B orn in London, Guinness, 56, married at 19, moved to Switzerland and had three children. She went on to work as a model, fashion writer and muse to Alexander McQueen and Karl Lagerfeld. In 2011, she created a show from her own archive for the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
She began recording music in 2011 and, this summer, released her fourth album, Sleep. Divorced, she lives in London. When were you happiest? I am often happiest on a shoot with David LaChapelle, being pushed to the extremes – either suspended from a harness or immersed in a tank of water.
He calls it “extreme modelling”. What is your greatest fear? Aggression without provocation or consequences. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My trust in other people.
I am rigorously honest. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Gossip and backstabbing. Describe yourself in three words Creative, meditative, fun.
What makes you unhappy? Betrayal and the loss of people I love. What do you consider your greatest achievement? My children obviously, but also my work. What is your most unappealing habit? Watching too much telly.
Would you choose fame or anonymity? Anonymity. I like being in the shadows. What do you most dislike about your appearance? Strangely enough, I don’t really look in the mirror much.
Growing up, I never thought I was exceptional or beautiful. What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be in the army or a spy in the intelligence service. Wh.