Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
I’ve long been a lover of luxury fashion – I bought my first designer bag, a Louis Vuitton carryall, with my first pay cheque 18 years ago. Now, while older, I’m obviously none the wiser – Carrie Bradshaw may ‘know shoes’ but I have a weakness for bags. I can spend months trying to track down the desired one in store or on preloved sites.
Since this is the luxury issue, I thought I’d tell you about my favourite designers – all of whom have won a place in my wardrobe since that first blow-the-budget buy all those years ago.
- Given my penchant for bags, first up it has to be Bottega Veneta. My latest piece by the brand, the Lauren 1980 clutch, which I’m pictured holding, was a birthday purchase while in Rome. Note, this is not just any old clutch – Bottega’s famous braided intrecciato leather adds instant interest to any outfit. Its bags are often steeped in history, too – my clutch is actually a re-release of a Bottega design that Lauren Hutton carried in the 1980 movie American Gigolo. First reissued in 2017, the bag has had multiple iterations – Bottega unveiled its latest one at its S/S 2024 show in Milan, and Hutton was there carrying the same clutch I bought!
- Speaking of Hutton, last year she became one of the billboard faces of Saint Laurent, my go-to designer for blazers, both new and preloved. (Pro tip: Paris vintage stores are the best places to find old YSL.) I’m currently obsessing over its new checked blazers with big power shoulders. Margot Robbie recently looked chic in its Prince of Wales check one, with jeans.
- Founded in 2016, Khaite is a newer designer brand that I love and always visit when I’m in the States. Top of its wardrobe gems are its knee-high boots, which have a flattering shape on the calf, pointed toes and offer serious comfort-factor, too.
- The Row is also up there with my greats. I’m currently after the Margaux 10 bag in soft leather, and I really rate the Gala trousers that they do every season.
- My other two favourites are Chanel, forever a classic (I love the ballet flats – Heathrow Terminal 5 has the best selection), and Celine, whose white sunglasses I wore all summer long.
@thestylistandthewardrobe
@youmagazine
BROWNIE POINTS
Designer Jonathan Simkhai’s eponymous label is a recent and growing passion of mine. I love this new-season chocolate-brown fringed coat that is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.
BOOTY CALL
I never tire of home-grown label Joseph. I tried on these boots recently and they are extremely comfortable and stylish.
SPOTTED
At the Paris shows, older models led the way, with Laura Dern (left), 58, opening for Gabriela Hearst and Susie Cave, 59, walking for Tom Ford. Earlier in the year, in New York, Christina Hendricks, 50, was in Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra’s show and, in London, Lesley Manville, 69, modelled for Burberry. Hooray for the silver economy!
