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In a crowded penthouse suite at Toronto's Cosmopolitan Hotel, all eyes are on India Hicks - model, designer, author, mom - as she gracefully pulls out the contents of a shopping bag brimming with recently purchased goodies.

The British-born beauty, who is also in line to succeed to the throne (she's number 483 on the list), was in town recently to launch her second fragrance for Crabtree & Evelyn, but she seems more intent at this moment on showing local retailer Shawn Gibson some of the "fabulous" items she found at Teatro Verde, Gibson's upscale Yorkville flower shop and accessories boutique.

"I simply love these!" she exclaims, unwrapping an elegant arrangement of silk peonies. Although fake, the flowers remind her, she says, of England and the garden that belonged to her father, celebrated interior designer David Hicks. Now that she makes her home on a small island in the Bahamas, she often misses the seasons and the flowers they bring.

Despite Hicks's aristocratic background - in addition to being the daughter of design royalty, she is also the granddaughter of Earl Mountbatten of Burma (India's last viceroy) and a goddaughter of the Prince of Wales - her disarming informality has turned this group in Toronto into newfound confreres, prompting one to inquire about her shoes.

"They're Steve Madden!" she quickly responds, inviting the person to take a closer look.

A self described type-A personality, Hicks finds delight in every corner and creative inspiration just about anywhere. "We took the kids on half break to Egypt and of course that was inspiring," she says. "However, I find places like Toronto just as inspiring. I love to see how people live, what they wear, where they work."

For her new fragrance, called Island Nights, her jumping-off point was obviously her life in the Caribbean, a source she has mined successfully before. Her first scent for Crabtree & Evelyn - Island Living - won a 2008 FiFi Award, the Oscar of the perfume world.

"Island Living," she says, "was a huge success, but I felt there was more of a story to tell, which is where Island Nights comes in." As she talks about the new, slightly more sensual scent, her passion for island living (which she also wrote about in two books, Island Life and Island Beauty) positively drips from her lips, conjuring up "night flowers that unfold, the sound of waves along the sand, the shadows of stingrays moving across the water."

As the product hits the stands this fall, Hicks will be celebrating another venture, the upcoming season two of Bravo's Top Design. Hicks is the new host of the reality show, in which budding interior designers compete under the watchful eye of a team of celebrity judges.

Hicks replaces Todd Oldham, who becomes the contestants' mentor in the second installment. Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler will return as judges. "Jonathan is just lovely," Hicks says. "We share the same sense of humour - that of a seven-year-old boy!"

"As for Kelly, I was almost nervous to meet her - she is such a beautiful woman, such a good mother and such an incredible designer."

Nice, but can Wearstler can dominate a room like Hicks does?

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Bringing island beauty home

CANDLE LIGHT

Illuminating rooms with candles is flattering as well atmospheric. "The power is constantly going out on our island, so we actually use candles out of necessity," says Hicks.

TROPICAL FLORA

Flowers and foliage such as orchids and palm fronds add an instant island touch. Arrange them in large attention-getting groupings or tuck a few into corners.

THE COLOUR PURPLE

Deep purple accents and accessories suggest the moodiness of an island night. The hue dominates Hicks's packaging.

WHITE

Evocative white elements such as coral (always use faux, not real) will balance the purple and add a fresh, natural feature.

BAMBOO

Bamboo folding chairs offer a rustic Caribbean touch and are what Hicks uses when she entertains at home.

J.E.