My Style: Courtney Blackman
Photo: courtesy of Courtney Blackman
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I wouldn’t say I have rules. As I’ve gotten older, I know what suits me, so I just dress like me.
Please describe your style in three words.
Evolving, sometimes boyish, sometimes not.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing something that doesn’t invoke conviction.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, but not in a fashion sense.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Anything natural. Synthetics don’t really work on me.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
To each their own.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Well-dressed women can be found anywhere, but higher concentrations are in London, New York, and Paris.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Both — it depends what I’m dressing for.
Celebrities and style...
Are just like 'regular people and style' — sometimes their looks work, sometimes they don’t. It’s just being human.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I’m not really a big hoarder, but I suppose I can never have enough black stuff. Black tops, trousers, shoes, jewellery…
A woman should always look like...
She is content in who she is.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Based around my daily itinerary. If I have a meeting I’m more likely to wear heels and dress or trousers and a jacket. If I’m on a shoot or doing something creative I’ll wear flats and something more casual.
What is your biggest regret?
No regrets. I don’t really function like that.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Wear what works for her body type. High heels can indeed make a woman feel powerful. Hats are a great way to disguise an unfortunate hair day.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I’m not a big shopper, but if I do shop, it’s normally online.
We will never see you wearing...
Pastels.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Corrie Nielsen because she has raw, inexplicable talent and she really is a visionary. She’s definitely the successor to McQueen, as so many journalists have prognosticated. I am also a big Jasper Garvida admirer. He’s been working for a while now, but is still new-ish. He has a great sense of balance and his tailoring is perfection.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
My paternal grandmother, Zelpha. She had a witchy look to her — delicate but strong, always in a demure dress and long, long, long black hair.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her sense of self and whether she’s at ease with who she is.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A coat from the 1920s that Corrie Nielsen restored and gave to me as a gift. She purchased antique embroidered fabric from the same time period and re-lined it. It’s exquisite and one-of-kind. I have a Paul Smith orange goat suede hat that I’ve had for nearly a decade. I love it and wear it way too often. I have a few pairs of shoes that make me feel quite commanding: Acne Halos, McQ ankle boots and pair of Bally wedges, and I’m awfully fond of a square locket with insects crawling across the top that houses a photo of my husband.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Balenciaga.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her jeans, in honour of Donna Ida. Donna says, “Jeans need to be looked at as the basis of your wardrobe. They're a foundation garment, like a bra or a good pair of knickers.” It’s true.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, if you don’t feel comfortable, you can’t feel confident. But, comfortable style should not be confused with apathetic style.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Fashion stylist, Rebekah Roy.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Don’t put your makeup on in the dark.
