My Style: Vlasta Guryeva
Portrait: Courtesy of Vlasta Guryeva
The three essential things a woman should know about style are…
Less is more. White and black suit everybody. We dress to live, not live to dress.
Please describe your style in three words.
Effortless, elegant, chic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Trying too hard and thinking too long.
Do you believe in role models?
I do. We need some inspiration to keep going on.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cashmere, silk and soft cotton.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I had a crush on 70's rock 'n' roll recently.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
I would say New York, Paris and Los Angeles. They are very different, but each city has a strong style identity.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I always want only one piece in the whole look to be the 'stunner'. If the dress is a statement piece itself, I keep the accessories simple. Same with jewellery; it would require a little black dress or a white shirt to not look vulgar.
Celebrities and style...
Have stylists in between. Having said that, I do like the ways Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett are dressed.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I am such an accessories maniac. Shoes and bags are never enough!
Who taught you what you know about style?
My studies at London College of Fashion, Istituto Marangoni, and Fashion Institute of Technology.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I have no rules, I just put on what I think is appropriate for the moment.
What is your biggest regret?
I wish I could own all Rodarte collections.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
It's spontaneous all the time. I quickly check my clothes, usually within five minutes, and we are all set.
We will never see you wearing...
I am not big fan of wearing sportswear outside of the gym.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Proenza Schouler and Joseph Altuzarra make the kind of clothes I want to wear everyday.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
I love old school Hollywood actresses, and Bianca Jagger in the 70’s.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
I have a few rare designer vintage pieces that I adore.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Gwyneth Paltrow smoking in The Royal Tenenbaums.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Giambattista Valli is just genius. I admire his couture collections.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
Her shoes.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
It could be its best friend, but some discipline is required.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Sabine Ghanem, Theophilus London and Waris Ahluwalia.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” — Coco Chanel.
