interview with Joanna Berryman

 

site: http://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/this-life/jo-berryman?img=5

 

 

 

By Ashling McCloy

 

30 January 2012

 

I launched my interior design company, Matrushka, named after the Russian stacking dolls, from my lounge. The start-up costs were relatively small and over the years I managed to save enough to set up an office in Kensal Road, north-west London. I love igniting passion in clients. From concept, to actually implementing the idea, it fills me with so much pride.

 

My signature style is edgy glamour with a bit of Miss Havisham thrown in. I’m fond of using reclaimed objects and upcycling. It’s a huge part of what we do as a company – resurrecting lovely old bits of furniture and giving them a new lease of life. I like unlikely juxtapositions, like industrial concrete floors with a French gilt sofa clad in the most beautiful rose fabric.

 

I love scouring Kempton or Ardingly for antiques. You can find amazing bargains around the UK, but I’ll happily travel all over to find treasures. Paris is a huge source of inspiration and Brussels has wonderful flea markets and curiosity shops.

 

Creating children’s spaces is incredibly fun. I recently created a lavish nursery for a lady in Putney. I used Sandberg wallpaper with lovely muted stripes and childish motifs. I stay away from cutesy and fluffy, making it a room the child can grow into. And I try to use wipeable wall surfaces or have a blackboard wall to encourage creativity. One of my favourite fabric suppliers is Bennison, a good old-school English company. They do wonderful deckchair stripes and stunning florid roses – quintessentially English, but with a quirk.

 

A lot of what I do is encouraging people to be a little bit braver. I meet with clients to get an idea of their vision. Then I come up with sketches and mood boards. I source everything, or have pieces made, so I have built up great connections with suppliers, builders and craftsmen. Designing a home can take up to eight months and, in some cases, the job is ongoing – I am constantly supplying new furniture, or moving pieces around.

 

I will always be associated with Guy [berryman, Coldplay bassist], but that’s not a bad thing. Despite the divorce, we are still very much in each other’s lives. Our relationship is less about the marriage and more about the fact we produced this beautiful little girl, Nico (five).

 

Guy and I were together for about six years before we got married in 2004. I was with him when Coldplay were gigging round Camden. It was overwhelming to see the transition. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the excitement. I don’t think we ever really expected the fame, but then they’re famous as a collective. Guy and I actually had a pretty normal life. But the long periods apart, while he was touring, were tough.

 

I was born in Hong Kong and moved to the UK when I was eight, following my parents’ divorce. It was quite harrowing, but it’s amazing how resilient you are as a child. At 11, I was sent to boarding school. Not having grown up with a family of siblings, I loved being surrounded by people my age. It was tough for my mum. She was in a new relationship and had just had my sister, Aisha. In the nicest possible way, she needed me out of the way. Of course, I wasn’t really aware of this at the time.

 

My mother, Monette, is a formidable Filipino woman. She was never the most maternal person, but she made up for it by being uber glamorous and uber fabulous. We were in Hong Kong in the Eighties, after all! It was all about Dior, Chanel and red lipstick. I was a little in awe of her. I know she ignited my passion for travel and fashion.

 

Boarding school forced me to customise my own space. You can’t help but want to be different. I think that’s when I really fell in love with style and being creative. It was also the most static I’d ever been, having moved around a lot as a kid, so it helped me form an identity and carve out a niche.

 

I worked really hard on the launch of Jezebell, my fashion boutique. It was such a beautiful store and we had such a wonderful collection of things. I really wanted it to work, but we opened at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Debts mounted and we closed the store in 2007.

 

I suffered periods of real insecurity. You can’t help it. Your loved one is on stage being adored by thousands. I had naively read horrible online forums where people would call me fat, unglamorous and question why Guy was with me. It was hard not to read them. Some days I’d make myself so miserable. Guy was wonderful, but it got to me.

 

We were apart a lot in the early stages of my pregnancy. It was really hard. I gave birth to Nico, Jezebell shut down and Guy and I separated, all within a few months. It was a difficult decision so soon after Nico was born, but it was right and it was as good as divorce can be. First and foremost Guy and I have such a solid friendship.

 

For anyone who has been through something traumatic like a separation, it’s so important to focus on the positive. You can’t assume that, because this horrible thing has happened, the rest of your life will continue in the same vein. I heavily relied on really good friendships, and I’ve learned to stop forecasting too far ahead and being more in the now.

 

I am much better about looking after myself now. I’ve been practicing yoga since my mid-twenties. I also love essential oils and unwinding in a bath of fleur d’oranger. A scent can completely change the way you feel about your space.

 

I love having my own space. I’ve been in a relationship for two years. It’s serious but I certainly have no desire to get married again. I like a man that respects my situation, and my boyfriend does. He has also never tried to usurp Nico's daddy. We all understand and respect our roles. It just works.

 

I don’t have any regrets, otherwise I honestly don’t think I would be doing what I’m doing. I’m very proud of my relationship with Guy. It’s pretty grown up. Having been through a divorce as a child, I knew how I didn’t want it to unfold. Nico really has the best of both of us. I’m aware I’ve lived a pretty full life, but I’m ready for more.

 

For more information on Matrushka, visit Matrushka.co.uk

 

I'm a fan of hers...:D:D:D

site: http://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/this-life/jo-berryman?img=5

 

 

I suffered periods of real insecurity. You can’t help it. Your loved one is on stage being adored by thousands. I had naively read horrible online forums where people would call me fat, unglamorous and question why Guy was with me. It was hard not to read them. Some days I’d make myself so miserable. Guy was wonderful, but it got to me.

 

We were apart a lot in the early stages of my pregnancy. It was really hard. I gave birth to Nico, Jezebell shut down and Guy and I separated, all within a few months.

 

Gosh, I teared up... Must be awful, actually, being married to a handsome celebrity and always questioning yourself.

Although it's not very smart to scroll through fanboards, but I really disagree with any berating that fangirls may do...

^omg that ade me cry :''(

As Jo says it's quite stupid to go over fan forums but I understand why she did. Long time spend home waiting for your famous husband to come back home... It's really such a weird life !

site: http://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/this-life/jo-berryman?img=5

 

 

 

By Ashling McCloy

 

30 January 2012

 

I launched my interior design company, Matrushka, named after the Russian stacking dolls, from my lounge. The start-up costs were relatively small and over the years I managed to save enough to set up an office in Kensal Road, north-west London. I love igniting passion in clients. From concept, to actually implementing the idea, it fills me with so much pride.

 

My signature style is edgy glamour with a bit of Miss Havisham thrown in. I’m fond of using reclaimed objects and upcycling. It’s a huge part of what we do as a company – resurrecting lovely old bits of furniture and giving them a new lease of life. I like unlikely juxtapositions, like industrial concrete floors with a French gilt sofa clad in the most beautiful rose fabric.

 

I love scouring Kempton or Ardingly for antiques. You can find amazing bargains around the UK, but I’ll happily travel all over to find treasures. Paris is a huge source of inspiration and Brussels has wonderful flea markets and curiosity shops.

 

Creating children’s spaces is incredibly fun. I recently created a lavish nursery for a lady in Putney. I used Sandberg wallpaper with lovely muted stripes and childish motifs. I stay away from cutesy and fluffy, making it a room the child can grow into. And I try to use wipeable wall surfaces or have a blackboard wall to encourage creativity. One of my favourite fabric suppliers is Bennison, a good old-school English company. They do wonderful deckchair stripes and stunning florid roses – quintessentially English, but with a quirk.

 

A lot of what I do is encouraging people to be a little bit braver. I meet with clients to get an idea of their vision. Then I come up with sketches and mood boards. I source everything, or have pieces made, so I have built up great connections with suppliers, builders and craftsmen. Designing a home can take up to eight months and, in some cases, the job is ongoing – I am constantly supplying new furniture, or moving pieces around.

 

I will always be associated with Guy [berryman, Coldplay bassist], but that’s not a bad thing. Despite the divorce, we are still very much in each other’s lives. Our relationship is less about the marriage and more about the fact we produced this beautiful little girl, Nico (five).

 

Guy and I were together for about six years before we got married in 2004. I was with him when Coldplay were gigging round Camden. It was overwhelming to see the transition. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the excitement. I don’t think we ever really expected the fame, but then they’re famous as a collective. Guy and I actually had a pretty normal life. But the long periods apart, while he was touring, were tough.

 

I was born in Hong Kong and moved to the UK when I was eight, following my parents’ divorce. It was quite harrowing, but it’s amazing how resilient you are as a child. At 11, I was sent to boarding school. Not having grown up with a family of siblings, I loved being surrounded by people my age. It was tough for my mum. She was in a new relationship and had just had my sister, Aisha. In the nicest possible way, she needed me out of the way. Of course, I wasn’t really aware of this at the time.

 

My mother, Monette, is a formidable Filipino woman. She was never the most maternal person, but she made up for it by being uber glamorous and uber fabulous. We were in Hong Kong in the Eighties, after all! It was all about Dior, Chanel and red lipstick. I was a little in awe of her. I know she ignited my passion for travel and fashion.

 

Boarding school forced me to customise my own space. You can’t help but want to be different. I think that’s when I really fell in love with style and being creative. It was also the most static I’d ever been, having moved around a lot as a kid, so it helped me form an identity and carve out a niche.

 

I worked really hard on the launch of Jezebell, my fashion boutique. It was such a beautiful store and we had such a wonderful collection of things. I really wanted it to work, but we opened at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Debts mounted and we closed the store in 2007.

 

I suffered periods of real insecurity. You can’t help it. Your loved one is on stage being adored by thousands. I had naively read horrible online forums where people would call me fat, unglamorous and question why Guy was with me. It was hard not to read them. Some days I’d make myself so miserable. Guy was wonderful, but it got to me.

 

We were apart a lot in the early stages of my pregnancy. It was really hard. I gave birth to Nico, Jezebell shut down and Guy and I separated, all within a few months. It was a difficult decision so soon after Nico was born, but it was right and it was as good as divorce can be. First and foremost Guy and I have such a solid friendship.

 

For anyone who has been through something traumatic like a separation, it’s so important to focus on the positive. You can’t assume that, because this horrible thing has happened, the rest of your life will continue in the same vein. I heavily relied on really good friendships, and I’ve learned to stop forecasting too far ahead and being more in the now.

 

I am much better about looking after myself now. I’ve been practicing yoga since my mid-twenties. I also love essential oils and unwinding in a bath of fleur d’oranger. A scent can completely change the way you feel about your space.

 

I love having my own space. I’ve been in a relationship for two years. It’s serious but I certainly have no desire to get married again. I like a man that respects my situation, and my boyfriend does. He has also never tried to usurp Nico's daddy. We all understand and respect our roles. It just works.

 

I don’t have any regrets, otherwise I honestly don’t think I would be doing what I’m doing. I’m very proud of my relationship with Guy. It’s pretty grown up. Having been through a divorce as a child, I knew how I didn’t want it to unfold. Nico really has the best of both of us. I’m aware I’ve lived a pretty full life, but I’m ready for more.

 

For more information on Matrushka, visit Matrushka.co.uk

 

I'm a fan of hers...:D:D:D

 

oh fuck! I want to cry :'( ... oh Jo is such a strong woman, I really admire her.. her work in matrushka looks amazing.

 

the worst thing on this interview, is that now I know she have a boyfriend... so cool if she's happy but I always hoped she and Guy would be together again! :'(

His ex is so cute. I can't believe people would say that about her. Those obviously weren't true fans if they were tearing her down like that. He's famous and she isn't. Those people should be ashamed.

My mother, Monette, is a formidable Filipino woman. She was never the most maternal person, but she made up for it by being uber glamorous and uber fabulous. We were in Hong Kong in the Eighties, after all! It was all about Dior, Chanel and red lipstick. I was a little in awe of her. I know she ignited my passion for travel and fashion.

 

:stunned: cool, didn't know Guy's wife has a Filipino mother. :D

and she's admirable for being a strong woman after going through all of that.

His ex is so cute. I can't believe people would say that about her. Those obviously weren't true fans if they were tearing her down like that. He's famous and she isn't. Those people should be ashamed.

 

Apparently at the time there was a thread called something like "the gold bag lady" and it was horrible

^ :o OMG :angry: Jerks!

Apparently at the time there was a thread called something like "the gold bag lady" and it was horrible

 

 

Ah yes, I remember that quite well. All of it never made much sense to me, because IMHO Jo was/is the most attractive of the 4 coldplay wives. Not putting any of them down mind you...

Apparently at the time there was a thread called something like "the gold bag lady" and it was horrible

 

Thats so incredibly disrespectful. That was his wife and the person he had planned to spend his life with, and to think people who dont know either one were tearing her down like that is so disgusting.

Thats so incredibly disrespectful. That was his wife and the person he had planned to spend his life with, and to think people who dont know either one were tearing her down like that is so disgusting.

 

 

It is, but it happens with all the guys' wives. There have been many hurtful things posted about Jonny's wife as well. (she deleted her twitter account because of some of them.) It's awful. :cry:

Yeah, I remember sometime ago someone asked why the boys never read the forum and it was because they read hurtful things about their other halves.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HHlNj23PBI&feature=plcp&context=C30c3f7fUDOEgsToPDskJXFH_SLeA0hVFsm9ycY5-r]Q & A #2 - Guy A - YouTube[/ame]

 

Apparatjik Q&A

^That video is so creepy I can't look away. :stunned: :dazzled:

 

Some gifs from this video:

 

There's hope for us all yet then LOL as the last link about gf's was for a Spanish Archietect student (unless of course she's funding her studies by modeling)?

 

Whom ever he's dating I hope he's finding the happiness he's earnt. If not he knows where to find me and I'll give it a go :lol:

 

Guy have a girlfriend and keeps its secrets .

and you are right she is a student in journalism but I'm not sure. but she not spanish nor italian .

 

bothers that Guy is not taken seriously with the girls or they say is a gay.

Yeah, I remember sometime ago someone asked why the boys never read the forum and it was because they read hurtful things about their other halves.

 

yes and they also have fun on the forum.

Ah yes, I remember that quite well. All of it never made much sense to me, because IMHO Jo was/is the most attractive of the 4 coldplay wives. Not putting any of them down mind you...

 

yes but this is a celebritie like the others, she wanted lots of things material.

now his new girlfriend is absolutely not part of showbiz and nobody knows her .

Ok what is this doing on the 3rd page :cry::stunned:

site: http://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women...berryman?img=5

 

 

I suffered periods of real insecurity. You can’t help it. Your loved one is on stage being adored by thousands. I had naively read horrible online forums where people would call me fat, unglamorous and question why Guy was with me. It was hard not to read them. Some days I’d make myself so miserable. Guy was wonderful, but it got to me.

 

We were apart a lot in the early stages of my pregnancy. It was really hard. I gave birth to Nico, Jezebell shut down and Guy and I separated, all within a few months.

 

I do not know is really what says the ex-wife of Guy or it's the paps. I really struggle to see a wife of celebrity who is with her ​​husband go on the forums of fans to see what they say about her and Guy. it's just non-sense?

All the hotness condensed into 22 seconds here

 

And some gifs for your collections (million of thank you's to Jen):

 

 

 

 

EDIT:Woo, my 300th post was a Berryspam! :D

more pics :cheesy:

 

*___*

^Hi, handsome :wink3:

 

:gorgeous: