My Style: Natalia Alaverdian
Photo: Courtesy of Natalia Alaverdian
Which new designers do you follow and why?
J. W. Anderson and Carven are pretty amazing. They are very smart yet unpretentious. Vika Gazinskaya is doing a first rate job too; she is an artist and I admire her boldness and balancing on the edge, yet producing pretty wearable clothes.
Please describe your style in three words.
Chameleonic, playful, simple.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Getting overdressed.
Do you believe in role models?
No.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I don’t have favourites when it comes to fabrics, I like them all.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
No, as long as these combinations come out naturally and don’t look forced.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
It depends on the area. Overall, I guess Paris is still a winner.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Neither. I am far from being conservative, but too shy to be bold.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
There are just two; keep it real and never lie to myself.
Celebrities and style...
Are two words that should actually be used in two different sentences, with a few exceptions.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I do not feel particularly attached to anything. I just select items on the basis of being pretty or if I am in a particular mood for something.
A woman should always look like...
Herself, if she is a real woman of course.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My dad. He taught me that style only comes from the inside, and appearances do not matter.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on the morning, the mood, and the season. It's very diverse.
What is your biggest regret?
Not starting my own label earlier.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
How to be natural and friendly, know when to shut up, and know how to dress for the occasion.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I like to browse around London's TopShop, nibbling on sour chemical candies.
We will never see you wearing...
A Gareth Pugh-like outfit or a ball gown to a fashion show… but hey, never say never [laughs].
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Audrey Hepburn, but I have not seen her in person of course. Alice Dellal is stylish, because she’s got inner style, good manners, and is true to herself. Such an amazing girl!
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her smile.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Two vintage watches my dad gave me.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
I can’t really recall one particular image. There are so many intertwined in my mind and I use them depending on my mood and on the circumstances.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Oh, there are so many. Prada, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Céline under Phoebe Philo…
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her underwear.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, it’s an ally of style. But I have to admit that in my closet they sometimes have big battles.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
London-based designers Tata Naka.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
All you need is love.
