My Style: Amal Fashanu
Photo: Courtesy of Amal Fashanu
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I don't believe there are rules when it comes to dressing. For me clothing is like an art statement. You dress the way you want depending on the day and your mood, and this in turn becomes the expression of one’s personality.
Please describe your style in three words.
Simple. Elegant. Chic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Over-accessorising in my opinion.
Do you believe in role models?
I do, and I don't. I believe in getting inspired by someone's particular fashion sense, although I believe it's more important to not forget your own identity.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cashmere is for me the best fabric, without a doubt. Although it's not the most practical at times.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Sandals with socks are a true NO GO, and mixing prints can be dangerous!
Which city has the best-dressed women?
I think Milan has the best-dressed women, followed by Paris and New York.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A vintage Chanel clutch, leather Miu Miu boots, and Celine heels.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Both. I consider myself a bit of both. I can happily wear simple items and then on occasions a very bold statement piece.
Celebrities and style...
Don't always go together.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Black skinny jeans.
A woman should always look like...
A lady other females envy. This is always a good sign.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mum being an ex-model carved the way, although I must say Vogue, Karl Lagerfeld, and the Internet contributed significantly.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It varies a lot to be honest. Depends on the weather mainly, and when I have to wake up early I do tend to plan my outfits the night before, to save time in the morning.
What is your biggest regret?
Red carpet disaster. One of my shoes came off as I walked along the carpet at a premiere. Very unglamorous.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Never overdress, never underdress, and never reveal too much.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Colette in Paris, Opening Ceremony in LA, and Barneys in NYC.
We will never see you wearing...
Corduroy trousers. I was made to wear too many as a child. Haha!
The one image that defined your approach to style...
The Chanel logo. Simple, powerful and stylish.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Thakoon Panichgul is amazing and has a very strong design aesthetic which I admire greatly.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Elle McPherson I must say. Love her style; it's clean, elegant, and trendy.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her hands and accessories.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Chanel never ever fails to impress me.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes and bag. This always reflects a woman's style.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Although I would like to say no, it truly is. As sexy and stylish as a pair of twelve inch heels may look, the pain that follows a night wearing them is truly AMAZING!
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Anyone talented, who works hard and is devoted to what he or she does.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
“When you don't dress like everybody else, you don't have to think like everybody else.”
