My Style: Amina Muaddi
Portrait: Courtesy of Amina Muaddi
The three essential things a woman should know about style are…
Every woman should dress based on her height and body shape; when something flatters our silhouette we look and feel better. Know that less is more. How you dress is your business card; it gives a hint of who you are to the ones who don't know you.
Please describe your style in three words.
Minimal with a hint of retro, and a little bit gangster.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Leaving the house without loving what you are wearing. Feeling confident about your outfit can improve your whole day.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, I do. They help motivate and inspire us. Whether it's a personality that we admire or a family member that we cherish, having someone you look up to can help keep you focused on becoming the best possible version of yourself.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I love leather. I also like silk and velvet.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Anything that is too put together, and anything that doesn't look fresh and natural to me.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris!
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I know it's a paradox, but both! I am a Gemini; we tend to be pretty eclectic.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
The only rule I have is to follow my instinct and feel good about what I am wearing.
Celebrities and style...
Is a deadly combination when a talented celebrity also has style.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
It might be kind of obvious for me, but it's shoes. And also leather jackets and leather pants.
A woman should always look…
Confident. That's really the best outfit you can wear.
Who taught you what you know about style?
It's pretty instinctual to me. But I grew up admiring my mother's style.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I dress based on the weather and on my mood that day. I don't spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear.
What is your biggest regret?
The things I haven't done. I have a tattoo in Arabic that says ‘no regrets’, so...
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I just like cool stores and prefer going to the physical stores rather than shop online.
We will never see you wearing...
Harem pants (even though I'm an Arab).
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I have so many designer friends whose work I love. I feel they are the only people who can understand me in the challenges I go through. I like the fun clutches of Benedetta Bruzziches, Steven Tai's clothing, and Maria Lucia Hohan's dresses.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
There are so many. To name a few: Leila Yavari, Sarah Harris, Barbara Martelo, Queen Rania, Zoe Saldana, Diane Kruger. Also Giorgia Tordini, who you've interviewed already.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her shoes. :)
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
The ones that I was wearing in special moments of my life.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
There isn't a specific image—it’s a mix of who I am, what I've experienced and my instinct.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
My favourite designer is Nicolas Ghesquière since forever, he is the epitome of a visionary to me.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
Her shoes! They can make or break the outfit.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
My friend Erica Pelosini, she's fabulous.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
That happiness is a state of mind and a way of living, it does not depend on external factors—it's according to the way you look at things.
