My Style: Natasha Slater
Photo: Courtesy of Natasha Slater
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Wear a statement piece, dress, shoe or handbag. Don't over-accessorise, don't clutter. I don't like to layer. Show off the best aspects of your body and never wear clothes that are either too big or tight. Also, I like to change my look often, including my hairstyle or lipstick.
Please describe your style in three words.
Eclectic, daring, chic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
To dress too quickly after applying body lotion.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, they keep you motivated.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton mixes, and a great satin.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Generally army pants and high heels are a no no.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Bold without a doubt.
Celebrities and style...
Don't often make a perfect marriage.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My shoe collection. Gone are the days when I had a favourite, now I love them all.
A woman should always look like...
She dressed according to her personality. That may not always make a fashion statement, but it will make her sexy.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My grandmother Winifred Jean Slater and my mother Maria Slater, both were and are very stylish women.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on my mood, how I feel about my body that day, and of course the weather. For instance, if I have been exercising a lot and the sun is shining I feel more inclined to put together a strong colourful look.
What is your biggest regret?
Ah, that's the question you never know the answer to! It's the question you try to avoid. I try to let them go, but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I would have been curious if I had remained in London and not moved to Milan and continued my DJ career there. Who knows — maybe nothing would have changed, but I regret wasting a lot of time worrying about it.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
That she can influence people with the way she dresses, that too much is always too much, and that elegance is timeless.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Yes, the internet! I love window internet shopping. Other than that I am an impulsive buyer, if I see something I like, I buy it.
We will never see you wearing...
All brown. I have never found anything flattering about it!
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I am a big supporter of new designers, I love Fausto Puglisi, because I have watched his career grow, as well as MSGM. I am a big fan of Koonhor and Vivetta. I really like shoe brands such as Melis Yildiz, Charles Philips, Oscar Tiye. I am supporting Vincent Billeci accessories and Sharouk.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
My friend Marpessa Hennink is extremely chic, I also recently met Goga Ashkenazi who I thought was very stylish, as well as Alexandra von Fürstenberg, the interior designer.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her posture and her smile!
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My Cartier watch, a present from my father. Also my black tailleur from Dolce & Gabbana, stylish and timeless.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
There are so many images that defined my approach to style, but I remember being very inspired by a Jane Fonda poster for the film Barbarella. I was also very impressed by Grace Jones in Issey Miyake; I was a big Miyake fan in my early twenties.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Dolce&Gabbana, every season is outstanding.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes and her handbag! A woman with bad shoes is crime worthy.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
To be stylish you must feel comfortable otherwise you end up looking ridiculous. Real style is when a woman looks and feels comfortable in what she is wearing.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Marpessa Hennink, she is stylish, gorgeous, intelligent, and fun with a big heart!
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Make it happen! I try to do that everyday!
