Exclusive

In her exclusive interview in today's Telegraph Magazine, the actor and designer Philippa Islington-Smythe discusses the price of fame, her controversial new handbag collection, working with Daniel Craig and how becoming a parent changed her perspective on the world.

"You are right, the late 1990s was definitely a strange period for me," says Islington-Smythe. "I was spending a lot of time with Bob Hoskins and feeling very directionless. Bob was kind to me at a very lost and lonely juncture in my journey through the universe. But then I discovered hot Bikram yoga and the all-cheese diet that I maintain to this day, and everything changed forever."

"Why am I here? I ask myself that every day. I'm not sure I know, but I feel it's best that while I am, I try to put as much love out into the world I can, whether that be via my acting skills, my pheasant feather mini rucksacks, or just being a generally good person."

"I did feel exposed by some of the things Paul wrote in his weekly newspaper column about our relationship and we bickered about it dreadfully. Of course, that came to all seem very silly and meaningless when he fell ill, and seems even more so now. If my relationship with Paul taught me anything, it is that staying in the now is the most important thing in life."

“The houses have been greatly exaggerated. There are three, not seven, as has been claimed by the tabloid press. One is really awfully small. There’s the sweetest little farm across the road where I purchase organic milk. It’s really just a place a long way from anywhere that I can go and be totally in my head.”

"The yoga strengthens my mind in precise correlation with the way it strengthens my body. It is absolute, overwhelming. Each day I practice it I feel more capable of spreading my wisdom to those less fortunate than me and designing better rucksacks for every social rank of civilian to enjoy."

"I am not a great one for ceremony, or awards. To be perfectly honest, when I am gone I'm not even sure I want a headstone, let alone a statue. How would I like to be remembered? As someone who made a difference."

Read more about Philippa.