My Style: Madelaine Levy
Photo: Magnus Larsson — Courtesy of Madelaine Levy
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not liking yourself in what you’re wearing. Fashion is all about feelings. If you aren’t in love with what you’re wearing, it will show straight away.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Manhattan.
Please describe your style in three words.
Understated, exquisitely crafted garments. (That's four, which I hope is okay.)
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, absolutely. Other people inspire me in all sorts of ways, with their style to some extent, but mostly through their intelligence, knowledge, wit, attitude, experience — and what they do with all those things.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Silk and velvet. I also love discovering anything that is innovatie, like the all-new material Christopher Kane’s created for AW11.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
No.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
None of them. I’m modern.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I’d like to say no dirty underwear, but the two meanings of the word dirty make even that rule a bit difficult to keep to so… no rules. I even read a theory recently about the Emperor’s New Clothes, which claimed that despite common knowledge, it was the Emperor who had the last laugh. He was the one who believed in magic. Great!
A woman should always look like...
She’s proud of what she’s wearing.
Your biggest regret is...
That is way too personal. But my biggest fashion mistake is not buying an amazing thick lace Stella McCartney dress two seasons ago. It fit me like hand in glove. I really should have bought it. Damn!
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I love black dresses.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I try and intersperse all longer shopping adventures with a quick pit stop for some nice chocolate. Most high-end department stores have a good food hall with a nice selection of truffles.
We will never see you wearing...
Fur.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Illustrator Liselotte Watkins.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her shoes.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
If you are living in an Arctic climate, yes; otherwise, no.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Was probably a picture of Audrey Hepburn, most likely as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
All new things are good — until proven otherwise.
