City Style
See the world through the signature looks of seriously chic cities. Four fashion mavens define their hometown’s take on style and beauty, then open up their little black books for the must-visit spots to get you looking like a local
London
Sorrel Kinder, stylist and former fashion director at Stylist magazine
“London style and attitude towards beauty/grooming is very relaxed and open due to the cultural diversity in the city; the area you live in can very much affect your style. Overall, though, styling is dynamic, accessible and creative; it wasn’t until I started spending time each season in other fashion capitals that I realised how open-minded London was – helped by our strong high street, great independent boutiques and up-and-coming designers, and the nurturing British Fashion Council.”
From Sorrel’s little black book:
“A new designer to watch is Marques’Almeida; a great independent boutique is east London’s Goodhood; great new shopping destinations include Redchurch Street by Shoreditch station for mid-market brands; and for independent London designers head to Mount Street, where designers like Christopher Kane and Simon Roche have just opened flagship stores.
“For preening and polishing, try Dry By on Mortimer Street, a chic blow dry and nail bar with a great range of on-trend nail polishes to pick from. Re-launched in 2015, The House of ELEMIS in Lancashire Court is soooo relaxing – any facial is amazing, and they have a very handy ‘speed spa’. I’d also recommend the Hungarian Brand Omorovicza, who do some of the best facials in London, and, for hair, it’s got to be George Northwood or Josh Wood for me.”
Paris
Natalie Yuksel, stylist, and fashion director at Libération Next
“Paris has an effortless style. Parisians are very well-maintained, but quietly so; a lot of time is taken with blow dries and manicures, but the blow dries are made to look like the wearer just got out of bed, and the nails are kept square, in classic clear or impeccable red. In terms of fashion, it’s all about quality over quantity: a cashmere jumper, a quality coat, maybe an Hermès scarf – classic pieces you can modernise with a pair of jeans, say. Classics rather than trends. That’s why French style is so timeless; so on point.”
From Natalie’s little black book:
“Colette is no secret, nor is it new, but it is an enduring favourite. Newer is The Broken Arm, a concept store in the 3rd arrondissement housing collections of new French designers like Jacquemus. It has a café, too, so you can shop, then grab a coffee and read a book.
“For a massage fix, I go to Six Senses, the perfect salon for a truly peaceful experience in a beautiful setting. It’s open on Sundays, too, which is quite rare for Paris.”
Sydney
Emily Taylor, Editor of InStyle Australia
“Sydney’s show-stopping beachside location has a significant influence on its style. Relaxed looks are de rigeur – think denim, bright silks, crisp cottons and light knits. Equally, a temperate climate paired with the health-conscious lifestyle means (tanned) skin is often on show.”
From Emily’s little black book:
“Camilla Boutique, for A-lister-approved Australian kaftans with edge. Cult cashmere label Banjo & Matilda, for fine knits with edgy, seaside spirit. Tuchuzy, for Bondi’s sexiest swimwear and designer pieces.”
New York
Shibon Kennedy, stylist, art director and fashion editor
“What stands out in New York is the unique personal style you see walking down the street, rather than a specific trend setting the tone of fashion. I find it’s quite the reverse in this town: from the guy who works at the grocery store to the editor hopping around NYFW, it’s strong, inspiring personal style that seems to play a major part in creating the trends you see on the runway and in the collections the following season. As a rule, though, styling is bold, not understated, and New Yorkers need their grooming done well, but quickly, as befits the city’s fast pace.”
From Shibon’s little black book:
“For shopping, some winners: 10 ft. Single by Stella Dallas in Williamsburg for vintage (particularly in their back room, which has more of the collectors’ pieces); Maryam Nassir Zadeh in the Lower East Side (she has the most incredible curatorial eye in both fashion and homewares… every piece in there is perfection); Creatures of Comfort for a great selection of men’s and women’s fashion brands as well as their own-brand; Mociun in Williamsburg for off-kilter, unique jewellery and homewares; and Clic Bookstore & Gallery in Soho for homewares and the absolute best selection of coffee table books.
“Then Aire Ancient Baths for the most divine day of pampering, and go see Takeo at ROOM Salon in Williamsburg for all your hair care needs.”
For more haute city style, try our guides to Paris or New York over Fashion Week, or to the best beauty treatments and vintage shopping in London. And if you’ve really got the beautifying bug, drop into a luxe destination spa in one of our favourite cities around the world.
