This was published 9 months ago
‘A bucket list of vintage gems’: Inside Poppy Lissiman’s handbag collection
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Poppy Lissiman who is best known as a designer of her eponymous accessory brand.
How would you describe your style? Comfortable, boyish and clashing.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I collect vintage printed dresses. Most are from the 1970s but I have a few from the ’50s.
And the most recent addition? A Comme des Garçons men’s tartan kilt. My husband hates it but I absolutely love it. I’m wearing it with a soccer jersey, studded boots and a leather jacket.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A black Acne blazer, Poppy Lissiman “Clive” sunglasses and an Issey Miyake “Madame-T” stole – a big shawl you can wear as a dress, kaftan or scarf. I have about seven in different colours.
What would you wear … on a first date? A printed Marni cocktail dress with purple Chloé platform heels.
… on a plane? My uniform is a black Uniqlo men’s jumper, black Issey Miyake “Pleats Please” trousers – I’m on my third pair – a black pashmina and my heaviest shoes.
… on the red carpet? I’d make myself something. Before I designed accessories, I designed formal wear. One of my favourites is a Grecian-style gown I made from vintage scarves.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1970s. I love the floaty bohemian silhouettes, the prints and the chunky, hip-hugging belts.
Who are your favourite designers? JW Anderson, Jean Paul Gaultier, Francesco Rizzo at Marni, Miuccia Prada, John Galliano, Dries Van Noten… Oh, and Christopher Kane; I’m very sad he’s wrapped up his brand.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I’m obsessed with fragrance. My number one is “Portrait of a Lady” by Frederic Malle. I’m also loving Comme des Garçons “Rouge” – it’s got an unusual beetroot flavour.
Any go-to jewellery? My everyday pieces are gold rings and a vintage Rolex. Everything else, like necklaces and earrings, is costume jewellery.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I remember my first designer bag: a little Burberry that I bought with all my savings when I was 12. I loved it to bits and almost wore it out.
And your worst fashion mistake? A few years ago, I tried to do an edgy two-centimetre fringe and it was an absolute disaster. I pretty much had to wear a headband for two years.
What was your first fashion moment? Ten years ago, I spent every cent I had to fly to New York with a suitcase full of samples. I pounded the pavement and when I managed to talk my way into a meeting at Vogue, I was pinching myself.
What’s on your wish list? I collect designer bags; I’ve got a bucket list of vintage gems that I want. I just got an early 2000s Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse bag I’d been coveting. Also, my family do a theme every Christmas – last year was “KFC and kimonos”, this year it’s “surrealist beach” – so I’d love to wear a Paco Rabanne “Salvador Dali” dress and, if money were no object, a Cartier “Crash” watch.
Is there anything you would never wear? Distressed denim short-shorts.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving the Jean Paul Gaultier “Tromp l’Oeil” dresses and the revival of the Gaultier’s naked-body print. I bought one of the bodysuits and it got me into every hard-to-get-into club in Berlin.
What shoes do you wear most often? Toga Pulla embellished clogs, Marni gladiator sandals and Prada “Monolith” lace-ups.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Patricia Field’s Sex and the City styling; every outfit is perfect.
What do you wear on a typical working day? It’s never consistent; it might be a Dries Van Noten silk pyjamas set if I’m at home, or an Acne suit for meetings.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A vintage printed jumper, vintage jeans, Harley-Davidson bandanna, Acne aviator jacket, The Row platform boots and a Poppy Lissiman bag and sunglasses.
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