My Style: Kate Dimmock
Photo: Perry Hagopian — Courtesy of Kate Dimmock
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I never like two sexy items together… I like a turtleneck with a mini skirt or a bare crop top with wide leg trousers. Cooler and less obvious.
Please describe your style in three words.
Make it work.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Dressing for someone other than yourself, and putting your shoes on the wrong feet.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely! Doesn’t everyone?
What are your favourite fabrics?
Leather, faded denim, and cashmere.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris, hands down, although I love those Peruvian women in the bowler hats.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
There’s always someone bolder and there’s always someone more conservative…
What are the rules in the way you dress?
When in doubt, opposites attract; oversized with skinny, distressed with refined. I like to dress in juxtapositions.
Celebrities and style...
Sell product.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Sexy heels and talisman jewellery.
A woman should always look like...
She’s happy with herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I don’t think you’re taught style. You kind of have it or you don’t, right?
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I try to plan it out the night before but it usually changes. I play a game with myself where I try to never wear the same thing twice in exactly the same way. Then I look at myself in the mirror and instead of taking one accessory off, I’ll add one more.
What is your biggest regret?
I wish I’d had a boy as well as a girl. I have a daughter but I wish I’d had the experience of raising a boy.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
If it makes you feel good, wear it. More skin isn’t necessarily sexy, but a little mystery always is. A pointy toe black stiletto goes with everything in your closet.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I’m a mad online bargain hunter and sample sale shopper. I rarely pay retail and I love the thrill of the hunt. I’m so pleased when I wear something amazing that I know was a steal and I don’t care about what season or year it’s from. My first purchase of the season is always a shoe.
We will never see you wearing...
A short pleather skirt.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Rosie Assoulin, I love the way she’s playing with shapes and colours. You can feel her passion in her clothes. Guilietta because it’s so feminine and chic in a way that’s ageless and seasonless. Nikki Kule has such a good eye, there’s fun and wit to her pieces.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Kate Moss.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her skin. Good skin is the best accessory.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
I have a ring from my mom. I think it was her mother’s class ring, it’s gold with a bearded man’s face and then it opens up like a locket. I also have the dress my mom wore to her engagement party and damn if it doesn’t look like Oscar de la Renta. Then maybe my wedding dress, a bias cut slip from Prada.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
It’s maybe trite but I always loved the Breakfast at Tiffany’s shot of Audrey Hepburn eating a croissant peering into the window all dolled up. Elegant and down and dirty all at once.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Derek Lam for his craftsmanship, Stella McCartney for her understanding of what women want, Marc Jacobs for his cleverness and theatrical sense, and every Alexander McQueen show I’ve had the good fortune to see.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes. Spend money on your shoes, ladies, and that’s all that matters.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, absolutely not! If that were true Céline would be in a lot of trouble.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Nikki Kule, Evyan Metzner, Phillip Lim.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Work hard and be nice to people.
