Kathryn Eisman is a fashion entrepreneur and former entertainment reporter. Ahead, she documents her style, including her love of Saint Laurent and why she’s a little blasé about fashion’s algorithm.
I’d describe my style as classic with a sense of mischief. I’m drawn to structured, tailored silhouettes but with an unexpected detail that makes an outfit feel more personal and less perfect.
The oldest thing in my wardrobe is a Burberry blazer my mother bought in London in her 20s. I wore it while working as a reporter at NBC in New York in the 2000s, surviving mostly on adrenaline and dry shampoo. The most recent additions are a chocolate-suede Chanel “25 Mini” bag and a High Heel Jungle leather jacket – I couldn’t find the perfect one, so I designed it myself.
On a first date, I’d wear a black silk and lace Dôen singlet with jeans, a leather bomber and Valentino “Révèle” suede pumps. On a plane, it’s G-Star cargo pants, a Uniqlo cashmere sweater, Celine “Racer” sneakers and my cashmere “Cloud” socks. For the red carpet, I’d wear a Mariam Seddiq mini dress with crystal embellished tights and my gold Valentino “Coeur Royal” heeled sandals.
My favourite fashion era is the late ’90s to early 2000s. Specifically, when Tom Ford was at Gucci. There was more personality, more risk and more “leaving Chateau Marmont at 2am” energy. Fashion felt less algorithmic.
My favourite designer is Saint Laurent, forever. My favourite fragrance is Kilian “Love, Don’t Be Shy” – it smells like wearing silk pyjamas at the Hôtel Costes while drinking an orange vanilla cocktail.
I owned the same Black Halo ‘The Jackie O’ bodycon dress in about 12 different colours. Every TV girl had one.
KATHRYN EISMAN
Three wardrobe essentials are a black Wardrobe.NYC x Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sculpted blazer, my black lace “Spell” tights, and Levi’s “Ribcage” no-stretch jeans. My go-to jewellery is a Cartier “Juste un Clou” diamond bracelet, House of K’dor star diamond ear stack, and a diamond necklace.
When I was a child my favourite thing was a pair of multicoloured leather ballet flats my grandparents gave me. They were a size too small, but I pretended they fit. I loved them so much I slept with them on.
The shoes I wear most now are two-tone Chanel slingback flats and black Saint Laurent “Guermantes” heels for evening. Some people meditate, I buy shoes.
My biggest fashion mistakes happened in LA in the late 2010s when I was working for E! News. I owned the same Black Halo “The Jackie O” bodycon dress in about 12 different colours. Every TV girl had one. But I have no regrets; it’s all part of my story.
At the top of my wish list is a white Courtney Zheng “Margot” bullet bra midi dress and the pink Helsa “Gazar” skirt and shirt set. A current trend I love is the return of opera gloves; they’re modern and timeless.
On a typical working day, I like to look polished but not corporate. It might be a great blazer with capri pants or a Phoebe Philo for Céline jacket with jeans, metallic trouser socks and loafers. On the weekend, it’s vintage denim, a soft knit and ballet flats.
Kathryn Eisman is the founder of High Heel Jungle.
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