My Style: Nadja Solovieva
Photo: Courtesy of Nadja Solovieva
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
I would imagine wearing something very harsh and synthetic is not a pleasant idea; however, it may be fun for some.
Do you believe in role models?
I think role models are good, if only youths would pin them to the wall: Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi, etc. Huge respect.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I like softness and breathable fabrics. I mostly stick with natural silk, silk-cotton mix; we also have a cashmere and modal ultra-soft blend (that's made from tree cellulose).
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Can’t think of any.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
I think it is rather a socio-demographic than geographic aspect that matters these days. Sometimes I see an immaculate Parisian, next time a mesmerising Italian lady, and they are often not in the cities you would historically expect them to be in.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I guess my personal dressing pattern is conservative with a touch of boldness.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I do not have any particular rules, but there are shapes, which suit my body proportions better, and colours, which highlight my tones.
Celebrities and style...
Are interlinked aspects of modern culture.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My studio is filled with scarves and shawls, of course.
A woman should always look like…
I think there is nothing she should.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother was a hidden gem of imagination and design, behind that “iron curtain” in Soviet Union, where I was born.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Recently, I tend to be short on time. I hang things in an easy to combine order in my wardrobe in advance, which makes it easy to pick in the morning.
What is your biggest regret?
What is maybe your regret today, may turn out to be a blessing in the bigger consequence of things.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
I am into design personally; stylists are special people to advise on style and styling.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I have fun popping into Harvey Nichols, sometime even hold a meeting lunch there upstairs, or browse things online on Avenue 32. However, I am not too much into shopping.
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never! A cheap scarf.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Interestingly, I try not to follow fashion as such; we aim to design things, which withstand seasonality and trend, for longevity. I was in college with many new talents: Mark Fast, David Koma, Francesca Versace is starting a new project. I have just done a cooperation with Bionda Castana shoes, and share studio with Ahilya. We are all friendly. Recently, I find it interesting to observe designers who have right business support to succeed, in addition to talent.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Sometimes I see them and I do not know their names. My friend stylist Zoe Bedeaux is one example.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
I notice their eyes, skin, and hair. If they wear a scarf or something with a print pattern — that is definitely what I notice first.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe
One of the coats my mother designed when I was seventeen. I still wear it and people try to guess which recent fashion house collection it is from.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
I research so many historic and art images for the theme of each new collection. I see things in a context, and there is never just one image.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Those luxury houses are such super masters in terms of manufacturing, talent in the teams, business development. Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Luis Vuitton.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
Her Vassilisa scarves.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I am into comfort and well-being.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
All the mentioned above, and my mom, but she would never do any interviews.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Remember raising spiritual vibrations.
