My Style: Caroline Creba
Portrait: Nikola Borissov for Fashion We Like
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I love the shapes and form of gemstones, so when I'm shopping for myself I constantly seek out textures within my clothes. I like neutral tones that offer a sense of balance and can be enhanced by my jewellery. I don't shop season to season, but instead build on my wardrobe depending on my mood and what I fancy.
Describe your style in three words?
Chic, classic and always driven by jewels.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Forgetting to accessorise. This adds the finishing touch to every outfit.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, as I feel that a good role model helps with inner understanding and confidence.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I like earthy natural fabrics that reflect my love of texture and my designs. I wear cotton in the summer, cashmere in the winter, then silk and denim all year round.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Style is such a personal thing, so not all style combinations will suit us. I am a firm believer in wearing clothes that give you comfort, style and make you happy.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
In my opinion the Parisian chic always leads the way when it comes to sophistication. Having said that, I equally love the colour and vibrancy of the women I see on my design trips in India and Thailand. They are so beautiful.
Would you say you are conservative or bold?
I'm a combination of both, as my base style is quite conservative, but I wear statement pieces and jewels to brighten up the overall look.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Be aware of your shape, and wear pieces that make you feel happy. Layering allows clothes to be altered. Adding or changing your jewellery (whether it is a statement ring for a party or a chalcedony stone to bring you tranquillity and harmony), will always help alter your mood and appearance.
Celebrities and style…
Not all celebrities have their own style—don't forget the stylists who are behind them.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Jewellery.
A woman should always look like...
She hasn't tried too hard.
Who taught you what you know about style?
When I was a child my grandma would always wear such beautiful earrings and looked so elegant, I always remember wanting to be as graceful as her. Then there was Vogue. It was my bible when I was a teenager, as I'd look at how they styled their outfits in such exotic locations.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I have a capsule range of key pieces that form the base of my day to day outfits. I then use jewellery to add a personal touch and define an outfit.
What is your biggest regret?
Not saving some beautiful vintage pieces I had - I should have held onto them for my daughter so she could have loved them as much as I did.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
It's your style so wear what makes you feel good, remember that inner confidence and comfort bring style to any outfit. Find what suits you and then play with it a little to mix it up. Accessories are your wardrobe's best friend—they can make the same outfit seem like five!
We will never see you wearing...
Real fur.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I love Christopher Kane for his innovative and funky collections; there is always an element of surprise in whatever he comes up with. Also Holly Fulton's collections are a joy to look at—her take on funky kaleidoscopic prints is very modern.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
I think Carine Roitfeld always pulls off Parisian chic with an edgy rock vibe.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her jewellery and her shoes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A vintage dress that my grandma used to wear. Her cousin was a model and passed lots of great pieces over to my nan, who then passed a few special ones on to me. I look forward to summer every year just so I can pull it out of my wardrobe to wear it—it's a timeless classic.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Tom Ford, because he is the master of sophistication, Marc Jacobs because he focuses on layers—his SS15 collection is fun and has a clean finish as well as lots of dynamic ways to layer clothing. Céline because I love how each design is created with the woman in mind—the clothes are created to dress and make the woman. However, when I want to splurge on pieces that will stay in my closet for many, many years I look at Max Mara. I love their clean lines and sophistication.
One article of clothing that women need to pay close attention to is...
I'm a strong believer in a good pair of jeans—I never compromise on this wardrobe staple and ensuring a good fit can make a world of difference to your overall look. Every woman needs a pair in black and a pair in indigo—absolute minimum!
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Comfort is the mother of style! If you're not comfortable then you're not confident therefore it is impossible to be stylish. The only exception being are those killer heels!
Who would you like to recommend for my style?
I have a really cool friend in Los Angeles who is a model, she is super stylish and nice! Her name is Rachel Roberts.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
People are going to stare darling… make it worth their while.
