Pilar Corrias talks personal style Part Two

The art dealer concludes her list of likes with biodynamic wine, classic Italian bollito and the best sushi outside Japan

My style icon is my mother. She was really stylish and when she died seven years ago I inherited 50 Gucci handbags and about 100 pairs of gloves.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a pair of noise-cancelling Bose QuietComfort in-ear headphones, to a girlfriend. They are amazing because you can fall asleep wearing them on the plane. £260; www.bose.co.uk.

And the best one I’ve received recently was a long, flowing, white cotton summer dress with blue and black paisley patterns. My brother bought it at La Galeria Elefante when we were in Ibiza; I wore it, danced all night and felt on top of the world. Carretera San Miguel, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, 07814 Ibiza (+34971-197 017; www.lagaleriaelefante.com).

An indulgence I would never forgo is massages at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London. I have the 80-minute Oriental Essence Body Massage, which is quite hardcore, but I drift off. They have the greatest masseurs and I have never been let down. Afterwards I meditate in the relaxation room and leave calm but revived. £155; 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1 (020-7235 2000; www.mandarinoriental.com).

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose Via Frattina in Rome. I’d go to Gente, a clothing store with lots of chic brands, and Luisa Venier, an amazing handkerchief store; I think handkerchiefs are really stylish. Saddlers Union has wonderful leather goods, especially for men. And I love Hotel de Russie, which has a really nice gym and glamorous spa; plus there’s a restaurant nearby called Dal Bolognese, a super-classic place for homemade pasta and bollito. Dal Bolognese, Piazza del Popolo (+3906-361 1473; www.dalbolognese.it). Gente, Via del Babuino 185 (+3906-322 5954; www.genteroma.com). Hotel de Russie, Via del Babuino 9 (+3906-328 881; www.roccofortehotels.com). Luisa Venier, Via Frattina 80 (+3906-6979 7741; www.luisaviaroma.com). Saddlers Union, Via Margutta 11 (+3906-3212 0237; www.saddlersunion.com).

The people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing include my trainer, Laura Madge, who used to be a gymnast and has made me super fit. I only get my hair cut twice a year, but I do have blow drys at George Northwood’s salon before art gallery openings and work dinners. I also have eyelash extensions at a place in Shepherd’s Bush; it’s a hole in the wall, but the best I’ve found. I don’t dare give the address or I’ll never be able to get an appointment. George Northwood, 24 Wells Street, London W1 (020-7580 8195; www.georgenorthwood.com). Laura Madge, www.gymbox.com/very-personal-trainers/laura-madge.

Porto Ercole on the south coast of Tuscany | Image: Alamy

The sight that inspires me is the beautiful and constantly changing view from my house in Porto Ercole on the south coast of Tuscany. I recently flew from New York and back to spend just two days there. I fall asleep listening to the sea; it’s my little piece of heaven and I escape there with my two kids whenever I can.

My favourite room in my house is my kitchen. I like to cook and entertain and people always have a nicer time than in a restaurant. I can seat 30 people at once, though I call in caterers for parties that large.

In my fridge you’ll always find salmon, eggs, lemon, spinach, kale, tomatoes, Volvic water and biodynamic wine. The wine comes from a biodynamic shop called Zelas Wines & Deli in Highgate; the owner Plamen Gueorguiev chooses a bunch of different ones for me to try. Recent discoveries include a light red called Un Litro and a white called Guazza Vermentino. They all come from small suppliers and you feel much better the morning after. 216 Archway Road, London N6 (020-8347 9006; www.zelas.co.uk).

The books on my bedside table are The Passion According to GH by Clarice Lispector, a Brazilian novelist I have always wanted to read; Black Transparency: The Right to Know in the Age of Mass Surveillance by Metahaven that discusses the propaganda, manipulation and secrecy in a world where governments are apparently “transparent”; and Capital in the 21st Century by Thomas Piketty, a lively and acclaimed critique of capitalism.

If I didn’t live in London, the city I would live in is New York, essentially for the art. I love the new Whitney Museum and the Guggenheim. Then Barneys is great for shopping and Kyo Ya and Sasabune restaurants serve some of the best sushi I’ve had outside Japan; I could write a guidebook to Japanese restaurants around the world. Barneys, 660 Madison Avenue (+1212-826 8900; www.barneys.com). Kyo Ya, 94 East 7th Street (+1212-982 4140). Sasabune, 401 East 73rd Street (+1212-249 8583; www.sasabunenyc.com). Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue (+1212-423 3575; www.guggenheim.org). Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street (+1212-570 3600; www.whitney.org).

The beauty staple I’m never without is John-Marie Farina fragrance by Roger & Gallet. My mother and grandmother used it and I’ve worn it since I was five; it makes me feel at home. £31 for 100ml EDC; www.feelunique.com.

If I weren’t doing what I do I would be a lecturer in philosophy because I believe that in life, one should try to make a difference to others.