My Style: Emerson Fry
Photo: Courtesy of Emerson Fry
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Both, absolutely, and usually at once. For instance, I may wear a conservative stovepipe jean but I’ve got one hell of a stiletto on the foot. And they’re ours so when I say that, I am either talking about the V-heel or the Toe Patch Slingback.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Leaving out the posture. I would say good posture, but you know sometimes you see that dude in London with his little half-lean smoking a cigarette and you say, well that’s a posture. He’s fulfilling the coats full potential with that silhouette, and you know it completes the look. But then, I guess you could also call that attitude, although I don’t like that word so let’s go back to posture.
Do you believe in role models?
To a certain extent. There are certainly people and/or traits I admire. But I guess I don’t have one.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I don’t like to give my perspective about other people’s style, but I will say I dislike many combinations with cowboy boots unless they are the way men wear them in the south, which is with a suit. If women follow what men do with them, it’s quite sexy.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
All cities must have some. But I think if we are talking about quantity of well-dressed women I would say New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, the biggies. And I love the airport in Narita, you just watch beautiful women walk by there.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
The rules are no rules. Well, let me think about that a bit more… I think the rule would be to always make sure the proportions are good.
Celebrities and style...
Are the same as anybody else in terms of what you’re seeing. I mean, you’ve got all sorts of things going on there.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Stilettos. I would say shoe wear in general, but, stilettos. And close after that it’s jeans.
A woman should always look like...
She going to own this room.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The men and women before us, equally.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
My weekly wardrobe is pretty basic. Once I get to the office I tend to mix things up most of the day because we’ve got all of our line there, so I’ll have a 'jeans and stiletto' morning and a 'sequin floor length kimono' afternoon. But usually I’m back in my jeans and t-shirt pretty fast because I’ve got to get work done and that other thing is too transportive into distraction.
What is your biggest regret?
I have no use for those so I don’t do that.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Be yourself, try new things, less is more.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I buy lots of little organic hand creams and spritzes at the health food store and then they end up with the girls all around the office. Other than that I don’t shop because I only use our stuff.
We will never see you wearing...
Flip flops. I will not do that.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Always heels. Then coats. Then rings.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
The things Ryan [editor's note: her husband] has added to my collection. Beautiful airy pieces to sleep in. Antique perfume bottles. Persian lamb coat to top off my collection. This one in particular was a little crop, which I’ve never seen anything like it before. I’ve always got the big ones. and of course my 60's leopard coats but I’ve slimmed down on those substantially as it was getting out of hand, and now you know, we’ve got one far superior coming out.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Lanvin. Then and now.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Pay attention to the pieces that set the look. It’s why one can collect coats, jackets, and stilettos or trainers. They can set a simple look up to be something extraordinary.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Absolutely not. Most things become comfortable after a while anyway… it just needs time and then the body adjusts. It’s absolutely true. If you’re committed, you can make just about anything comfortable with enough practice.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Pedro [editor's note: her Pomeranian], of course. I’d like to see him everywhere.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Keep moving.
