Get To Know Our New Fashion Broadcaster & Editor
How did you end up working in fashion, Nana?
My first job in fashion was as fashion assistant at thelondonpaper – a free newspaper that used to be distributed across London. I got my job there in 2006 after doing multiple internships at magazines such as Happy, Bliss and More.
How would you describe your personal style?
Colourful, vibrant and polished. Even when I'm wearing more muted tones – which is rare – there will always be a pop of colour somewhere in my outfit, whether it's a coat, a bag or the other accessories. I like to have fun with my choices and not take myself or fashion too seriously. The bolder the better is my only rule – because life is too short for boring clothes.
Who or what have had big influences on your style?
My Ghanaian heritage has had a big influence. It’s where my love for colour and print comes from. My earliest fashion memories are my mum dressing me up for church or family function in amazing dresses that had been handmade by our family seamstress. I'm always trying to replicate the feeling those dresses gave me.
Do you have any style rules?
There are a couple I swear by. One, dressing for your shape will never steer you wrong. I don’t wear jeans, for example, because they do nothing for my thighs, but I love a pair of high-waisted trousers that accentuate my small waist. Two, never get hung up on the size label. Always go on how something fits, looks and makes you feel. I have items in my wardrobe that are a size 6 and others that are a size 16!
Which designer names will we find in your wardrobe?
I tend to reserve designer purchases for bags, shoes and accessories. Gucci is probably the most common – I have multiple bags and even more sunglasses – followed by Fendi, Prada, Burberry and Bottega. Accessories are a great way to buy into the designer look as they are generally more affordable and you get more wear out of them. Clothing-wise, I do have some great dresses from The Attico too.
Tell us about some of your favourite brands…
The list could go on forever, but I'll narrow it down a couple. Christopher John Rogers does the most amazing silhouettes in all the colours of the rainbow. The dream would be to own every piece in his collection. Cult Gaia can’t put a foot wrong either. Everything, from its dresses to swimwear, bags to heels – it just speaks to me, especially in spring/summer, which is my favourite season.
What about when it comes to shoes and accessories?
I’m all about earrings and rings. I've had my ears pierced 15 times, so huggies are my best friend. My favourite brands for costume jewellery are Scream Pretty, Missoma and Astrid & Miyu. For shoes, I love Paris Texas and Mango.
What’s the key to a good capsule wardrobe?
You need the right basics to mix in with the rest of your wardrobe. My capsule pieces are a good dress, high-waisted trousers, a midi skirt, boots and a pair of heels.
If you could have anyone's wardrobe, whose would it be?
The digital creator Nina Sandbech. Her colourful and feminine style is exactly my vibe. She has a fabulous dress collection that I am obsessed with – if I had to pick one item to wear for the rest of my life, it would be a dress.
What’s your favourite piece in your own wardrobe?
My bright orange, backless midi Aje dress that has a feather detail on the hem. It sold out on first release after Tracee Ellis Ross wore it. Thankfully, there was a second run and I had my email alerts on. It’s a real showstopper and I never tire of wearing it – it’s especially good on holiday.
Which is the best city for shopping?
It has to be London. Call me biased as it’s my hometown, but I don’t know anywhere else in the world with the same mix of high street, high-end vintage and now rental.
How do you shop?
In a considered way. When I see something I like, I will go away for a couple of days. Then, if I really can’t stop thinking about it, I will go back and get it. This does sometimes cause me stress when something sells out and then I have to go on a mad hunt to track it down. This happened recently with the Jacquemus La Pochette Rond Carré clutch bag – I eventually managed to track it down in a boutique in Amsterdam.
Where do you shop on the high street?
I love H&M, Mango, ARKET, & Other Stories and COS. I’ve become really good at finding pieces that people would never guess were from the high street.
What do you invest in?
A good handbag is a timeless item that will never go out of fashion. I have a whole collection that I hope to one day pass on to my future daughter. Totes are my go-to because I’m usually running around town with a laptop in tow. My current favourite is my YSL Icare maxi shopping bag.
Do you follow trends?
I do, because trying something new always excites me. But I know what works for my body shape and style, so I will never try to wear a trend just because it’s what everyone is wearing. This season the trend that really appeals to me is short shorts because I have quite long legs.
Anything you’ve been wearing a lot of this year?
Knee-high boots. I just can’t get enough of them. They are the easiest way to make my summer dresses work for autumn and they also keep me warm.
Finally, you’re going out for dinner tonight – what are you wearing?
A brightly coloured maxi dress, heels, a colour pop bag and lots of gold jewellery.
Photography: Sandra Seaton
Follow @StyledByNana on Instagram.
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