The item of clothing this designer says is the ‘most hard-working wardrobe staple’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Lesleigh Jermanus.

“I started to discover what I like to wear at university; I loved how mixing vintage clothing with a few new pieces made me feel.” Credit: Jennifer Soo

How would you describe your personal style? Joyful, romantic, eclectic.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a very healthy, maybe obsessive, collection of vintage pieces. Some garments I found rummaging through vintage markets in Rome and Paris are over 100 years old. I also have a beautiful black chiffon dress of my grandmother’s from the ’60s that still looks so chic.

And the most recent addition? A pair of Salomon sneakers in lilac, orange and lemon that don’t have laces because nobody’s got time for that.

What would you wear … on a first date? A sexy, playful top paired with denim – I’m loving our Alémais high-waisted, stonewashed embroidered jeans – and a heel … on a plane? Always one of our matching sets – they’re so easy. I still feel chic and sophisticated but very comfortable, my main priority on a flight ... on the red carpet? A big gown, something wildly dramatic.

What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s a mix of the 1970s, for the dramatic bell sleeves and high-waisted flares, and the ’80s – the shoulder pads and bubble skirts have my heart forever. Also the insanely beautiful and highly technical detailing of the Elizabethan era.

Who is your favourite designer? I have many, but I’ve always loved Yves Saint Laurent; the man was such an icon. I visited his studio in Paris and even 20 years after studying him at university, that was very inspiring. Cristóbal Balenciaga had a very interesting point of view; everything was about shape and proportion. And I’m equally fascinated by Rei Kawakubo.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wore Nasomatto “Black Afgano” for years but started to get headaches from synthetic perfume. Now I wear Vyrao “The Sixth”. It’s fresh and makes me feel happy.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A shirt dress is my most hardworking wardrobe staple. Also, a classic cotton shirt with a twist, such as the Alémais hand-embroidered poplin shirt. Layering jewellery finishes off any look.

Lesleigh Jermanus loves “a classic cotton shirt with a twist”, like this one from Alémais.

What jewellery do you wear? I love mixing Alémais pieces with family heirlooms, such as a beautiful fob necklace with an emblem that belonged to my great-grandfather, other vintages pieces and handwoven bracelets. More is more!

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A ditsy floral puffed-sleeved dress my mum made when I was about seven. I wouldn’t take it off.

What was your first fashion moment? I started to discover what I like to wear at university; I loved how mixing vintage clothing with a few new pieces made me feel. I had this amazing vintage Gucci pleat skirt that I’d have worn with an oversized shirt, colourful tights and big boots.

And your worst fashion mistake? There are probably so many, but no regrets. They all have a purpose and are a nostalgic barometer of where I was and who I was at that time.

What’s on your wish list? A pair of vintage YSL cage boots.

Is there something you would never wear? Never say never.

What do you wear to bed? A Salt-N-Pepa concert T-shirt. It’s so bad, but so worn in and cosy I can’t sleep in anything else.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m into the longer-length vintage basketball shorts. We have a pair in our resort collection I’m excited about.

What shoes do you wear most often? A rotation of very chic flats that I can run around in: chocolate-brown flat suede boots from The Row, a Jil Sander pair, and my man-repelling Alaïa mesh ballet flats. My partner doesn’t quite get them.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Prince’s and David Bowie’s flamboyant, eclectic style. I’m drawn to anyone who dresses with confidence.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Any of our shirts and denim.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Track pants and an oversized tee. Who looks in the mirror on a Sunday?

Lesleigh Jermanus is the creative director of Alémais.

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