My Style: Natalie Zee Drieu
Photo: courtesy of Natalie Zee Drieu
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Coco Chanel in her LBD and layers of pearls around her neck. She broke the rules when she made comfort a priority in what she wore.
Please describe your style in three words.
Sleek, feminine, and coquette.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Piling on the latest trends without making sure they work for your body type.
Do you believe in role models?
Up to a point, yes. A role model can help bring inspiration to go down a certain path but I think it’s important to lead or push yourself when you can.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Chunky knits, silks, and leather.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not really. Fashion is creativity and self-expression. If someone wears something and feels great because it expresses their personality, so be it!
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris, bien sûr.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Both, but I tend to be bolder dressing up for an evening out.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
For day-to-day, I like to stay sleek and try not to over accessorise. I need to be able to move in order to get things done!
Celebrities and style...
Are a perfect match when you are talking about Sofia Coppola and Alexa Chung.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Scarves.
A woman should always look like...
Herself, and not aspire to be like the pages in a fashion magazine.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My father. I grew up learning about fashion and design from him. He always emphasised the importance of creating your own look, regardless of trends.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I usually choose what bag or shoes I want to wear first.
What is your biggest regret?
Fashion-wise: Perming my hair in the late 80’s. Eeek!
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Fashion can enhance your mood and also enhance how you look. Let your personality or mood for the day be your fashion guide. Make sure clothes always fit you properly. Luxury brands or multiple logos don’t automatically make you stylish.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I love the internet so much because I love to “window shop” from my iPad at night.
We will never see you wearing...
Shorts. I know they are in style again but I just can’t do it. I prefer skirts and dresses.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Proenza Schouler, Jack and Lazaro are just brilliant. They’ve brought a new energy these past few years to fashion week. The vibe is energetic and youthful. They have a way with prints and colour that just blows me away. I also covet their PS1 and PS11 bags. Who doesn’t want them all in rainbow colours? Radenroro, I first caught the designer Liquica Anggraini on Joe Zee’s fashion show, “All On the Line”. I have since become friends with her thanks to Twitter. She’s an inspiration! She brings an element of sexiness to all her clothes, I would wear every one of her dresses! Also, she brings a sense of humour to fashion too. Each season she creates her own whimsical print. Last year, it was teddy bears and this spring, it’s unicorns.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
My fashion designer grandmother in Shanghai during the 1940’s.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her handbag.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My great-grandmother’s jewellery collection — she had the best bold cocktail rings. I always think of her when I put them on for an evening out. When I was little she would stay with us in the summer. I would watch her lay out all her jewellery each morning on the living room coffee table and she would pick which ones she would wear for that day. Also, my Chanel 2.55 m/l black lambskin bag — it’s just about the most perfect bag of all time. I can wear it with jeans or with a cocktail dress.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Marc Jacobs. He’s my fashion Mecca. I love how his designs can encompass all of a gal’s moods from nerdy to glamorous. I swoon for his shoes.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Having the right bra on for the outfit you are wearing. It can make all the difference in how everything fits and looks.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Absolutely not! The right pair of sneakers or crisp white tee can be even more stylish than a dazzling evening gown.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Eva Chen from Teen Vogue. I love how she has both a polished and whimsical sense of style.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Do-it-yourself.
