My Style: Roopal Patel
Photo: Peter Goldman — Courtesy of Roopal Patel
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I am not a fan of the workout sneaker paired with the work suit. I see these looks on Park Avenue on my way up to my office. I am always tempted to get out of the taxi and offer a free makeover. Comfort can be chic! I will never get this look. It reminds me of Working Girl which was in the 80’s. We should leave it there.
Please describe your style in three words.
Feminine, fun, flirty.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Thinking about it too much.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely! Role models help inspire us and move us forward in our life. It is nice to admire someone else's good deeds and accomplishments. We need to do more of that as a society. Celebrate others.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Anything that feels good to the touch.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
New York and Paris.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Somewhere in the middle. I don’t wear cashmere cable knit sweaters, but I do embrace my leather pants fully.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
There are no rules! That would be boring and defeat the purpose of fashion. It is supposed to be fun!
Celebrities and style...
Don’t always go together. Not every celebrity has great style, but they may have a really amazing stylist with great style!
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I can never have enough shoes.
A woman should always look like...
She is ready for anything.
Who taught you what you know about style?
All of the incredible women in my life. My mother, my sister, my mentors, and my fashion family.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I see how I feel that day, what I am in the mood for, what my schedule looks like and go from there. There is no formula.
What is your biggest regret?
I have always lived in New York for my entire career. I think I would love to live in another fashion city and experience fashion this way. It is only a regret for now… there is still the future and my new company is allowing me to travel across the pond for a few projects.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Your style should be representative of what you love and feel most comfortable in. Don’t dress for others but for yourself. If you love what you are wearing it shows. Nothing beats a confident and well-dressed woman! Great style is effortless and does not have to be fussy.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I love the ritual of having lunch with friends and then shopping after. My favourite places are lunch at The BG restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman and Fred’s at Barneys.
We will never see you wearing...
Full on bling… I would feel like an ornament.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I am really excited to see Rosie Assoulin’s collection and aesthetic over the next year. Her first collection for resort was very impressive. There was the right balance. That is difficult to achieve the first season. She has a great sense of colour and proportion. I also love what Mary Katrantzou is doing. She is challenging us to look at prints in a different way. I cannot wait to see what she does next.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
I am kind of obsessed with Emmanuelle Alt. She really is the definition of effortless chic for me.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her shoes. They say everything.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My Verdura Garbo bracelet — it was a birthday present from my mother and father. My Chanel Croc stamped jacket — it was a birthday present to myself and my first piece of Chanel RTW.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
I grew up in the 80’s, so have a lot of images in my head from Vogue, Style with Elsa Klensch. Ad campaigns from Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, old Chanel campaigns… Madonna videos, etc. They all have influenced me and still do.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. It has been amazing to watch his career and talent unfold over the years. I love his clothes. He designs for us every day woman. I like his vision. He keeps things moving forward not stuck in the past.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her underpinnings. I had no idea how much a bra could change the shape and silhouette of your dress or blouse.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all. You can be super stylish and comfortable. I think people sometimes think that comfort is an excuse to be sloppy. That is not the case.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Nick Wooster — I love his style and him!
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"To thine own self be true."
