I proved the DOUBTERS WRONG

Trinny Woodall on overcoming life’s hurdles, finding more confidence at last and dating at 60

- ARIANA LONGSON

When it comes to Trinny Woodall many words spring to mind: colourful, style icon, beauty entrepreneur, positive and fabulous. But there’s one in particular that sums the fashion-forward businesswoman up. Formidable.

One half of 90s and early noughties What Not to Wear duo Trinny and Susannah, who were arguably the original influencers, she made a name for herself helping women feel more confident while, much of the time, lacking it herself.

‘I’ve always got tremendous joy from making people feel better about themselves… It’s empowering if someone feels you have the answer,’ she confides.

And after having battled most things that life can throw at you – from addiction and divorce to struggling to conceive and bereavement – her mission, to this day, remains the same.

At 60, Trinny admits, ‘I have far more confidence in myself now,’ and she knows exactly what she wants out of life.

Last year, following her split from partner of 10 years, art collector Charles Saatchi, the mum-of-one told woman&home, ‘I’ve been through some tough times recently, but I’m in a good place now.’

Sharing the ups and downs

These challenges have proven to be her key to success in the era of Instagram. ‘I share whether I feel good or bad,’ Trinny says, adding, ‘Social media is full of “life is all sunshine.”’