The best interviews are often the most personal. In Loves of My Life, we get to know the person behind their craft, asking them the important questions we're desperate to know—the restaurants and date-night spots, what's in their Saved folder on Instagram, the piece of jewellery they're most attached to and what's lurking at the bottom of their handbag. In short, these are the true loves of their life.
Next up is Esther McGregor. From modelling to acting, McGregor has been building a name for herself on her own terms. The London-born talent, who first caught attention on screen with roles in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Babygirl, along with a string of acclaimed indie films, really broke out this year as Mirren Sinclair Sheffield in We Were Liars, Amazon Prime Video's psychological mystery that quickly climbed to the top of the platform's charts over the summer and sparked plenty of conversation around its twisty storytelling.
Alongside her screen success, McGregor has teamed up with Montblanc, the German luxury house known for its leather goods, watches and writing instruments, all rooted in a long-standing focus on craft and function. For its latest Christmas campaign, Montblanc tapped McGregor to star in a new series that plays on travel, storytelling and the idea of personal expression. The campaign includes a short film directed by Wes Anderson, whose distinctive visual language brings a sense of curiosity and quiet humour to the project, whilst allowing McGregor's own energy and taste to come through. Here, she gets candid about the little things she loves.
Is there anything in your home that you're particularly sentimental about?
My books and the art on my walls. I don't know if I could feel at home without them. They are truly something I curate to make myself feel sane.
Who is the person you'd be most likely to write a letter to, and why?
My little sister, Annouk, or my best friend, Lilac. I would send them love letters, and I do, with one of my Montblanc fountain pens, when I'm away working. It's a small way to feel more connected to them.
What could we always find lurking in the bottom of your handbag?
Salt packets; you never know when you'll need more salt. I love salt.
If you could only holiday in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?
Anywhere in the world as long as I'm with family. But my favourite trip so far has been to Iceland, exploring with my sisters and mother. I wish I could go back to those memories and live them once again. We really needed it. I really needed it.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I love to cook. When I have a moment to spare, I like to use the time to discover a new dish. I rarely use exact recipes, or any recipe at all, but that's all the more fun for me; playing with taste, texture and discovering something new.
Do you collect anything?
Perfume, candles and pens, specifically Montblanc pens—I love them.
What's your #1 restaurant to visit in the whole world? And what would you order?
Chez Michel in Marseille for the bouillabaisse.
When you put pen to paper, what's the first word or doodle you'd automatically default to?
I love drawing faces, so I look around to see what face I have in front of me that I can draw. I also love writing little poems. [They are] always different but always a representation of what is going through my mind, something I need to understand better or get out of my system. The Montblanc rollerball pens are great for this.
Do you have a secret date-night spot?
Not yet, but a jazz bar with good music and nice drinks always intrigues me. To be honest, my apartment with a good recipe and some nice music playing always seems to be a winner.
Which item of clothing would you never, ever part with?
My mother's hand-me-downs. I hope to keep all of them close to me forever.
If we were to look in your Saved folder on IG right now, what would we find?
Loads of recipes and lots of fashion, with poetry and art all intermingled.
What's your favourite city for inspiration?
Paris. It's where I fell in love with theatre. The little black boxes with two or three rows surrounding three sides of the stage… my grandmother and grandfather used to take me every chance they got when I lived with them for two weeks before my family arrived and joined me. Paris is my favourite.
What's your favourite item to pack when you go on holiday?
Books and more books.
What's the beauty product you can't live without?
Face cream, always with SPF.
What's your go-to comfort food?
Good French bread, and French salted butter.
Share a piece of advice that someone you love gave you.
Take care of yourself. Always put yourself first so that you can care for others the way you want and need to.
Whats your favourite scent?
Comme Des Garçons Numero 2. My mother would always wear it, and it's one I can not separate from.
What's your latest obsession?
Little bowls and mugs. And belts.
What's your ultimate little luxury?
Good food, good pens and good luggage, like the Weekender Bag 45.
Coffee, tea, wine, or a cocktail—what's your poison?
Coffee and beer.
Who is your professional hero?
My mother, Eve.
Who is your personal hero?
My little sister, Annouk.
What is the love of your life?
Acting.
Shop Montblanc Pieces:
