Multi-award-winning entrepreneur, model and actress Caprice Bourret is ‘one of the most photographed women in the world’. Having appeared on over 350 magazine covers, including her coveted breakthrough Vogue cover, and more than 300 TV shows and films, she shot to fame in the 1990s, and has since been voted GQ Magazine’s ‘Woman of the Year’, Maxim’s ‘International Woman of the Year’ (three years running), and last year clinched ‘Celeb Mum of the Year’ at the MIBA awards.
Today, Caprice is also known for her business acumen, having founded her hugely successful ‘By Caprice’ brand two decades ago. ‘By Caprice Home’ followed, her high-end collections gracing the covers of magazines and our screens, as well as the beds of many a celeb.
Our Celebrity Editor Angela Sara West @angela_sara_west chats with the American businesswoman and ‘Ladies of London’ star about her festive plans, her ever-evolving brand, championing female empowerment, and her power role in her new Christmas film!
From your humble beginnings in Southern California, you settled in England in your early 20s and are now a true adopted Brit. What do you love most about Christmas?
It is the one time of the year where I unwind and relax from the busy year. It is also all about quality time with my family. It is wonderful spending time together and enjoying the holidays. We have lots of festive activities going on!
What are your fave festive films to watch with your kids, Jax and Jett?
Any children’s Christmas film on Netflix, to be honest. ‘The Grinch’ is a Christmas classic which we watch every year.
Do you keep things minimal or go all out with the Christmas decs?
I used to be minimal, but with kids now, it is all out!! My house is over the top in festive decorations and lights… the kids absolutely love it and we secretly do too!
What are your festive plans this year?
It will be low key with our immediate family. Our families are based in the States, so we do a little tour visiting our loved ones as well. We have a big family… no New Year’s Eve plans as yet. In the past, my mom has sometimes spent quality time with the boys, and Ty and I take a little trip for a few days…
You use your own success and life experiences to empower, inspire, and encourage women to accept ourselves just the way we are…. How did it feel to recently celebrate a big milestone birthday?
50 feels pretty damn good!!!! If you aren’t there yet, you have something to look forward to, and if you are, it only gets better! I want to celebrate life, my beautiful family, good health, and my loyal, super supportive friends… I am so thankful!! We don’t get a free ticket for anything – we have to work hard for it… we have to earn it. And when we reap the rewards we give back, appreciate, be kind, and spread the love and positivity.
Alongside your incredible modelling career, you’re a hugely-successful businesswoman and all about empowering females and championing women in business. Having just turned the big 5-0, what would be your message to entrepreneurial women of a similar age who are looking to start a new business?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old, for starters! Life is just beginning, and you have all of that wisdom and life experience behind you. It is a great time to start a new business. I am launching a new brand soon and looking for gaps in the market. It’s all about confidence and if you get knocked down, pick yourself back up – you can do it!
Can we look forward to any new glam By Caprice Home products for Christmas 2022?
We are busy expanding into other markets with By Caprice Home at the moment, and we have a brand-new collection launching in the Spring. A/W has been a busy time and we have sold out on many lines and had to re-order. By Caprice Home ‘Harlow’ has been a bestseller, and the ‘Be Kind’ cushions are popular as they are great for adding a finishing touch to your bedding. We are heavily focused on quality and design. I am really proud of how the brand is evolving!
Absolutely, and it’s been so well received… I guess one of the key factors of its success is your acknowledging audience feedback…
Yes, thank you so much for your support, everyone! I am so grateful. If you have any of my By Caprice products, I would so love to hear from you. Any input as to what you like or, alternatively, I can improve… I do love and appreciate input. I believe in brand integrity and I care what you think. This is one of the contributing factors as to why we are going strong since launching in 2000… luxurious designs, good quality, brand integrity, understanding our target market and giving them the best competitive price.
You handled your recent on-air wardrobe malfunction with grace…
This was a first!!! Whilst filming my TV show where I talk about By Caprice Home on Ideal World, my dress popped open on live TV…!! Wow, the lads and ladies almost got a free viewing!! I had a bit of a laugh, pinned it up, and continued with the show. No matter what craziness happens, you just have to roll with it on live TV!
You’re a prolific philanthropist, and have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for various charities. Which are the closest to your humanitarian heart?
I support a number of charities, and am Patron of Brain Tumour Research @braintumourrsch and Women’s Aid @womens_aid. I am also very supportive of local initiatives, especially for local young people in my West London neighbourhood.
Your American entrepreneurial spirit has seen you diversify into other areas such as music and acting, seeing you star in West End productions, including the lead in ‘Rent’ and ‘Vagina Monologues’, as well as producing the hit production, ‘Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical’. I see you’re starring on our small screens this festive season…
That’s right! As well as business, I am also focused on my acting career, and I currently have a Christmas film out where I play a powerful CEO. My kids were so excited to see Mommy in a Christmas Movie! SOOO sweet to see their adorable l’il smiles… you can watch it on catchup, on My5.
Finally, your Christmas/New Year message of hope to Lady Wimbledon readers, following such turbulent times?
After a hellish two years, we all deserve to share love and joy. We have all been in this together and we are pulling through the pandemic. Let’s look forward to a prosperous and happy 2022!
By Caprice Home: www.bycapricehome.com
For further info, visit www.capricebourret.com
Follow Caprice: @capricebourret
© Angela Sara West 2021 @angela_sara_west
