A Cool Brand Owner Shares Her Style Secrets
After graduating with a law degree, I changed careers to pursue fashion and art. I worked in a contemporary art gallery in Milan, and then at a gallery in London before I launched my own brand in 2017. The aim was to create a sustainable label that championed timeless pieces, with small orders that were all made in Italy.
My own personal style is vibrant, sexy and fresh – it definitely influences each collection, especially in the cut and the details. Travelling has also been a big part of my life and a big influence on my style. I’m quite an all or nothing person. During the day I’m often in jeans, but in the evening I like to be more glamorous. If I'm wearing something short to show off my legs, I will be more covered on the top and if I'm covering my legs with a long dress or trousers, I will be more revealing on my top half. My style also changes, depending on where I am in the world. I like to fit in with the place, but always stay true to who I am.
I’m flying to Ibiza soon so I will be packing a lot of swimwear. Brands I love include Hunza G and Reina Olga. I also pack linen and silk shirts, as well as lace or crochet pieces – I’ll be wearing a lot of pieces from my SS Tropicana collection which is full of bright colours and textures. My favourite pieces are the lace Irene mini dresses in yellow or turquoise and the Isa lace dress in emerald or peach.
I love experimenting with colour and fabrics. This season, the Annie Dress comes in Light Sky denim which is very cool. It can be worn day or night, with flats for a more casual look or heels if you’re going glam. I always have a good time when I wear it. Other pieces I can’t live without are a minidress, a great blazer and good vintage-wash jeans. With regards to blazers, YSL is my forever favourite, and you can't go wrong with a pair of Levi’s 501s.
For spring, some of my favourite pieces include a bomber jacket by Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto. That’s in addition to dark grey cargo pants by ACNE and lots of denim by Levi’s, Maison Margiela and RE/DONE. I don’t tend to follow trends but I am aware of them. I prefer to pick the pieces I know suit me, whether they’re trending or not. I also prefer to buy quality over quantity. I don’t mind spending a bit more on something that’s been made with love and that will last.
My best fashion find ever was a vintage leather trench by Tom Ford for Gucci. It’s a 90s-style piece and it’s perfect for adding a bit of edge to any look. If I could only shop one brand for the rest of my life it would be Saint Laurent. In terms of style, it definitely resonates with me the most.
I always admire someone’s style when they’re naturally cool and at ease with what they wear. It's not necessarily about having one specific look but the confidence that comes from wearing a well-put-together outfit is often second to none.
For shopping I love Tokyo, Paris, New York and London. London has great vintage shops on Brick Lane and Portobello Road and in Paris, Le Marais is worth the trip. Florence and Milan are also great for vintage. In Tokyo I flit between shopping for luxury brands in Shinjuku and hunting down vintage finds in Shimokitazawa.
I love jewellery, in particular Brazilian designer Ara Vartanian. He creates incredible pieces with beautiful stones and all of his collections include edgy shapes and unconventional cuts.
If I could raid anyone’s wardrobe, it would be Kate Moss. She’s covered all trends, and always looks cool and chic. She’s also so adept at mixing old and new, as well as vintage and contemporary designers. Her outfits have always reflected who she is and she’s not shy to experiment – which I love.
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Photography by Victoria Adamson.
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