‘No one ever asks me about it’: Mary Berry shares the ‘such fun’ side of her career she wishes people talked about more often
The cooking star was very excited to talk about the subject during a recent interview
Dame Mary Berry has been known for most of her adult life for her culinary talents in the kitchen, and recently, for her love of gardening.
However, the national treasure has now shared another side of her career that she finds "such fun," but says nobody ever asks her about it, and she wishes they would.
Mary reveals the surprising side to her role in the spotlight is that she's become a fashion icon.
Excited to talk about her distinctive style for a recent interview with The Telegraph, Mary says, "No one ever asks me about fashion, it’s always about cooking," adding that becoming a fashion influencer is something "I didn’t expect it at all, but it’s been such fun."
Mary adds that "people are jolly nice" when it comes to some of the work that's come her way in the name of fashion - Mary has recently modelled for Burberry, taken part in a shoot for British Vogue for her 90th birthday, and has her own clothing line at Holland Cooper.
A regular at events such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon and literary festivals, Mary knows just what's right for her when choosing her outfits.
"I really fuss about what I’m going to wear," she shares, adding, "I enjoy shopping, but I know exactly what I want."
Taking on board the unique dress code requirements for each event she steps out to, one of her tricks is to always wear a thermal vest underneath her outfit to avoid hiding the full effect by having to put a coat over the top.
Mary Berry wore the Holland Cooper Lucie dress to both the BAFTAS and Wimbledon this year
A fan of Holland Cooper's Lucie dress, Mary has also worn the navy polka dot version to Royal Ascot.
The Holland Cooper ballet shoe in cream tan rattan is part of the Mary's Potting Shed Favourites collection for the brand. Hand picked Mary Berry, the collection is inspired by the charm of British gardens and the everyday moments.
Explaining her process when it comes to choosing the right dress for the occasion, Mary reveals, "If it was for the Baftas, for example, I’d be looking for something covered," explaining that she doesn't "want to see the top of my arms, they are not very beautiful."
Sharing what she is happy with and doesn't mind showing off, Mary adds, "I’ve got a waist, so I usually choose something that’s not flowing round the middle."
As well as knowing what she does like, Mary equally stands firm with what she doesn't like when it comes to clothing.
"I have never done trends," she says, which is because "they can be terribly funny." Also on the list of things to avoid at all costs are T-shirts over other shirts, which Mary calls "hideous," and socks with sandals, which are "the end."
She will wear Birkenstocks, but shares, "I put them on, and I just laugh at my feet." While Mary does admit "they’re comfy," she "didn’t feel that safe in them" walking around her garden.
When it comes to her fitness routine and showing off the waist she is proud of, Mary is scornful of gyms. "I have never been to a gym," she announces, adding that such places are "a huge waste of time."
"I’d much rather go for a dog walk or do a bit of gardening, get out in the fresh air. This is what does us good," she explains.
Careful with her diet, Mary has more rules she lives by when it comes to food. "I have a very healthy diet, but I couldn’t have strawberries without cream," she says. Also, the cooking star will absolutely not "have toast without marmalade."
Concluding with her biggest rule when it comes to mealtimes, she says simply, "No second helpings."
