This July marks the welcome return of Couture Fashion Week in Paris, always one of the most exciting events on the fashion calendar each season. Here, the most well-respected designers in the world present their one-of-a-kind creations on the catwalk, and draw in the biggest names in fashion, who flock to the front row.
This includes Olivia Palermo, who was just one of the guests to attend Giambattista Valli's 10-year anniversary show this week.
We caught up with the socialite and entrepreneur to talk about what goes into her styling process, why she doesn't think fashion is frivolous and who inspires her most when it comes to her wardrobe.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR OUTFIT FOR THE SHOW?
Giambattista Valli is one of my absolute favourite designers. I always feel incredible every time I get to wear one of his designs and anything from his collections is a safe bet to add to your wardrobe. When getting ready for the show, I was immediately drawn to the minty fresh colour of this lace shift dress. I loved the modern take on the silhouette and fabric.
We carried that feeling through with the glam as well. My make-up artist, Nelson Catarino, played off the retro Sixties mod vibe by using the green Malachite shade from my Olivia Palermo Beauty Regalia eyeshadow palette as a graphic liner. She kept the lip simple with the nude Rosebud matte lipstick from my collection.
My hair artist, Benjamin Pinon, took inspiration from the floral motif from the dress and created floral designs (even almost reminiscent of a Garden of Eden snake) with two braids, keeping the rest of the hair simple with a slicked back chignon.
HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN THE STYLING PROCESS?
I am the styling process! I have always styled myself. Of course, I work very closely with the designers and PRs and tailors to get things just right, but ultimately I always dress for myself.
HOW HAS YOUR STYLE EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
My eye has certainly evolved. Everyone’s does. You wear things differently in your thirties than you do in your late teens and twenties. I think my style has been pretty consistent though: eclectic but polished and tailored.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE FASHION MOMENT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?
Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of Giambattista’s couture collections and that is a pretty amazing accomplishment. I was at his very first couture show 10 years ago and remember it fondly so it was very special to be in attendance on his anniversary.
WHOSE STYLE HAVE YOU ALWAYS ADMIRED AND WHY?
I don’t find myself admiring any one specific person’s style. I find my style inspiration throughout my travels, taking different elements from the women and men I encounter on the streets. It may be the way one woman has worn a skirt in one city with the way another woman has styled a jumper in another city – I store those sightings away and then combine things in a way I feel reflects my personal style at a later date. And I always take inspiration from the women and men in my life, especially my husband. I love menswear and he has a special knack for style.
FASHION HAS A REPUTATION FOR BEING FRIVOLOUS, BUT WHY DOES WHAT WE WEAR MATTER?
I find that perspective ridiculous. We all have to get dressed so you should feel inspired and look your best. There is nothing frivolous about wanting to feel like the best version of yourself. It’s a mindset.
