Lianne La Havas talks to Company

Lianne La Havas is on the front cover of the March issue of Company magazine.

It began aged seven, when Dad bought me a keyboard

He used to take me to the park as a kid and play his harmonica to me. He can play loads of instruments and got me a little keyboard so that we could jam together… My mum is into music as well – she introduced me to all the amazing musicians of the 90s who I still love now; Jill Scott, Mary J Blige, and Lauryn Hill.

Then I met Paloma Faith

I didn't think it was realistic to follow my dreams when I was younger. I thought I'd end up an art teacher, so I went to art college. Soon after, I was introduced by friends to Paloma. She invited me on the road as a backing singing with her for 18 months. I got to see her rise and she taught me to always look fabulous. Once she wore six-inch stripper platforms to a muddy festival – totally my inspiration.

Soon came the album

I wrote my first song at 11… All [my] songs are very personal and about love. I had this moment the other day when I was playing Age, the song about being with an older man, to my current boyfriend's parents – and I got all nervous about what they were going to think!

Then the fashion world came knocking

Tom Ford [is] amazing and has this perfect stubble that looks like it's out of a spray can! He gave me a stunning velvet-and-lace dress in zebra print. When I'm home, I sometimes put it on and just have a cuppa in it! We've stayed in touch; he's a good friend to have.

My clothes addiction shortly followed

I've always loved how clothes can make you feel. For my stage look, I often reference Diane Keaton in Annie Hall. I've become obsessed with vintage. This year, I'm actually designing my own collection with a Belgian designer. I can't say too much yet, but it's really exciting.

It's amazing when people you respect love your music

When I was told Prince was going to call, I assumed it was a hoax. Obviously, I forgot my phone and was in a pub in Hackney. But he called my boyfriend's phone instead and it was so noisy that I had to find a nearby alleyway. There I was, in Clapton, in a dodgy alley, on the phone to Prince! He was so complimentary… Then Stevie Wonder came to a gig in LA last summer… After the show, we chilled and drank some wine, he played me his new song. It was so beautiful, it made me cry.

If I wasn't a singer…

If I wasn't a singer, I'd be a housewife, have a perfectly tidy house and do slow-cook roasts for a big family.

I still want to meet Obama

There's loads I want to do next: more fashion stuff, then maybe some acting, learning to play the harp, oh, and I'd love to meet the President.