My Style: Venessa Arizaga
Portrait: Courtesy of Venessa Arizaga
Who taught you what you know about style?
My sister. She is seven years older so I always copied her style. I saw her evolution of 80's Madonna, Thrasher skate girl 90's, into her dark gothic Depeche Mode angst. It was the best. All those worlds were and still are amazing and so put together.
Please describe your style in three words.
Beach bum chic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
If it's the slightest bit uncomfortable you'll be miserable all day.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes…I'm built on them. I've had and still have role models that I look up to.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Stiff cotton poplin. I love the clean lines it makes, as well as the structure it can have.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Good question…not really. I think anything goes.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Does it have to be just one city? In an ideal world it would be a mix of New York and Paris.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I'm actually a mix of both. I love having my go to uniform, but I mix in a bit of flair with some carefully selected jewellery.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
There are no rules…it's fashion. Fashion is meant to be fun and unexpected.
Celebrities and style...
Are hard to come by. Every celebrity needs a great stylist.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes…they can transform any outfit.
A woman should always look like…
Effortlessly chic.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Once again I have a uniform…I'm running around all day, so easy breezy are my best friends. I rely on my custom made button down shirts, Acne jeans, and a slew of Vans in every colour.
What is your biggest regret?
Not living or working in Paris in my past fashion years.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are…
Vintage clothes, fashion icons and fashion history.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I tend to shop seasonally. Once the weather changes I need to add a few new special pieces to my growing collection of clothing.
We will never see you wearing...
Ugg boots.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Duro Olowu, Simone Rocha, and Delpozo. I love how simple these brands are but so detailed with colour, texture and clean interesting lines.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her personality…if she's humble and cool, I will fall in love with her.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My father's army jacket from the 60's. It has his last name on it. I always envision an eighteen year old kid in that jacket. It has great vibes.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
A clean cotton poplin shirt from Azzedine Alaia.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Chanel couture…do I really need to explain?
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
Her pants. A woman needs to have a great pair of tailored pants. The details in the butt, crotch and line in the leg are so important.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
It can be…but if you can master comfort and fashion it can be a friend.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Ludwig Heissmeyer, design director at Carolina Herrera.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
“If there's a way in, there's a way out”. I was notorious for getting stuck in things when I was little. It calmed me down.
