UltraLuxe Meets Tastemaker Leila Kashanipour
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I don’t follow trends – I just know what I do and don’t like. I’m not classic because I like to mix and match a lot. I always like to bring something unexpected to a look and add that personal element. I also love colour.
I never plan an outfit – I’m very last minute. I like to dress to suit my mood each day, so I tend to imagine what’s going to suit the occasion, event or venue, and I build my look around that. I’m also quite quick. I’ll be dressed in ten minutes on a normal day, maybe 20 minutes for a night out.
My obsession with jewellery came from my grandmother. I would always be hovering around her dressing table playing with her collection. My mum was also incredibly well dressed and always looked so pulled together. I actually collect jewellery now. I’ve been given pieces by my grandparents and my mum. I have a black onyx and diamond pavé ring from my mum and a beautiful Burmese ruby bangle from my grandmother. My other grandmother also gave me a Carnelian stone – my daughter’s name is Carnelian which makes it extra special. There are a handful of pieces I never take off. I have a Tiffany & Co. T bangle that’s yellow gold with diamonds, a rainbow pavé bangle which I had made, a Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian bracelet, a Cartier Love bracelet and a bangle with my son’s name carved into it which I also had made.
My one piece of style advice would be always do your hair. It finishes an outfit. Don’t underestimate it – great hair can be so transformative. It can take a look from girly to sophisticated in a flash.
If I could only wear one brand for the rest of my life it would be Chanel. Its shows are also such a fantastic experience. The brand once flew me over to Dubai for the Resort show, Paris-Dubai, and dressed me. It was incredible. I wore a long, textured tweed sleeveless gilet and shorts, sandals, and a beautiful orange quilted bag. We were ferried over to an island on boats – serene and totally insane in equal measure.
As for lesser-known brands, I love Liberowe which has just launched on NET-A-PORTER. It has beautiful, tailored jackets and dresses. The Irish Twin is also great. I love that it’s still quite under the radar. Also, Destree just launched in Harrods and there's this beautiful brand called Rosewater House which has Persian heritage.
Paris is the best city in the world for shopping. It has such a mix of brands and stores, and it’s so great for discovering new names. It might sound obvious, but you can’t beat Rue Saint-Honoré – and I love the whole Saint Germain area. When it comes to big-time shopping, I head to Le Bon Marché.
I recently went to Paris for the weekend – with my husband – and bought a small bright yellow Chanel bag. It’s so special. The chain is made out of one block of wood and the craftsmen have carved each link out of it – it’s from the Métiers d’art Dakar Collection. The artisanal feel reminds me of jewellery and it feels like a real masterpiece.
I was lucky enough to find an Hermès Birkin in Paris. It was very unexpected – they’re so hard to come by – so it felt like a real win. It’s the Etain version with gold hardware and it's the 25 inch. I don’t collect them, but I am fortunate enough to have a few. I also have a black and navy Kelly, and one Herbag, which is the tan and natural canvas version. They are all classics that will be passed down the generations.
The Fashion Clinic in Lisbon is the most incredible concept store – it sells the big names like Prada and Miu Miu but also brands like La DoubleJ. The Webster in Miami is also great and Caravana in Dubai is always full of fun and colourful pieces.
MyTheresa has the best online curation. I just bought a Totême scarf coat from there. It’s been around since last year and I resisted it for so long, but I love the brown version for a new season update.
There are several brands I’m loving this season. LaDoubleJ and Etro always do such great prints. Saint Laurent does the best suits. MaxMara and Nanushka are my go-tos for coats. If I could buy cashmere anywhere, I’d buy Loro Piana – the pieces are so soft they’re like butter. Courrèges is great for a jacket and Totême is just so good this season – it does such great staples. Finally, Agolde is my go-to for denim. I have a few pairs of the 90s Pinch Waist jeans in different washes, and one in off-white. I have the Criss Cross and my new favourite is the Lana.
When it comes to wow factor, I turn to Jenny Packham. I’ve worn a few of her dresses before and they are just magical. Alessandra Rich also does some of the best dresses, I love her. Also, Magda Butrym for femininity with an edge. Solace London is beautiful for something a bit more dramatic – the Lea strapless dress is on my wish list.
London has the best vintage shopping. There’s a great store in Notting Hill Gate called Retro Women. I’ve found some great pieces there like a Dolce & Gabbana leopard print belt, an Hermès scarf and a Zagliani clutch bag. There’s also Lover’s Lane just under the bridge – it’s by appointment only but it has amazing pieces from Chanel, Saint Laurent and even couture. Sign Of The Times is also great.
I like to shop quickly and alone. In London, you can’t beat New Bond Street. That would be my dream shopping destination. I’d go there, then onto the Burlington Arcade and finish off by meeting a friend at Cecconi’s or Bar des Prés.
Follow @LeivanKash on Instagram.
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