Introducing the next guest on The Dialogue -- Emma Champtaloup, co-founder of The File Edit, model, and healing practitioner based in London.

Emma has spent decades at the centre of the fashion and beauty world, and has a rare ability to see beauty in everything — in people, in homes, in the smallest moments.

A conversation about creativity, the things she'll never part with, and why sleep is the only beauty essential that truly matters.

What first took you to London?

Modelling took me to London, and it was so meant to be. One of my close friends had moved there with her family during the time I was already overseas working so it aligned in every way for me to go. I knew the moment I got in the taxi and drove through London that I was home, it was such a strong feeling.

You have such a beautiful eye for all things creative, and we feel so honoured to photograph you at home. What is your earliest creative memory?

I have always been very drawn to beauty in all forms. A lot of my early memories were playing with jewellery, makeup and clothes. My grandmother had the best collection of beaded necklaces, pink lipsticks and mary jane shoes that I would spend hours dressing up in. I also remember making hundreds of shell necklaces at our family beach house growing up, and finding wondrous things in nature. I absolutely love markets, antique fairs and scrolling auctions for pieces. Doing our family home has been such an incredible creative process, I have learnt so much over the last couple of homes we have done and feel it's all linked - clothes, homes, jewellery and beauty - it’s such an expression, and a joy. I love this side of things.

What has it felt like returning to the world of fashion and beauty in this new capacity, where you have full creative control?

It is amazing! It's a different volume of work, I don’t think I appreciated leaving set at 6pm and my job was completed, not my problem anymore ha! Now, there is always something to do, but being behind the camera, vision, and shaping things to be from our perspective is beyond incredible. I loved modelling and being part of other people's creative vision, and now I love instigating the vision too! It's always so collaborative, and so inspiring.

Do you feel that all your years modeling has helped to inform your view on fashion and beauty?  

Absolutely 100%. I used to almost feel embarrassed to say my background was modelling, as I guess it comes with connotations - but honestly, I believe our paths are all designed in certain ways, and to be in the industry, in the eye of the storm for all those years has given me a powerful background in the beauty industry. I started modelling when I was 14, so my experience worldwide and through different eras has been an incredible foundation that has helped me shape and understand the narrative of beauty that is so important to me.

How has your opinion of beauty been shaped or altered since having children?

I can pretty honestly say I have always seen beauty everywhere, but being with my children and sharing the appreciation and beauty of all little moments with them is total magic. 

Is there a beauty product you've used and loved for years, or does your routine constantly evolve?

I am constantly sent new products to try and test for work and am pretty picky now because my skin is not an experiment! I will only ever include what I actually like or love in our round ups. My own routine isn't overly complex, and there are a few core products that have stuck with me over the years (Skin Ceuticals CE Freulic, and Maybelline BIG greatlash), but also I love discovering new incredible products to add and switch out. I just read where my skin is at, and what it can handle with how much I can switch things up or not. There is so much incredibleness on the market, amongst so much clutter.

Is there a skincare brand you love and rate that you feel is still relatively unknown or flying under the radar? 

I really love QMS and Dermaviduals, both German brands and so great for all skin/ sensitive skin - their focus is all on the barrier! Environ is really good too, it's not new but I don’t feel it gets the praise it deserves.

Favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe that you will never get rid of (even if you don’t wear it often)?

Oh I love talking about clothes! I have recently done the hugest clear out which is mad as I finally got rid of so much that needed to go, but there are some things I have kept over the years and can’t still part with, including a gold pair of Dior sandals I wore to my 7th form school ball (still so chic today), a pair of Marc Jacobs diamante buckled heels that he gave me at the ss2014 show (obvs have never worn), a gigantic Alaia cape that was a runway piece and not sure I will ever wear either but it’s fab, and actually a favourite piece in my wardrobe is probably a stunning strapless white Hermes jumpsuit I wore the night my husband’s artist won an Oscar in LA 2015 - I cannot get this on anymore lol, but its staying with me (until possibly my daughter inherits it). 

Who is someone who you’d love to feature on the File next? To spill all their beauty secrets?

The list is long! But Pamela Anderson would be cool. I saw her at Erewhon last month, make-up free, embracing ageing without all the face work, and wearing a chic cream cashmere shawl. I love that she has had a lot of realisations in her life, and is no longer playing for everyone else. I honestly would love to feature most women I meet though, everyone has so much to share.

What do you do, or continue to return to, that makes you feel truly comfortable in your own skin?

I love a routine, but a major point when everything changed was when I stopped drinking at 23. I completely changed my lifestyle and outlook on life, everything became about looking after myself, seeing more beauty, realising more joy, and it was the turning point in my life that means now I feel so great in my own skin, everyday. It wasn't always that way at all, modelling can wreak havoc on your perception of yourself, but since then, I live nearly every single day feeling amazing, believe it or not. Life is meant to be about joy, I won't accept less.

Best piece of beauty advice your mother has given you?

Fifi! I guess she always confirmed that beauty was more about the inside than out, she always placed more importance on humour then looks, and was my biggest cheerleader for leading with that - something that is non-negotiable in my life ha! If you shift the focus of beauty to what comes through your eyes, not just your eyes, you will truly understand beauty.

Greatest beauty hack you’ve learned since re-launching The File? 

SLEEP ! Not a hack, a major priority. I did a shoot recently and hadn’t had much sleep and didn't even look like myself. Let alone how I felt! Sleep is the beauty essential we all need. It changes everything - skin, mood, focus. Early nights are my medicine.

Finally, one of our favourite questions we love to ask guests on The Dialogue: what's your recipe for the meal you love and always come back to when hosting friends?

Probably GF chicken schnitzel, I want to be more exciting but this is something I have down, and my kids will always eat - it's made with cornflakes so it has a crunch to it. I love serving it with a chilli sauce, crispy baby potatoes, slaw and salad. It’s so easy to prepare ahead. Failing that, it's definitely a slow roast lamb shoulder with lots of spices.

Emma photographed at home in London by Clara Jane.

Look 1: Rufus Shirt & Dali Pant
Look 2: Billie Singlet & Dali Pant
Look 3: Poppy Knit, Billie Singlet & Dali Pant
Look 4: Billie Singlet, Kenny Longsleeve, Ria Pant
Look 5: Gordie Coat & Ria Pant