My Style: Joan Martin
Photo: Courtesy of Brahmin
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Lanvin: on the edge, but does it so well; Brunello Cucinelli: great layering mix and match pieces, good fabric, timeless, neutral palet; Michael Kors dresses: his proportions fit my body as if they were custom-made and I love the fine wools and light knits; Roberto Cavalli dresses: his proportions also fit so well.
Please describe your style in three words.
How’s four words? Classic with an edge.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Too many accessories.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes. I think of role models as “muses.” They are all around us.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Very light-weight, quality wool; light-weight knits.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not that I can think of — many unique combinations can be made to 'work'.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
More A than B.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Go for what looks well on you, not just the latest fad. At Brahmin, our mantra is to be trend-right, not trendy.
Celebrities and style...
Can inspire us, but NOT always!
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
HANDBAGS.
A woman should always look like...
Herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Many things and many muses. If I had to name one, my 89 year-old friend, Francesca, who just died this year.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on what I am doing that morning.
Your biggest regret is...
Not shopping at Marissa’s sooner! Marissa's is a large upscale specialty shop in Naples, Florida. Marissa, her husband, Burt, and their son, Jay, run it and are always around. They have a beautifully trained and informed staff of personal shoppers for customers. They often put wardrobes together for travel, visit and reorganise customers' closets, and pack for trips. Once the shopper(s) learn your style, they pull new arrivals and suggest how they can work with your existing wardrobe. The price points go from top designers to great, well-priced pieces.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Go for timeless, quality pieces and opt for clothing and accessories that are appropriate for you.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Look for a while, try on mindfully, and determine where a piece fits into my current wardrobe.
We will never see you wearing...
Garments with too much fabric. They drown me!
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Probably my late friend, Francesca. She always looked ‘together’ — even at the gym!
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her handbag.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
The latest Brahmin handbags, my most timeless clothing, my signature jewellery, my diamond studs, my pearls, and several well-loved watches.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Big tradition with a small edge.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Lanvin.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her undergarments.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, you must be comfortable because style should look effortless.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Have to think about that one!
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.
