My Style: Nathalie Gaveau
Photo: Nikola Borissov for Fashion We Like // Make up: Stani Kireva
A woman should always look like...
She feels good and comfortable in what she is wearing. It doesn’t matter if she’s meeting James Bond for dinner, she should feel good nonetheless.
Please describe your style in three words.
Modern, understated, with a hint of glamour.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing something ugly.
Do you believe in role models?
Definitely, but not just the big names. Social media is allowing lesser known trendsetters to take the stage as well. On Shopcade, for example, we are seeing the democratisation of trend setters and style influencers. People can get inspired by their friends and follow what they like. Therefore, just about anyone can be a role model and develop a following today.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I tend to wear a lot of denim, black velvet and leather. I find these fabrics very versatile. They can look both casual and formal.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Style is a form of expression and it’s best not to have limits. In addition, living in London, one gets exposed to lots of different styles — and it’s impressive to see what people can pull off. But wearing tweed with fluorescent colours might be pushing it.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Different cities have different styles and I usually find them interesting in their own way. I think women in both Paris and Rome have a very distinctive, elegant style. When I lived in Hong Kong from 2007 to 2010, I also found that the women there had a very modern taste. In addition, I love the styles of New York and London, which run the full spectrum of being chic to more vintage and experimental.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
It’s a bit of both. I wear conservative basics but spice them up with bold details. You can wear conservative clothing and still make strong and bold impressions.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I definitely need to feel a sense of freedom in what I wear; I don’t like to feel constrained. But then it depends what I’m doing. I definitely like a touch of glam. For example, I’ll wear a t-shirt and sneakers during the day but then I also like to have my nails done or wear heels at night.
Celebrities and style...
Go hand-in-hand, in both a good and bad sense. There are plenty of celebrities that are admired for their good sense of style, but then there are also celebrities who are less stylish who are still admired for many other reasons.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I’d say jeans. And, let’s be honest, shoes. :)
Who taught you what you know about style?
My grandmother was a famous French model alongside the likes of Brigitte Bardot, so she clearly influenced me in thinking that style matters in whatever you do. At the same time, I’ve been travelling and influenced by all the different places I’ve lived in and visited.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Honestly, it doesn’t take me more than two minutes to get dressed. It’s pure instinct.
What is your biggest regret?
The size of my closet! But fortunately, I have my Shopcade, which is limitless.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
To pay attention to her figure and dress accordingly. To match her lipstick and fragrance to the impression she wants to give. To be aware that her style will be the overall impression of how she communicates, not just how she looks. It should not limit what she does in life and can always be changed.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I’m a big online shopper, which is clearly why I previously created PriceMinister and now Shopcade. Shopcade allows me to find everything in one place, to see what my friends like and to collect my favourite items. So this definitely plays into how I shop online!
We will never see you wearing...
Tweed with florescent colours.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I’d have to say Miu Miu, Lanvin, and my favourite shoes are Onitsuka Tiger. I also really like Italia Independent at the moment but I’m very eclectic and like to change trends often.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
One of my all-time favourites is French style icon Catherine Deneuve, who could appear natural, wild or highly sophisticated. Alexa Chung and Kate Moss also have terrific style.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
The first thing I notice is her overall expression and energy level; I guess you could call it her 'aura'. Naturally, what she’s wearing has a huge impact on this.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
It’s not about the value but what I do while wearing them. I have a few treasured items such as my Chanel Black J12 watch and my Seven for All Mankind slim jeans. I also have this really great suede motorbike jacket by Joseph that I treasure, in addition to my Sergio Rossi heels and my old O’Neill surfing t-shirts. Oh, and my iPhone!
The one image that defined your approach to style...
I think something that is modern and mysterious, like Jeanne Moreau in 1958 thriller Ascensceur pour L’échafaud (Elevator in the Gallows).
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Yves Saint Laurent. The style they give to women is unique, modern and elegant. And they’re brilliant at more than just clothes; their makeup is fantastic.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Comfort is good. Laziness is bad.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
French actress Marion Cotillard! Actually, I’d love to see our Creative Director, Hoon Kim, featured. He has a very unique and intriguing style.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Trust your instinct.
