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Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, jewellery designer Olivia Cummings.
How would you describe your style? Romantic, historical and practical.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My mum was a fashion forecaster for Myer in the 1980s, so I’ve got some fun bits and pieces from her travels, such as silk scarves from Paris. I also have a very unusual vintage shepherd’s coat made from goat hair with intricate embroidery from Uzbekistan. I’m drawn to pieces that carry a sense of story.
And the most recent addition? Some locally made cotton pyjamas. I live in Madrid, where you can buy beautiful handmade pyjamas for 39 euros.
What would you wear … on a first date? On my first date with my husband, I wore ’90s Levi’s, an oversized shirt and MNZ heels. I also took my standard poodle, Alfonso. … on a plane? Nagnata trackpants, a knit and Nike sneakers. … on the red carpet? A vintage kaftan with black silk pants, a heel and lots of beads and stacked jewellery.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the freedom of the ’70s, the masculine shapes of the ‘80s and the nostalgia of the ’90s.
Who are your favourite designers? Margiela and Prada. I couldn’t relate to Chanel previously, but I’m loving the current collections.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Arquiste “Nanban”, a fragrance that I bought for my dad in Paris many years ago. He loved it and when he passed away three years ago, I bought a bottle for each of my brothers and me. Scent is so important to memory.
What are the essential items in your wardrobe? Levi’s 501 jeans, a deep-green vintage Loewe coat, and accessories: raw silk scarves (scarves hand-printed in India and some from Turkey with beaded trim), Silk Road embroidered and beaded bags from Istanbul, and my Chora “Silva” bag.
Any go-to jewellery? I always wear beads layered with thick chains, with pendants such as a Byzantine coin and a vase-like vessel. I also wear a carved jade bracelet, a solid gold serpent bracelet with rubies, diamonds and emeralds in the head, the same serpent in sterling silver on my right arm, and a stack of rings.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? I can because my daughter, Alba, now wears it. It’s a little French bright yellow quilted jacket and matching pants set.
What was your first fashion moment? It would have been in my early teens, going to a luncheon with my mother and her friends. They all had such individual style which told their stories and carried them through the world. It taught me that you don’t have to conform.
And your worst fashion mistake? Probably straightening my curly hair in high school.
What’s on your wish list? An archival embroidered and beaded Fendi “Baguette” bag.
Is there something you’d never wear? Stilettos. They make me feel like a baby giraffe learning to walk.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving the return to old-world, salon-type dressing: interesting 1950s-era hats or wearing a loose sash as a belt. With everything going on with AI and people feeling overwhelmed with constant newness, it’s nice to see archival silhouettes.
What do you wear to bed? I love the ritual of getting ready for bed; doing my face routine, my gua sha, and putting on a nice set of cotton or flannelette pyjamas.
What shoes do you wear the most? G.H. Bass “Easy Weejuns Larson” penny loafers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Miuccia Prada’s style is chic and relatable. It’s elegant but for a normal working person’s lifestyle. Also, Sofia Coppola’s style is beautiful.
What do you wear on a typical working day? An oversized shirt, trousers and woollen knit.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A vintage paisley dress with a scarf tied around my waist and lace-up leather brogues.
Olivia Cummings is the founder of Cleopatra’s Bling.
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