‘Like a poison-laced birthday cake’: Actor Morfydd Clark on her personal style

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Morfydd Clark.

“I was obsessed with the ‘it girls’ of the noughties when I was about 10, so it’s fun to see that fashion have a resurgence.”Credit: Getty Images

How would you describe your style? Like a poison-laced birthday cake.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I’ve always loved vintage fashion. I’ve got lots of old Laura Ashley dresses. Also, an amazing cloak in a traditional Welsh weave that belonged to my grandmother. She lived on a farm but never stopped wearing beautiful clothes.

And the most recent addition?
A vintage Chloé dress from the noughties. It feels like something Sienna Miller, who I was obsessed with as a teenager, would have worn.

What would you wear … on a first date? A black dress with a mid-heel. Clothes are armour and there’s something about a black dress that protects you and makes you feel great … on a plane? A black Karen Walker dress, before changing into pyjamas … on the red carpet? For the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, I wore an incredible silver Vivienne Westwood dress. It’s such a privilege. I’m always in awe of how different you feel when you’re wearing something like that.

This skull ring from Karen Walker is a favourite of Morfydd Clark.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I think you’re always enamoured with whatever fashion was happening when you were too young to engage with it. I was obsessed with the “it girls” of the noughties when I was about 10, so it’s fun to see that fashion have a resurgence.

Do you have a favourite designer? Vivienne Westwood is amazing. I’m also loving Erdem – magical, romantic and surprising, like when you notice there are beetles crawling all over a dress.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A comfortable black dress. I also wear a lot of Laura Ashley-style dresses – I’m very pale and they keep you cool while also giving maximum coverage. Finally, a mid-heel black sock boot is something I always come back to.

Any go-to jewellery? A Karen Walker skull ring. And I’m obsessed with jewellery designer Susannah King — she does amazing TikToks which talk you through how she makes all her stuff. The craft aspect of fashion excites me: I love to think about how an object is made.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I destroyed my feet when I was seven because I was so obsessed with a pair of patent pumps I couldn’t bear the thought that I’d grown out of them.

What was your first fashion moment? It was the first time I went to a wedding and was allowed to pick my own outfit. I remember saving up for a pair of Lulu Guinness shoes. I’ve always loved a wedding and how everyone dresses up.

And your worst fashion mistake? Wearing knee-high boots in summer. When you look like you’re going to pass out from the heat, it kind of ruins the glamour.

What’s on your wish list? I covet the ball gowns on vintage site Studded Petals. There’s something so special about a dress that takes so long to make but is worn so fleetingly.

Is there anything you would never wear? My mum would say anything that she says is nice.

Is there a current trend you like? I love how there’s a lot of fun, humour and freedom in fashion now. Also, it’s wonderful that there’s been a movement towards body neutrality and not being obsessed with what’s flattering. It creates a more interesting world.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Prada “Infusion d’Iris”.

What shoes do you wear the most? Camper loafers that go with everything and give me a sneaky bit of height.

Who are your favourite fashion icons? Sienna Miller and Kate Beckinsale always look like they’re having fun with their clothes.

What’s your favourite off-duty casual Sunday look? I’ll be in a white T-shirt, tailored trousers, a leather jacket and loafers, walking my toy poodle who always looks more fabulous than me.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power launches on Prime Video, August 29.

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