After inspecting the birth certificates of the designers at leading luxury labels such as Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, it’s clear that being born in Europe is the most important first step for a life in fashion.
The legendary Diana Vreeland, editor-in-chief of US Vogue from 1963 to 1971, was more specific: “The first thing to do is arrange to be born in Paris. After that, everything follows quite naturally.”
Then again, Vreeland also said that “every girl in the world should have geisha training”, so we can take her advice with a grain of Sicilian salt, or a crumb of croissant.
If you want to look as though you’re part of the fashion world, don’t be deterred if an EU passport is out of your reach. Judging from the latest international runways, being European can be a state of mind, like the choice between a sensible skirt as trusty as a Toyota or something with the spaghetti curves and oomph of a Ferrari.
The “European” woman has become a common sighting on the international runways, whether the model is from South Sudan or South Melbourne, Mumbai or Mosman. There’s an insouciance to silhouettes, a playful celebration of the body and unmistakable allure once reserved for Italian, French and Swedish movies from the ’70s.
The movie rating for these looks would be PG or M, rather than an adult R or anything with an X. European silhouettes and styling are all about sensuality. You hint at curves and skin with strategic sheer panels, hints of lace and unexpected cut-outs, rather than taking Hollywood’s naked-dressing approach. American is not European.
What is being hinted at is not the main game. Rather, it’s the fabrics and craftsmanship you should focus on. Look for strategic mesh, unexpected loops, embroidery and embellishments that take the eye on a journey around your outfit. (One of Vreeland’s more acceptable quotes was: “The eye has to travel”).
Once you’ve mastered the details of your wardrobe, apply a simple styling rule, borrowed from lifts (not American elevators). Look in the mirror before you step out and decide what’s going up and what’s going down. Raise the hem of your top if the hem of your skirt goes below the knee. Undo the next button of your blouse if your trousers hit the floor. And don’t be afraid of the occasional detail that stands out like an emergency button.
It doesn’t matter if you’re going up or down. You’ll look as though you’re going to all the right places, without having to endure a 20-hour flight.
Fashion editor Penny McCarthy. Hair Brad Mullins using O&M. Make-up Cat Smith using Victoria Beckham Beauty. Fashion assistant Liz Hoffmann Model Lily at The Scouted Stockists Dior; Parlour X; Prada; Valentino.
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