My Style: Emmaline Ranzman

Portrait of fashion designer Emmaline Ranzman

Photo: Courtesy of Emmaline Ranzman

Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?

Karl Lagerfield in St Tropez, he was dressed in full Karl attire. Sunglasses, fingerless gloves and all. It was quite a sight to behold.

Please describe your style in three words.

Carefree, effortless, eclectic.

What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?

Wearing something just to fit 'in' and because it’s a brand name and everyone else has the same thing.

Do you believe in role models?

Absolutely, a great role model has the ability to inspire others, whether it be professionally, creatively or personally.

What are your favourite fabrics?

Leather, silk chiffon, denim. I especially love the combination of all three.

Are there any style combinations that you object to?

Wearing one label head to toe! It’s important to dictate your own style, not have someone else do it for you.

Which city has the best-dressed women?

I’m a bit biased towards NYC. Women in New York are tough, accomplished, confident, and they dress the part. Everyone has their own niche and aren’t afraid to express themselves.

Would you say that you are conservative or bold?

Bold, definitely.

What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?

Make sure you have no VPL and do a double take in the mirror before you head out the door.

Celebrities and style...

The few celebrities who really know themselves are icons of style.

One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?

Bags and more bags.

A woman should always look like...

She is having a fabulous day. Carefree and happy.

Who taught you what you know about style?

My mother, she always encouraged me to experiment and be playful with my style. You never know what you like until you try it.

How do you select your clothing every morning?

I usually have a special piece that I know I’m going to wear and then I work on creating an ensemble around it. I just go by my intuition and sometimes by what the weather forecast says.

What is your biggest regret?

Accidentally throwing out a vintage white Chanel bag. I hope whoever found it appreciates it.

The three essential things a woman should know about style are...

Don’t be afraid to experiment, invest in a good tailor, and don’t be a slave to trends.

Do you have any shopping rituals?

Take your time to look carefully and try to shop at vintage stores. It’s a great place to find something unique and one of a kind.

We will never see you wearing...

Polka dots. I know it’s odd, but I just really don’t like them.

Which new designers do you follow and why?

I really love Nicholas Kirkwood and Eddie Borgo. I think they do the tough girl, cool thing like no one else.

What is the first thing you notice on a woman?

How she carries herself. A woman who is confident always stands out.

What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?

The items I treasure the most all have personal sentiment attached. A Cartier Panther ring I was given on my birthday, a vintage leather jacket from my mother that I wear on special occasions.

The one image that defined your approach to style...

Kate Moss wearing a headdress, shot by Corinne Day. Even after so many years, the image seems relevant and fresh. And of course, Kate Moss is a style icon.

Which designer never fails to impress you?

Givenchy. I love Riccardo Tisci’s aesthetics and his ability to push boundaries.

One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...

Her shoes. You can always tell when a woman is wearing uncomfortable shoes, no matter the brand or price.

Is comfort an enemy of style?

Comfort is the most important factor to having great style.

Who would you like to see next in €œMy Style€?

Francis Bean Cobain.

The best words of advice you have ever heard?

Live for today, but remember there is tomorrow.

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