This was published 1 year ago
‘Chanel slingbacks in every colour’: Inside make-up artist Violette Serrat’s wardrobe
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, make-up artist Violette Serrat.
How would you describe yourstyle? I try to be chic. I don’t like to think too much about it.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of Isabel Marant sequin pants that make me feel like a mermaid. I’ve had them for 15 years.
And the most recent addition? A Celine “Triomphe” belt.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’90s for its simplicity. It was chic but not trying too hard.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Jeans – I like Anine Bing and Agolde – a cashmere sweater and moccasins from The Row.
What’s your fragrance of choice? The one I made for Violette_FR, “Avec Amour”. It smells like love, like sun on the skin.
Go-to jewellery? A pearl necklace with my birth medal, a pendant that has my name and blood type.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? I wouldn’t make an effort, just jeans, a T-shirt, moccasins and red lipstick.
… on a plane? I admire people who have a blow-dry and wear heels but I just want to be comfortable. I wear Hatch leggings from when I was pregnant, a men’s sweater and New Balance sneakers.
… on the red carpet? Courrèges; it’s couture yet minimalist.
Who are your favourite designers? I love Phoebe Philo; I can’t wait to see what she does with her own label. And Jacquemus – it’s sensual but not too sexy, and he’s mindful about sustainability. That’s important.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I wore Bonpoint almost exclusively until I was 13. I hated it. It was a privilege, of course, but I didn’t care about that when I was dressed up like a perfect schoolgirl.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was a teenager, I realised I was my own person and wanted to break free. I’d steal clothes from my mother’s closet – transparent Jean Paul Gaultier pieces, black leather trousers, heels and red lipstick – climb out of the house and go to gay clubs.
And your worst fashion mistake? Low-rise jeans in the 2000s – the ones with the torn waistband, like Mariah Carey wore.
What are you coveting? There are many pieces from The Row that I love, like a red cashmere turtleneck, but it’s so expensive. I just bought a tank top; it’s ridiculous how much it cost. I almost don’t want to like it so I can return it, but then I wear it and I’m like, “This is the best tank top ever.”
Is there anything you’d never wear? Crazy prints – zebra is too much. A super-sexy dress is not my thing.
Is there a current trend you like? Mixing Parisian chic with a touch of streetwear. For example, I’ll wear The Frankie Shop trousers and sweater with a Loewe bucket hat and chunky New Balance sneakers that make everything a bit more chill.
What shoes do you wear most often? Other than sneakers and my moccasins, I have Chanel slingbacks in every colour that I wear a lot.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Fashion journalist and designer Alexandra Golovanoff is my muse. It’s hard to explain her aesthetic; she wears simple pieces but everything is extremely good quality. She’ll wear jeans, a T-shirt and loafers with a little Chanel jacket and baseball cap. She’s the coolest.
What do you wear to bed? I sleep naked but I wear a Skims slip in the morning and around the house.
What do you wear on a typical working day? My uniform is jeans with a button-down shirt stolen
from one of my exes, or a Bisous Skateboards tee and The Row blazer.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Black, loose, low-rise trousers with a white tank top. It’s chic but comfortable for a weekend with two kids.
Violette_FR is available from Mecca.
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