My Style: Erin Fetherston
Photo: Michael Beauplet — Courtesy of Erin Fetherston
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I'm not sure how to answer that question. These days, it almost seems that dressing conservatively is bold, because it certainly goes against the grain of the bandage-dress mania we live in. It takes a certain amount of boldness to be one's self, and if you are a romantic, fairy-tale lover like me, adhering to the codes of uber-feminine dressing is an act of bold self-expression.
Please describe your style in three words.
Feminine, romantic, modern.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Chasing trends. You have to dress for what feels right and fits your personality and interests. One always looks best when they are most comfortable in what they are wearing!
Do you believe in role models?
I do believe in role models, but I also think it can be dangerous to deify people. We are living in such a celebrity-centric era that the line between 'role-model' and idol is being blurred. At the end of the day, we are all human. People in the spotlight need to be granted room for error by their adoring audiences because that's what makes us human. On the flip-side of the coin, we should all strive to set good examples for the next generation!
What are your favourite fabrics?
Chiffon, lace, and silk tulle.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I've never subscribed to the 'ugly is the new pretty' aesthetic. I think women ultimately want to feel empowered and enhanced by their clothing.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris!
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I am a big believer in elongating the legs. That means nude, patent leather shoes paired with bare legs in the spring and summer (no ankle straps, thank you) and black suede ankles booties or black patent pumps paired with opaque black tights in the winter. Once you have the legs down, it's a lot easier to figure out the dress.
Celebrities and style...
Celebrities can be wonderful style icons, but celebrity style is not the end-all-be-all of fashion. I love how much street style has evolved over the past few years. Tommy Ton's pictures of girls around the globe is just as, if not more, exciting as a Hollywood red carpet.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I love the little black dress. It’s a classic that can be dressed up or down with the right choice of accessories and shoes. Each season we have a multitude of LBD options in the Erin Fetherston collection!
A woman should always look like...
The best version of herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Rather than a single person, my style inspiration has been informed by my background and all the various places I've lived from my Northern California upbringing to my years of living in Paris and New York.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
On the weekends I love to wear easy, ethereal dresses. During the week at the office, I dress it up with a simple change of accessories, swapping out a ballet flat for a pair of boots or platform pumps. I adore dresses that can go from daytime to evening with the quick change of a shoe.
What is your biggest regret?
Not cherishing my girlfriends more when I was younger! It is so important to do so. Female friendships are the high school sweethearts.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Dress to flatter your figure. Don't wear shoes that you cannot gracefully walk in. Cultivate personal style over time. Don't chase trends.
We will never see you wearing...
Intentionally ripped or shredded stockings.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Amongst my peers, I'm really championing my friend Calla Haynes who launched her line Calla a few seasons ago. She has an amazing sensibility for print and silhouette, and we were students together at Parson's Paris. I adore her.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Diana Vreeland.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her smile.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
The first samples I ever made under the Erin Fetherston label. There was so much love, sweat, and tears put into those dresses, I cherish them like works of art.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
There are too may to chose one.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
My own employees never fail to impress me! They work so hard and bring so much passion and care to the Erin Fetherston brand. I am so grateful to have cultivated the most amazing team throughout the years of building my own brand.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes and undergarments (no VPLs please).
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I think it is important and doable for women to balance comfort and style. No one looks chic when they are visibly ill-at-ease in their “look.”
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Frances Tulk-Hart — I love working with her!
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"Stay true to your vision."
