A woman’s beauty, whether it’s the shape of her face, how she carries herself or does her hair means nothing if she doesn’t know how to dress. Here’s the best to make the best of you.
Photographer Roberto Aguilar
Creative Director & Stylist Francesca Barrow at faconner.co.uk
Styling Assistants Claudia Marcelletti and Ines Simoes
Hair Styling Takanori Yamaguchi using Bumble & Bumble
Make-up Yuko Friedriksson using YSL
Model Giuliana from Premier
Ultimate Sunglasses - Thierry Lasry
He may have only started in 2006 but Thierry Lasry was raised by an optician father and a designer mother so becoming one of the most sought after creators of avant-garde eyewear was almost predestined. His logo-free glasses, like this 635 USD Emcy pair, are all handmade in France using acetate, which is a light and comfortable material that can be manipulated in all sorts of uniquely Lasry ways.
Ultimate Summer 2014 Shoes - Tom Ford & Gina
Tom Ford’s 1,350 USD black Napa Dream lace-up sandals, which also come in a metallic gold, will be one of the hottest shoes of next summer. Featuring a braiding effect on the body they’ve also got an enchanting lace-up over the foot and lower ankle. Additionally, a key trend will be white shoes. We love these 900 USD python Pamela sandals by Gina.
Ultimate Coat - Ralph Lauren
Dedicated to the highest level of quality, Purple Label is Ralph Lauren’s ultimate expression of luxury and this coat shows why. Made from exquisitely soft black leather with a bold shearling neck, the price is upon request. That means if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.
Ultimate Winter 2013 Collection - Dior
Raf Simons has done a phenomenal job in asserting his imprint on Dior. In only his second prêt-à-porter collection, he has once again outdone himself. Take for example this asymmetric 2,250 USD black crepe skirt tied to one side with a bow. Or the 1,750 USD off-white twill bustier worn beneath a 2,500 USD softly draped pale grey bicoloured silk cape. Even those pointy, distinctively heeled 980 USD black net and suede pumps are pure Rafism. Ultimate indeed.
Ultimate Summer 2014 Collection - Elie Saab
The overriding impression of Elie Saab’s spring/summer 2014 prêt-à-porter collection was that of a lace garden. Showing a younger, edgier and more whimsical flair, the Lebanese designer introduced us to a colour palette inspired by botanical splendour. One of our favourite looks was this black and white print dress (POA) with eglantine roses, bougainvillea and verdant greens that seem to grow from the hem.
Ultimate Jewellery - Cartier, Repossi & David Morris
The world’s top jewellers are in top form of late but at the head of our current wish list are the following key items. Our Ultimate Bracelet is the 98,500 USD white gold, black lacquer and diamond Paris Nouvelle Vague bracelet by Cartier. Our Ultimate Necklace is the white gold David Morris ‘Wave’ piece with oval and pear-shaped diamonds weighing 44.43 carats. And our Ultimate Ring is the 7,000 USD Repossi Berbère twin ring in yellow gold.
Ultimate Handbag - Givenchy
A fashion pack favourite, the medium-sized Antigona by Givenchy is an eye-catching yet unpretentious shoulder bag that’ll work just as well in summer as it will in winter - especially in this pearl grey grained leather (2,500 USD). Its structured form, crisply folded logo detail and beautiful hardware combine so perfectly that carrying this bag will mark you down as a lady of impeccable taste.
Ultimate Swimwear - Heidi Klein
A British label founded in 2002 by Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein, Heidi Klein is a lesser known brand but we love that they specialise in making fun and sexy holiday clothes all year round. From bikinis (like this 150 USD Monterosso twist bandeau top and 135 USD adjustable bottom) and sun hats to flip-flops and kaftans, everything they do is beautifully designed, using top quality materials.
Ultimate Watch - Piaget
Only a few fully integrated manufacturers are capable of such a feat, but Piaget ‘s new 72,800 USD Limelight Gala watch was created totally in-house. Internally, there’s a Piaget 690P quartz movement but it’s the outside that really gets the heart pumping. The round 38mm case with its elegant elongated horns has been enhanced with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 2.8cts) and the dial has been entirely paved with another 336 brilliant diamonds (approx 1.7ct). Stunning.
Ultimate Knitwear - Sonia Rykiel
Sonia Rykiel singlehandedly transformed knitwear with her lightweight and feminine cuts that clung to the body. And for his first collection in charge Geraldo da Conceição has brought back her legendary Poor Boy jumpers. Our pick of the bunch is this 1,400 USD transparent flower intarsia wool sweater, which, though we didn’t do it here, would probably best be worn with a sexy bra beneath.