TYW: What are five wardrobe essentials everyone should own?
Lydia: A perfect everyday leather jacket - be it a true biker style from Acne Studios, a bomber from Nour Hammour, Loewe and Saint Laurent or a belted short trench from TOVE.
A great blazer, well fitted but not too tight so that it can be worn both over a simple top or shirt but also over a thicker knit. Saint Laurent, Blaze Milano and ROHE are my go-tos.
Crewneck or turtleneck cashmere sweaters in various prime colours (black, navy, grey etc) from the Row, Arch4 and Loro Piana which are ideal for layering.
A feminine, yet comfortable smart flat or kitten heel from Toteme, Manolo Blahnik, Prada or Aeyde.
And an elegant, well-crafted bag of medium size, ideally with some signature hardware, which can be worn from day to night - from Bottega Veneta, Savette or Metier.
TYW: What's the most versatile piece of clothing you own?
Lydia: At the moment my Nour Hammour Drew leather bomber jacket which I wear all the time and whose leather is aging really well. Also my FlORE FLORE basic white tops, Uniqlo cashmere sweaters, Dehanche belts and Khaite’s Danielle Jeans which form the base of too many outfits to count.
TYW: What’s one thing you invest in, and one thing you’re happy to save on?
Lydia: I invest in Shoes and Bags where I think that the leather, fit and comfort in pieces from established designer brands makes a big difference.
Happy to save on socks and pyjamas - I am very content with an oversized cotton sweater, leggings and simple fine socks (ideally though would still get the latter from Comme Si).
TYW: What are three beauty products you can’t live without?
Lydia: My beauty regime is very simple, I rely on lots of water, good sleep and nutrition a lot. A few products I have been using for years are La Roche-Posay’s purifying foam, MZ Skin’s eye cream and moisturiser, and sun cream - always.
TYW: What song are you currently listening to on repeat?
Lydia: Luna from the Smashing Pumpkins - they played it at Khaite’s last runway show in New York this February and I have been listening to it regularly since.
TYW: Bath or shower?
Lydia: Shower always, as much as I like the idea of a bath I actually love the feeling of water falling on me and the efficiency of a shower.
TYW: Coffee or tea?
Lydia: Tea, I do not drink coffee; and have really enjoyed discovering buckwheat tea recently which has a smooth, subtly nutty texture.
TYW: Music or movies?
Lydia: Music, I am so often on the go and it is rare for me to carve out time for a movie other than on weekends whilst music is a daily companion as I get ready in the mornings, walk to my office and back.
TYW: Trainers or heels?
Lydia: I will actually go for Flats - you will almost always see me in a sleek loafer, ballerina or strappy, minimal sandal. If a sneaker it will be the Dries Van Noten retro style that we all currently love, if a heel it will be a kitten heel.
TYW: Lipstick or lip gloss?
Lydia: Just lip balm to keep my lips hydrated, occasionally only a touch of red lipstick for a special occasion.
TYW: Baggy or straight-leg jeans?
Lydia: Straight leg, some of my favourites are from Khaite, Mother and DL1961. Chloe’s wider leg straight denim under Chemena Kamali is going from strength to strength too.
TYW: Online or in person shopping?
Lydia: I am biased here by working at NET-A-PORTER, online of course but I love seeing physical retail environments - especially brands’ flagships and how they encapsulate their personality - even if I wait to purchase online.
