Occupation:
Fashion Designer
Home:
New York City Wearing: Milly dress and custom Manolos
Fashion icons: Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Jackie O, Coco Chanel
Inspiration behind her collections: “I design for real women who want to dress in a way that is smart, sexy and glamorous. Right now I am reading about Peggy Guggenheim and there were touches of that on the runway for my Spring 2011 collection.”
When she knew she wanted to be a designer: “When I was eleven years old, I began sketching ballerinas and princesses wearing ball gowns on my kitchen floor. In reality, I’d pinpoint my time interning at Christian Dior Haute Couture in Paris as the moment I knew that ‘I’d be a designer.’ Several pieces that I designed made it onto the runway, and I knew I could do this on my own one day. “
Designers she admires most: “Alber Elbaz for Lanvin is my absolute favorite designer. He is such a visionary. I also love Karl Lagerfeld and Miuccia Prada.”
Favorite item from her collection: “I love the Vivi Combo Dress from my fall collection—it’s perfect for a night out or even to ring in the New Year!”
Wardrobe essentials: “The vintage pieces that I’ve collected over the years, including my Hermes Kelly bag and Christian Dior Couture LBD; I also have a favorite pair of jeans from the Gap that are 10 years old and perfectly worn-in.”
What every woman needs:
1. Self-confidence.
2. Well-tailored pieces. When in doubt buy a size up and take it to the tailor. Fit is essential. Do not wear clothing that is too tight!
3. Accessories. A statement necklace or great cuff instantly adds polish to any ensemble.
Beauty buys: Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer, Clinique mascara, brown eyeliner and 3-Step Kit
On-the-go skincare: “I travel often and flying dries out my skin. I love Weleda Skin Food moisturizer.”
Her cut and color: The John Barrett salon on Fifth Avenue
Always in her bag: “C.O. Bigelow Mint Lip Gloss in Bare Mint, which I’m addicted to. The color is really not visible; it just makes your lips looks healthy and flushed. Plus I love the tingle! Also, I always have my iPhone loaded up with my favorite songs.”
Music she groove to: “I’m into classic rock of the 60s and 70s– as well more current music from Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige.”
Must-have accessory for fall: Bold colored tights. “I designed a line for HUE this season that adds just the right pop of color.”
Shoes she adores: Manolo Blahnik heels and Roger Vivier flats
Splurge: “A night out on the town with my husband Andy.”
Cheap thrill: “Taking long morning walks through Central Park with my little ones—it is the best start to my day.”
Favorite movie star: Gwyneth Paltrow
Celebs she styles: Kerry Washington, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Beyonce and Alison Brie of “Mad Men” (her favorite TV show)
Beloved blogs: The Daily Front Row Chic Report and StyleFile on Style.com
Top online shop: Net-a-porter. “It is so well-edited...perfect for busy, fashionable women on the go.”
Best shopping abroad: “For great vintage pieces, I love Didier Ludot in Paris. For avant-garde fashion, I love 10 Corso Como in Milan, and for “it-girl” accessories and clothing, I love Matches in London.”
Fave hotel: “I often travel to Como to work with my Italian fabric suppliers and pour through their archives. When there, I love to stay at the Villa d’Este hotel, which is right on the lake. The view and décor makes me feel like a renaissance princess!”
Green efforts: “I always recycle and stay away from using unnecessary resources.”
Charities she supports: March of Dimes, Central Park Conservancy, Publicolor, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
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