Dominique Cussen is the owner of Designs second-hand designer boutique on Rosslyn Hill, which celebrated its 26th year last week. She lives on East Heath Road and thinks Hampstead s fashion reputation is growing. Tell us MORE about your business. We

Dominique Cussen is the owner of Designs second-hand designer boutique on Rosslyn Hill, which celebrated its 26th year last week. She lives on East Heath Road and thinks Hampstead's fashion reputation is growing.

Tell us MORE about your business.

We offer affordable designer clothes. We are picky so our clothes are in perfect condition. A lot of businesses like this fail because they aren't picky. That's why we get our Prada and Dolce & GabbTell us MORE about your business.

HOW DOES Hampstead RATE AS a fashion hotspot?

With shops like Questionnaire it's become more edgy, which is good. There are enough small independent boutiques which bring in more independent designers. I'd like to see more shops, like Studio 88 in Primrose Hill, coming to Hampstead.

How long have you worked in the area?

I have worked in Hampstead for 26 years.

What do you like most about the area?

I like the people, there's a real mix. I also love the Heath and the architecture. I prefer the village itself and I do miss our butcher!

What is the worst thing?

As a building, the Royal Free Hospital. Also, the parking. You used to always be able to park. People used to be able to park, go to the shops, go to the fishmongers - now you can only park for two hours. Apart from the Royal Free, I dislike all the scaffolding and the constant building works going on in every street and side street.

Which SHOPS IN THE AREA are your favourites?

My favourite shops are Nicole Farhi, Farrow & Ball, and the second-hand book shop on Flask Walk because they stock things I really want to buy.

Which are your favourite local buildings?

I love the church of St John-at-Hampstead, and St Stephen's Church on Rosslyn Hill, as well as St Mary's Catholic Church.

Who was the last celebrity you saw in the area?

There's always someone famous about - in fact as I am speaking to you, Dawn Porter has just walked past.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I would put on a street carnival for Hampstead, with no cars whatsoever in the village. I would create a carnival atmosphere, so people could check out the different shops and enjoy them.

If you could twin Hampstead with one place in the world, where would it be and why?

A bohemian sort of village outside Paris. It would have the vibrancy of the village and its cosmopolitan mix.

If you had a million pounds TO SPEND IN A DAY what would you do?

Pay off my mortgage and put something aside for my daughter's education. I would give some to my family and take a trip to New Zealand. ana. We try to maintain a good rapport with our customers.