Photographer and stylist Belle Daughtry specialises in creating scenes of the whimsically pastoral, her work straddling the inherently nostalgic and the curiously fresh and contemporary. Luckily for us, she has long been an intrinsic part of our Cabbage world, her grace and presence invariably making it the more beautiful.

She lives between a Somerset village, where she spends many of her days cultivating her garden, and east London, where she can be found haunting its many markets and cafes.

 

What do you love most about your job?
I love that every day is different and brings new possibilities with brands and clients.

Can you describe a perfect day?
My perfect day would begin with a swim. I try to swim everyday as it makes me feel my best. The rest of the day would consist of a vintage market, a delicious lunch, gardening, a long walk in the fields and a supper at sunset in the garden.

What are the most cherished items you own and why?
My cameras. I don’t go a day without using them.

 

I’m vegetarian, so I love to cook from scratch. I would say a delicious bean stew with seasonal veg served with sourdough bread and salted butter.

Dog walks, country pubs or gallery hopping: how do you spend your Sundays?
A fleamarket and a roast would be a perfect Sunday for me.

 

 

Where do you go for inspiration?
Interiors books. We have an entire wall bookcase full of them at the cottage. Ever since I was little, I would look through the books and change my bedroom round to copy the photographs. My Dad would complain as I scratched all the paint off the floorboards.

 

 

What was the last book you loved and why?
Where The Crawdads Sing. I was late to the party, but I really loved it.

What’s your favourite hotel and why?
Hotel Hurricane in Tarifa, Spain. It’s such a special hidden gem on the south coast. The setting, the food and the atmosphere – it’s like no other hotel I have ever been to.

 

Favourite restaurant?
I have been living between Somerset and east London this year and I have loved exploring the London food scene. Always one of my favourite spots is Story Deli on Cambridge Heath Road. The space has only one table so it’s very intimate and cosy. The food is delicious – homemade pizzas with organic seasonal ingredients. The decor is minimalist and relaxed. It’s such a special place to dine.

 

Your favourite artist, living or dead, and why?
Tim Walker has always been a huge inspiration to me. I find his work magical and inspiring.

Name a song that is significant to you and why?
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. I have the best memories dancing to this song.

Who would play you in a film?
I would like to play Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice as it is one of my favourite films.

 

My Mama. I call her my mamager as she’s always there for me. ‘My mum clapped so loud for me that I didn’t notice who didn’t’ – I saw the quote this morning and sent it to my mama straight away.

Which delights you more: garden pottering or kitchen pottering?
Garden pottering. I am the happiest in my garden surrounded by flowers and nature.

 

If you had to choose, are you happier in city or country – and why?
I’m a country girl at heart. I love the space and the surroundings. I love to see the sunrise and the sunset. Something I never quite manage in the city but always in the countryside.

 

Early riser or night owl?
Night owl. I’m not a morning person!

How would you describe your style?
I can’t describe it. I like what I like. I love florals and stripes. I love accessories. Most days I rotate between dresses and dungarees. I like to be comfortable and feel confident. I like to feel different in my clothes. I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing. Clothes should make you feel special.

 

Your favourite item of clothing?
That’s a difficult question. I have a lot of clothes. Definitely too many. Probably my collection of dungarees as you can never have too many of those.

What job would you do in a parallel life?
Oh there’s so many... a writer, a singer, a painter or a director!

 

What pieces from the Cabbages & Roses SS24 have you got your eye on?
The Herbert Dress in C&R Greta print and the dungarees in C&R Brigette drill. I mustn’t forget the Herman Dress! Always one of my favourite C&R styles.