Shop London: DJ Jodie Harsh on the independent brands she loves

Nobody knows their way around London’s nightlife quite like DJ and queer icon, Jodie Harsh.

Known for her vertiginous bouffant and her signature fuchsia lipstick, Harsh began gaining notoriety a decade ago with the launch of Room Service, the legendary London club night she hosted.

Before long, she’d become a household name on the capital’s queer scene, a status which was confirmed when Alexander McQueen and Boy George attended her 21st birthday party.

Fast forward several years and with Glastonbury and Sydney Mardi Gras performances under her belt, as well as a cameo in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and regular DJ residencies (before you-know-what, of course), Harsh is a ray of light which shows no signs of waning.

We caught up with the self-styled “reigning Queen supreme over international nightlife” to ask her about her Christmas plans and the independent businesses from Shop London she’ll be adding to her basket this year.

Which part of London do you call home?

“I'm East - I've been in a few different apartments in Shoreditch over the years but I feel like I'm settled here now."

What are your go-to independent businesses in your neighbourhood?

“I love the O-Zone coffee roasters in Leonard Street in Shoreditch. They do a mean breakfast and the best coffee in town. I've been using their takeaway a lot during Lockdown 2.0.”

What does Christmas 2020 look like for you?

“I'm going to the countryside with some of my best friends. Lots of cycling and films! I'll see my family in between Christmas and New Year for a belated get-together, and probably allow myself one week in bed staring at the TV eating food pretending it's 'self care'.”

What is on your Christmas wish list this year?

“The vaccine! And candles - I get mine from Goodhood, there's a brand they sell called 19-69 which I love.”

Which independent brands from Shop London will you be buying from this winter?

Drop Of Dopamine - it sells beautiful jewel-coloured glassware and I'm obsessed with it. I think it's finally time to outgrow the Ikea cups and plates in my kitchen.

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever given or received?

“In terms of giving, you can't go wrong with a coffee table book. Last year everyone got the Studio 54 book. I prefer to give presents than receive them to be honest!”

What’s your failsafe Christmas gift idea?

“I'm getting everyone CBD oils this year - Apothem do some really lovely ones. I think all my friends need some of those after this crazy year.”

How do you treat yourself?

“Flowers. Lots of flowers. Almost to Elton John levels! I'm not that extravagant when it comes to clothes and jewellery but I love fresh flowers around the house. I get mine from Bloom East.”

What has this year taught you?

"To appreciate what we have and live in the moment. That sounds a bit cliche, but I think we'll all take that away from 2020. And also to be open for new things, new projects - I didn't start 2020 thinking I'd be making a podcast but being in lockdown and having my DJ touring canceled meant that I had to rethink things.

I created my podcast Life of the Party and it's one of the most fun things I've ever done. I talk to weekly guests who have made an impact in culture about their experiences in nightlife - how it's shaped them and informed their work. This week we have Nile Rodgers, and we've had people on like Roisin Murphy and Paul O'Grady. It's very fun!"

What are your new year’s resolutions?

"To go out more. And release lots more music - I've got a track out now called My House. I think 2021 needs lots of happy Harsh beats!"

Find out more about Shop London here.

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