just don't look good," she says. Music to my ears, I think, and refreshingly true.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I've always worn dresses, ever since I've been able to dress myself. My mother said that I would scream if she ever tried to put me in trousers," she says, laughing. "So I would never think of designing anything else. I've always loved the Twenties and Forties. I feel robbed that I live in the Noughties! And I love, love lace; I wish I had a dress here so that I could show you the quality of the lace - it's beautiful." No one could accuse Pearl of lacking passion. Her clothing range is about more than just aesthetics - it's a representation of how much Pearl has achieved since getting her life back on track. Real blood, sweat and tears have gone into this collection and she is justly excited and proud of its success. "I think that Liberty only has five of my dresses left and The Cross have totally sold out," she says. I know for a fact that celebrities such as Liv Tyler are already enjoying Pearl's creations and Naomi Watts would have done if only she'd found one in her size. "The Cross only had a size 10 and that was far too big. She needed it for that night so unfortunately we couldn't get her one in time," says Pearl.

Daisy, meanwhile, a model, has been handed the task of broadening the collection and will be designing a diffusion line that will include little lace jackets, camisoles and pleated skirts with knickers attached. Just as we reach this subject, Daisy saunters over from the bar. All I can see of the striking creature is legs - long, long legs. "Mum," she drawls, "we have to pay for the food - I've ordered loads." Just as I think this is a cue for mummy to hand over her credit card, Daisy breaks into a caring smile at her mother and drops her own credit card on to the table. "Sorry Mum," she apologises. Sharing the food around the table, she whips a chicken bite for herself before going back to the bar to join her boyfriend. 'Oh,' I think. 'That's nice. Genuinely nice.' Surprised, I thank Pearl for her time, smile at Daisy and get up to leave. "Oh, please feel free to stay," Pearl says, "we have loads of food, tuck in."