Tell us why you consider the Kate in black a timeless piece of clothing and how does it replenish your wardrobe?

The Kate in black not only adds a hint of elegance and refinement but it’s a workhorse staple that I can’t live or travel without. After many years in the industry, I realized how important it is to invest in classics that you can mix and match.

Explain the three looks you have styled with the Kate in black? 

Look 1
Worn with vintage Levi's, a Givenchy blazer and a Celine belt this look is one of my uniforms that I wear for both day and night. It’s great for a meeting or to go out to dinner with my boyfriend. I have many versions of the tuxedo blazer and I love how the Kate camisole dresses it up. 

Look 2
Paired with a Gabriela Hearst skirt, a Marisa Witkin coat, Robert Clergerie boots and a Jil Sander bag I would wear this for a day of meetings and drinks at the Carlyle Hotel. I love the fabrication of the camisole mixed with my wool kilt and coat – it feels unexpected.

Look 3
I have many iterations of this Isabel Marant suit and it’s the perfect anecdote to the Kate camisole. I only wear a white suit for specific occasions – most recently for a friend’s cocktail party.

What are other wardrobe staples of yours and your go to brands for such?

I love creating different versions of a uniform. My wardrobe staples consist of great straight-leg denim from Totême and vintage, menswear shirting from Acne and Charvet, high waisted trousers in a variety of neutrals from The Row and Stella McCartney, suits that I wear styled together or separately from Celine, Isabel Marant, Calvin Klein and vintage YSL as well as shoes from The Row and Chanel. I’m also a huge investor in outerwear from Loewe, Celine, Khaite and Totême. And always a pair of gold hoops from Ursa Major.

Whilst your style seems consistent you always make it look interesting and relevant. How do you keep your uniform up to date?

I’m always on the hunt for a better version of a classic piece I already own. Silhouettes come and go – I stick to similar styles but in updated cuts. There are many iterations of the perfect trench, menswear shirt, suit etc. I update my uniform with silhouettes that feel current and most importantly with accessories - whether it’s a new bag shape or a different shoe style. I’m interested in the subtlety of style.

Are there parallels to your work as a stylist? How do you balance matching a brief and developing your own signature style as a fashion editor?

Ultimately, you are creating a story that is larger than yourself and your personal style but when styling, I always gravitate towards beautiful fabrications, intriguing silhouettes and the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine.

Which stylists, in your opinion, are doing this well, interpreting trends but staying true to their own visual identity?

There are so many wonderful stylists that I had the chance to work with at WSJ. Magazine. Two that stand out to me are Ludivine Poiblanc and Clare Richardson. They create unique stories that always feel consistent to their taste whether classic, romantic or minimal. They interpret trends in a subtle way.

And in terms of personal style? Anyone of your peers we should look at for inspiration?

All of my friends have great personal style. I love Marina Moscone and her collection – she has incredible taste and elegance. My friend Brie Welch also has an innate sense of style that feels eclectic but always authentic to her.

Your favorite Instagram accounts to follow

@ashleyhelvey, @axelvervoordt_co, @therow

What’s your latest discovery in fashion?

I love the simplicity of the label Deveaux, which has been around for a few seasons. I also recently saw Commission, which reinterprets classics in a modern way.

And in terms of trends, anything you feel excited about?

I’m interested to see where the industry moves in terms of upcycling and reusing materials. I think there is incredible potential there.

What are the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe? 

My lapis cameo pendant I bought at a flea market in Lisbon and my combat boots from The Row – which I bought two of in case they stop making! 

Is there something that’s persistent on your wish list and you are planning to buy one day on a special occasion?

Black croc Cartier watch, a gold cocktail ring from Vhernier and anything Hermès.

Timeless beauty - what’s your secret, your routine?

I’m invested in eating well and treating my body with care, which in return makes everyone more beautiful including their skin, body and spirit. I love acupuncture and Vedic meditation. For skincare, I do homemade Manuka honey masks, hylaronic serum for moisture and organic sunscreen. There’s also this great microcurrent device called Ziip, which lifts and firms your skin as if you had a facial. In terms of make up, I love Ilia’s natural products and Westman Atelier bronzer.

What is your "always works"-look to go out in?

I’m always inspired by how French women dress for evening – sensual with a masculine twist. Depending on my mood, I’ll either wear high waisted Celine trousers with a bodysuit or if I’m feeling more daring I’ll wear a black tuxedo mini dress with sheer tights, over-the-knee suede boots and my oversized men’s Dries Van Noten tuxedo coat. I also love a Chanel bag for evening.

You are one of those women in the industry who master uniform dressing. How did you find yours and how has the way you dress evolved over time?

I didn’t always have a uniform but I knew I gravitated towards American classics like denim, trousers and shirting. When I was younger, I looked to what other people were wearing instead of listening to what felt powerful to me. I finally discovered that I gravitate towards men and women who have a consistent and distinct sense of style and then intuitively collected pieces that felt right. Ultimately, if you feel confident then you look great. My style has become more refined and I pay closer attention to fabrication and accessories that can elevate and evolve my uniform.

Any particular color you would like to see the Kate top in?

I would love to see it in deep blue!

Who are your style icons?

Sofia Coppola, Katharine Hepburn, Lee Radziwill and Joan Didion

A memorable fashion moment in time?

Tilda Swinton in I Am Love. Not only is it one of my favorite films but her wardrobe (designed by Raf Simons) is incredible.

Your first memory of fashion?

My grandmother who never followed trends but wore bold jewelry and simple, elegant silhouettes with such confidence.

Who has shaped your sense of style?

My mom had a great 80s wardrobe and really classic American style like Lauren Hutton. When everyone was wearing Laura Ashley floral dresses, she was wearing a denim mini skirt with Keds. Also, my first boss, Amanda Brooks. She has effortless style and mixes high and low fashion brilliantly.