My Life In Accessories: Federica Labanca

/ 28 November 2024

My Life In Accessories: Federica Labanca

Federica Labanca has made an online name for herself by mixing vintage pieces into her cool and contemporary wardrobe. One look at her Instagram proves she knows the power of a good accessory, so we asked her to tell us more about her favourite pieces – from heirloom treasures to most-worn items and recent purchases…

By Sapna Rao

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@Federica.Labanca

My accessories are often investments. I don’t mean just in terms of value – but also in terms of how long I’m going to own them. I’d say I’m more of a shoe and jewellery girl because they can really transform an outfit.

My mother’s 90s Moschino sunglasses are my first accessory memory. I remember picking them up when I was still living with her in Milan over ten years ago, and being so confused about how tiny they were. Now, tiny sunglasses are so on trend. I still have them to this day. I never leave the house without sunglasses. Rain or shine, they just make every look better – I really like everything Tom Ford does and the Lina by Linda Farrow right now.

When it comes to ONE PIECE I WEAR ON REPEAT though, it has to be MY GRANDMA’S GOLD NECKLACE. It’s a beautiful art deco-style gold and diamond piece.

Bold shoulders and statement earrings are a signature combo. You’ll rarely see me without one or the other – or both. When it comes to one piece I wear on repeat though, it has to be my grandma’s gold necklace. It’s a beautiful art deco-style gold and diamond piece. I can’t tell you how many brands have tried to rip it off. Other than being a unique piece, it’s also very sentimental. My grandma passed away before she could give it to me, so it was passed down by my dad.

@Federica.Labanca

Jewellery is always worth the investment. A pair of diamond earrings will last forever. Some brands I love include Shop Julietta, Susan Caplan, Ysso, By Alona, Mayol and Alessandra Rich.

I’ve got a bit of a shoe addiction. It amazes me how you can wear a tracksuit with heels and instantly transform the whole look. I recently wore a grey cashmere tracksuit with white Balenciaga heels and big Alessandra Rich earrings. It felt really fashion forward, whereas trainers would’ve made it feel like a look I probably shouldn’t leave the house in.

While I don’t often shop trends, furry heels are making a comeback. Right now, I have my eyes on a purple pair from Burberry and a chocolate brown pair from Maison Margiela. I’m also really into printed styles. Don’t tell my bank account, but the Alaïa pumps in Dalmatian print and a pair of Y/Project boots are both high on my wish list. My latest purchase was a pair of Amina Muaddi Camelia white pumps. I got them via Level Shoes – which has one of the best shoe selections – and I cannot wait to wear them for party season.

@Federica.Labanca

My Balenciaga heels are getting a lot of airtime right now. I always pull them out when I want to elevate a look. I also have a pair of Chanel heels that I only bring out for very special occasions as they’re so delicate. I normally wear them with black to give them the moment they deserve. My Gucci snakeskin slingbacks are also one of my most-worn pairs – probably because they’re the most comfortable show I own.

Mietis is an accessories brand I’m loving. The Jill bag in wine, white and black is one I’m wearing nearly every day. It has a cool art deco feel to it – plus, those three colours look good with everything.

My go-to evening bag is probably my mini Hermès Kelly – although I do love a sparkly bag for parties. A good daytime bag needs to tick so many boxes, but in the evening, the criterion is simply that it needs to fit my lip liner, gloss and cigarettes. My hardest-working ones are probably a piano rhinestone clutch by 44 Once Upon a Time and a clear clutch by Afshar.

@Federica.Labanca

One of my all-time favourite vintage buys would be my denim Chanel hardware mules. I spotted them on my friend Daphne Groeneveld’s Lost Labels account. Denim is a tricky material because it’s very hard to care for, especially on shoes, so I wasn’t sure if I could justify the price. Next thing you know, my boyfriend went to a last-minute Lost Labels pop-up in New York, snapped them up and surprised me with them. Safe to say, they’re very special to me.

There’s a big difference between something ‘vintage’ and something ‘old’. Because vintage shopping is so popular now, a lot of stores and brands have started to blur the lines slightly. My advice is to check the label and double check the brand. There are a lot of incredible designers who used to design clothes years ago that I now always keep an eye out for when hunting for vintage. It helps to know where to go too. I love Rellik and Lover’s Lane in Notting Hill. Both have incredible archive pieces. Portobello market is always great, but it is getting pricey. Milan also has amazing vintage shopping – my favourite spot is BIVIO.

I’m also really into PRINTED STYLES. Don’t tell my bank account, but the Alaïa pumps in Dalmatian print and a pair of Y/Project boots are both HIGH ON MY WISH LIST.

One of my rules with accessories is to not to overdo it. Even when you’re intent on making a statement, the key is balance. My mum taught me it’s either earrings or necklace, never both – and I still stand by this. If I’m wearing big earrings, I won’t wear a statement necklace and vice versa. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing your whole jewellery box at once.

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