This was published 3 years ago
An interior designer’s go-to shoe may surprise you
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Georgie Gordon chats to interior designer Anna Spiro.
Anna loves colour and Matteau sundresses ticks all her fashion must-haves.Credit: Tim Salisbury
How would you describe your style?
A bit of this and a bit of that, never too pretty but generally a mix of things. I always like to wear something a bit “out there” put with something very basic and simple. I love that whole tomboy meets glamorous look and the juxtaposition of contradictory things, like a Bonds singlet with a fabulous ball skirt. I love to surround myself with colour. It makes me feel happy, it uplifts me.
I particularly love wearing navy with hints of other colours like my favourite yellow, red, orange, pink, green …
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe?
A long skirt, a little knit top and a navy blazer. I wear that formally, casually, I wear it to work. To change it up I’ll put a fabulous belt around my waist. I have a lot of my skirts made but I also like the La DoubleJ skirts coming out of Milan – they’re fun.
Any go-to jewellery?
Paspaley pearl earrings.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
An elegant black Bottega Veneta knit from the ’80s that was my mother’s. I’ve only worn it once but it’s very special to me.
And the most recent addition?
My partner surprised me with a beautiful tan plaited calfskin leather Loewe handbag for my birthday. I have wanted this bag since I first saw it in Hawaii in 2017. I think we should dream about, and work towards, these things and then when you add them to your wardrobe, it’s for forever.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? A long skirt with a tight-fitting top, beautiful earrings and flat shoes.
… on a plane? A full-length dress that I put a blazer over in the airport and a knitted jumper over on the plane – it’s like wearing a nightie, but glamorous – and black Converse sneakers.
… on the red carpet? A custom full-length dress by Simone Rocha.
What’s your favourite fashion era?
I love the beauty of the early 1900s but it’s the amalgamation of all different eras that excites me in fashion today.
The late Stella Tennant’s “tomboy meets glamorous” look is an inspiration to Anna.Credit: Getty Images
Who are your favourite designers?
Lee Mathews, Cecilie Bahnsen, Marta Ferri, Rosie Assoulin, and Alemais.
What was your first fashion moment?
My school formal. I wore a black Carla Zampatti dress – halter neck, low back, full length, classic and timeless – but then I found out one of my girlfriends was wearing the same dress. So Mum went to Carla Zampatti and bought me a fabulous long, red military coat to go over it.
And your worst fashion mistake?
Buying clothes online. They never fit and always need to be sent back.
What’s your fragrance of choice?
Hermès Un Jardin sur le Toit.
Is there something you’d never wear?
High heels. Also, I don’t own a pair of shorts and you’ll never see me in a short skirt.
What’s at the top of your wish list?
Some gorgeous Matteau sundresses.
What shoes do you wear the most?
Converse high-tops: I need shoes that are comfortable for work. I’ve got a huge collection – yellow, pink, red, black – and I also love Aquazzura pointed flats.
Do you follow trends?
I watch and am interested in trends but I don’t want one to define my personal style. It’s about what suits you and your body shape. That’s why I like having things made; I’m pear-shaped and I need things that make me look and feel comfortable. We should all think about that more, rather than buying things that are cool but don’t suit us.
Do you have a favourite fashion icon?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was very glamorous. I also loved the style of fashion model Stella Tennant; she had that whole “tomboy meets glamorous” look that I aspire to.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look?
A long sundress by Matin, Matteau, or Lee Mathews – I live in her stuff.
A Life in Pattern (Thames & Hudson) by Anna Spiro is out now.
To read more from Sunday Life magazine, click here.
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.