From what age did you realise fashion was your passion?
I am lucky that I always knew I wanted to work in the fashion industry. From a young age I was all about outfit building and taking inspiration from fashion magazines even before I knew what all the words meant, I loved looking at what stylists had created in the pages of Vogue and Marie Claire.
Most children go into newsagents with their parents and want all the gimmick magazines but I wanted Vogue, I was often in trouble for putting it on my mums newspaper account because I couldn’t actually afford to buy it (I was 9 years old).
Have you always wanted to be in the fashion industry?
Yes, from the moment I worked out getting dressed was a form of expression I knew it was for me. I knew what I wore gave me confidence or a lack of it, I could clearly see the connection. If I did anything from horse riding to a day out in London I knew I needed the right uniform to get the job done properly. There were a lot of tantrums about not having the right coloured shoes, my poor mum!
Who is your top fashion icon?
Alexander McQueen is an ultimate icon in my mind. He understood the female form and how to create drama through the medium of clothing. For me it’s more about designers than those that can afford to buy their clothes.
AW18 must have?
Every winter I say to my clients that a must have item is a coat. Forget the trends it’s all about having an amazing coat. In the UK we aren’t blessed with good weather and most of the time we are running around in our outerwear, you could have the most hideous outfit on under your coat but no one will see it because all they see as a first impression is your hair, face and fabulous coat!
Describe your style in three words…
Classic
Boho
Unpredictable
Best investment piece?
A coat or blazer. These two items will transform your attitude towards getting dressed.
What is your one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
My leather jackets.
What is the biggest fashion faux-pas you see too regularly?
When the split of a new coat is sewn up at the bottom and hasn’t been un-picked once it’s been purchased. I could walk around with an un-picker in London, I could do 10+ a day in high winter.
Over the last century, which decade has been your favourite for fashion?
I absolutely love Victorian and Edwardian fashion. I wish people made more effort when getting dressed, smart casual dressing maybe easy and don’t get me wrong I LIVE for my cashmere hooded onesie or PJ’s at the weekend but there is something about the drama, attention to detail and dress codes of that era that I absolutely love.
What is the most common advice you give to those struggling with their wardrobe?
Don’t think you can fix it by shopping. This almost makes the problem worse. You absolutely must start with a detox and work out why you really are struggling and then move forward from there.
On Tuesday 13th November, you are invited to Victoria Genevieve’s exclusive fashion event in collaboration with One Warwick Park Hotel!
