SABRINA GIDDA, CHEF + AUTHOR

The self-trained chef and author discovered her love of food and cooking whilst working part-time in a cafe as she studied Fashion in London. She's since run kitchens throughout London, has launched her own consultancy, frequently appears on television, and is about to release her debut cookbook.



“Just because I work in kitchens, doesn’t mean I don’t want to look and feel good.”

There are two elements my clothing at work must adhere to - practicality and safety - neither of which are noted for being cool or stylish! I remember when I first started cooking, I’d always have to undo the bottom two buttons of my chef jacket because they never fit my hips as they were a one size fits all style for men and women. Usually I managed to disguise this with an apron – but now there are many options for chef’s jackets tailored to fit women properly. Our work is also about aesthetics, so craftsmanship, beauty and functionality is important.

“When one woman wins, we all win.”

Whether in or out of the kitchen, it's so important to me to celebrate women - to encourage and nurture and show others that if I can make a space for myself, so can you. It’s about sisterhood and visibility. It is a great joy to look up, look around and see women win – when one of us wins, we all win. I’ve just completed my first book, which features conversations with eight women of South Asian backgrounds doing brilliant things in the world of food, each of whom have wonderful stories to tell. It has been so incredible to spend time with them, sharing and learning our experiences and journeys. Holding the door open as you go on your way is the only way.

“The older I get, the more comfortable I am just completely being myself.”

Many people don’t know that my degree is in fashion PR marketing which followed on from a course in womenswear design. I love fashion, but I spent an inordinate amount of time in my 20s trying to keep on top of various trends and wearing far too many black clothes, whereas I have officially embraced colour in my 30s. The brighter the better! If it brings me joy, I wear it, it’s so liberating. Dressing for yourself, your mood, to bring energy to your day is a vibe.

“When I put on a great pair of heels, I feel amazing.”

I have a bit of a shoe habit. I have always loved heels. But, I couldn’t live without my trainers. I love to wear super elegant dresses with a pair of my Nike Air Jordans. I think a great pair of shoes can change your mood – I recently purchased some beautiful pink silk peeptoes and they absolutely bring a smile to my face. I think the key is always to buy what brings you joy and makes you feel great – like these ME + EM trousers in the shoot – I have never had a pair of trousers fit so perfectly before!

“I have inherited a wardrobe full of memories.”

I lost my mother Sukey a year ago to pancreatic cancer. She had the most amazing style and I was always impeccably put together. I’m lucky enough to have inherited her entire wardrobe and as we are a similar size, I’m able to choose something I remember her wearing and style it in my own way. There’s one particular blue silk sari. Every time I wear it, I remember her looking so beautiful and how lucky I am that I can now share that memory of her. It is so special to choose something that I know she loved and wear it myself.