My Style: Anka Tsitsishvili
Portrait: Max Cardelli — Courtesy of Anka Tsitsishvili // Additional photos: Le 21ème
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing something you're not in the mood for and feeling uncomfortable.
Please describe your style in three words.
Personal, relaxed, and whimsical.
Do you believe in role models?
People inspire me very often, but not for what they wear.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Embroidered fabrics for the way they look, cashmere to wear, silk to touch.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Everything has to be natural, not planned or forced.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
It's hard to say, as they travel all the time and you can see them everywhere [laughs]. As I've never been to New York or Tokyo, I would say Paris.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Bold.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I dress for myself. I have to feel confident in what I wear.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
For now it’s Himere and XX_rings jewellery: thin rings and cuffs.
A woman should always look like…
A woman. :)
Who taught you what you know about style?
My Georgian roots and my intuition [laughs]. I think everything plays its part: where you live, where you travel, the books you read, the movies you watch, the art you see, and the people that you meet. All of the above can influence you.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on my mood. I never know beforehand what I will wear.
What is your biggest regret?
I don't have any reasons to be regretful. I wake up everyday thankful for everything I've got.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are…
To feel comfortable, to have confidence, and to smile.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
The flea market is my first stop to find things for my house. As for clothes, there are some stores I always go to, for example, in Tbilisi I always check the More is Love showroom, Tatuna Nikolaishvili's atelier, Pierrot Le Fou and the Materiel stores. In Paris, it’s Dries Van Noten. In Moscow, I love my INDEXflat and the very cool store AIR Moscow for their not so typical selections. But how I shop depends on the place and the time I have at my disposal; I can quickly buy what I need and leave the store or I can stay and browse for hours.
We will never see you wearing…
Probably 18cm heels. :)
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I work with upcoming designers, so there are many who I adore such as accessory designer Ketevane Maissaia; I love what she does, she has a very special touch. Atelier Kikala, the creative director of Lado Bokuchava is always full of ideas and very talented. I also follow Tigran Avetisyan and Anton Belinskiy, I love what they do!
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
From the fashion world it’s Manuela Pavesi and Diana Vreeland.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her face (eyes and smile).
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Some old jewellery from my grandparents, a Dries Van Noten dress, a George Bezani jacket and bracelet, and a Ria Keburia coat… I will stop here, as I could mention at least twenty more things.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Dries Van Noten.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
Her coat.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
If you don’t feel confident and what you are wearing is uncomfortable, then you are doing something wrong.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Jenia Kim, a young Korean designer who's based in Moscow. This hardworking girl inspires me with her collections and vision. I'm sure she'll go far.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be free, wide and open.
