There’s a particular kind of British telly royalty that keeps turning up, decade after decade, somehow better than before. That’s Laila Rouass all over.

Born in Stepney to a Moroccan parents, she grew up one of seven kids in Tower Hamlets, then packed her bags for India meaning to stay a few months, and ended up staying six years. She stumbled her way onto Channel V and MTV Asia as a VJ, picked up  Hindi along the way and came home a completely different force to be reckoned with.

Then came Footballers’ Wives. Amber Gates was a phenomenon, the kind of role that gets you stopped in the street and voted onto FHM’s sexiest women lists two years running. She kept swerving after that too, building a body of work across drama, sci-fi and prime-time telly, and years later, landing a cracking new role in EastEnders.

She’s danced her way through Strictly, weathered real hardship with quiet resilience, and given her time generously to Save the Children.

Glamorous, and properly tough underneath it  a career built on graft and reinvention rather than luck. Laila Rouass has never needed to chase relevance. She’s simply never let go of it.

In this issue of Maison Nur our Editor-in-Chief, Kaniz Ali, sits down with actress Laila Rouass speaking on everything fashion.

Kaniz: Describe your personal fashion style
Laila Rouass: Comfortable. Unpredictable. Glamorous

Kaniz:  What’s your favourite designer and why ?
Laila Rouass: There are many designers that I love for different reasons. Vivienne Westwood will always be my number 1. I love how she celebrated the female silhouette and her designs had a sense of humour to them. I think it’s important not to take fashion seriously.

Kaniz: What are 3 rules for you in fashion ?
Laila Rouass: I don’t like rules and I absolutely despise silly headlines like “what to wear after 40” etc. To quote a line in Grease…”The rules are…there ain’t no rules”

Kaniz: Talk to us about, past Laila in fashion, current Laila in fashion and future Laila in fashion
Laila Rouass: Well past Laila was addicted to fashion. I worked in India for many years for a music channel so I would design my own clothes and get them made. I even had my own label called “Tramp”. I would gladly walk around in the sweltering heat wearing PVC pants and heels. For me fashion was fun and an expression. Now I still feel the same about fashion but the PVC has gone and it all depends on my mood. If I feel chilled…I’ll wear comfy jeans and vest regardless of where I’m going and similarly if I’m feeling glamorous…I’ll dress up a bit…even if it’s just for a visit to the supermarket. That’s the beauty of living in Dubai. You can never be too glamorous. Who knows what Laila future will be. Hopefully outrageous, glamorous and disgraceful.

Kaniz: What are 3 items you 3 outfits you can’t live without ?
Laila Rouass: Well I try to live a very  sustainable life. I don’t splash out on clothes a lot. So many of my outfits I’ve had for a long time. A good handbag is a must for me because I can’t leave my house without it. A good pair of jeans…loving the ribcage collection by Levi’s and my keffiyah scarf…that goes everywhere with me.

Kaniz: Who’s your favourite jewellery designer and why ?
Laila Rouass: I am going to go for the classic Cartier. I think it’s timeless. I love getting bespoke pieces made too because so much is overpriced on the market. I think it’s better to go to a jeweller and get something personal made. I had a couple of emerald rings made recently and honestly…they are beautiful. Vintage stones just set beautifully.

Kaniz: What do you enjoy most about acting and modelling ?
Laila Rouass: Well I don’t really model much anymore but what I honestly love about acting is the connection you make with people. It’s how we all rally together to do something we all believe in. That’s really special to me.

Kaniz: What’s  your favourite beauty products and why ?
Laila Rouass: I’ve just discovered this new Dubai based company called 29Plus. They do a small simple range and it’s done great for my skin. It’s simplified my skincare routine which is a godsend. I love popping in to Skin Laundry in Dubai because they are just masters in skin care and my morning isn’t complete without my Kollo collagen.

Kaniz: What can you not live without ?
Laila Rouass: A good lip balm and SPF. I have vitiligo so I can’t skip the SPF 50 and Helio is my favourite at the moment. I like mineral based SPF.

Kaniz: What’s your favourite skincare products and why ?
Laila Rouass: I can not do without a face wash. The gentler the better.

Kaniz: Who has been your inspiration in the world of fashion and beauty ?
Laila Rouass: Gosh…there are so many. Zinat Aman. Fairouz. Umm Kulthum. Shadia. I’m loving Saint Laurent atm. I could go on.

Kaniz: What do you think the biggest challenges are in acting today ?
Laila Rouass: Finding the right material and the older you get the more precious your time is. I want to work with people that I want to work with.

Kaniz: Describe Laila Rouass in 3 words
Laila Rouass: Generous. Stubborn. Fiery