My Style: Kate Betts
Photo: Courtesy of Kate Betts
Q: Which new designers do you follow and why?
Right now I am obsessed with the amazing prints of Mary Katrantzou. I also think what Blake Mycoskie is doing with Tom’s is fantastic—a new business model for creativity, marketing and charity all wrapped up in one.
Q: Please describe your style in three words.
New York, Paris.
Q: What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not looking in a full-length mirror.
Q: Do you believe in role models?
Of course.
Q: What are your favourite fabrics?
I love old-fashioned fabrics like duchesse satin and radzimir paired with cotton and denim. I also love prints, cotton prints like Liberty and african block prints and Ikat. But I cannot wear them myself.
Q: Are there any style combinations that you object to?
No; style is an expression of oneself. That’s like asking if there are combinations of personalities or people that I don’t like.
Q: Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris.
Q: Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Classic.
Q: What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I have adopted Mrs. Obama’s rule—ever since I met her for my book, “Everyday icon: Michelle Obama and the power of style”—wear what you love.
Q: Celebrities and style…
…are still the secret recipe to selling luxury goods in America.
Q: One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes.
Q: A woman should always look like…
…she is happy.
Q: Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother, Glynne Betts. She had an effortless sense of style and grace.
Q: How do you select your clothing every morning?
Depends mostly on what I am doing and where I am going—office, lunch, playground, baseball field, dinner party, gala or all of the above!
Q: Your biggest regret is…
No regrets.
Q: Do you have any shopping rituals?
Yes, of course! Who doesn’t? But they depend on the city I am in. If I am in Tribeca in New York City, I always go to the green market on Saturday mornings (I love to cook). In Paris I always go to the Bon Marche, in London I love walking through Soho because I always discover something new (the last time I was there I discovered the most amazing cake shop). And in Tokyo, Isetan is a must, as is Aoyama.
Q: We will never see you wearing…
Clogs.
Q: The most stylish person you have ever seen/met…
There are so many, I could never narrow it down to one.
Q: What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Posture.
Q: What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Chanel and Azzedine Alaia, but much of it I cannot wear it anymore!
Q: Which designer/fashion house never fails to impress you?
There are two, actually: Chanel and Ralph Lauren.
Q: One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
Bra: always get fitted. It changes the way you stand, feel, and the look of your silhouette.
Q: Is comfort an enemy of style?
Depends on your age.
Q: The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Kill them with kindness.
