Model Elsa Hosk has shared her favourite London spots, from shopping at Liberty and Harrods to picnicking in Hyde Park, and has spoken of her sadness at the closure of the Chiltern Firehouse hotel following a fire.
Hosk, who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York but is mostly based in LA, said she always stayed at Chiltern Firehouse when visiting London. She recalled early dates with her fiancé Tom, who is from England, when they would put on the fire, make hot chocolate, roast marshmallows and watch movies. Her most recent stay, however, was at Claridge's, which she described as a different vibe but equally special.
First Job and Shopping Favourites
Her first London work trip was for American Teen Vogue, shooting a fashion story around iconic landmarks including double-decker buses, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. She remembers being surprised by English humour because it was so dry.
For a first date, she recommends a picnic in Hyde Park, after Tom once picked up a spread from the Selfridges Food Hall. She relies on Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty and Dover Street Market for shopping, and loves browsing Portobello Market for vintage finds.
Iconic Londoners and Mayor for a Day
Asked who the most iconic Londoner is, Hosk named Kate Moss or Queen Elizabeth II. If she were Mayor for the day, she would turn a huge section of the city into one giant pedestrian zone, with no cars, just people walking, cycling, picnicking, shopping and meeting.
She said a cabbie saying “Where are we off to, love?” never gets old. She once got into a car with a famous race car driver, ending up squeezed into the back of a two-seater while he sped through the city, and believes there was some sort of chase involved, though they were not caught.
Work, Collections and Beauty
Hosk, who has just had a baby, said modelling is quieter right now but she is about to launch the next collection for Helsa and is styling and planning the campaign shoot. She has also been working with London-based SPF brand SunsolveMD.
She collects furniture and design pieces by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, Georges Jouve and Jean Royère, as well as books, fashion and records, and is obsessed with auctions. For beauty, she loves Teresa Tarmey for her understanding of skin and Keren Bartov for her salon and products. When in need of headspace, she goes to Hyde Park, saying being surrounded by nature in the middle of a busy city helps her reset.
