Well another Labor Day’s complete, and with that symbolic passing of Summer, despite my many years removed, I still get that Back to School feeling. New beginnings, new clothes. Working in fashion, this sense of a September renaissance is particularly strong and a big reminder you’re gonna need new clothes!
Or do you? Because for some of the style elite it’s never out with the old. These are the fashion flock that have carved out a signature uniform and they’re sticking to it. So in honor of back to school, let’s salute those who took the school uniform mentality for life.
Karl Lagerfeld: ‘The Kaiser’ is always re-inventing the Chanel aesthetic, but when it comes to his personal look expect a prety defined cacophony of lace, rings and black. Sunglasses? Gloves? A must no matter what or where. But Karl isn’t without experimentation. After all, he tries on and disposes the latest ‘It Girl” actress or socialite with a fervor like no other.
Emmanuelle Alt: Art school rebellion perfected, the Vogue Paris Editor in Chief has a uniform of the oh-so-hip skinny jeans, slouchy, untucked t and blazer combination. Somehow Ms. Alt has managed to effortlessly nail that sexy and laid back style we all strive to emulate.
Annie Leibovitz: Too focused to worry about trends, on-call Conde Nast photographer Annie Leibovitz wants pieces that don’t interfere with her work. Whether shooting glitzy, old Hollywood style covers for Vanity Fair or more intimate features for VOGUE she’s always wearing a stoic, streamlined look of turtleneck or muted men’s dress shirt and her signature wire glasses.
Lynn Yaeger: Enraptured by the Japanese designs of Comme des Garcon, fashion writer Lynn Yaeger is a theatrical celebration of volume, pleating and proportion. She tops it off with carefully applied kabuki cupid lips, exaggerated cheeks and a fiery red prince valiant ‘do. This is a look all her own and one, I have to say, makes me smile every time I see her.
Michael Kors: Never will you see fashion designer Michael Kors wearing eccentric clothing. His is an old money, preppy style of black blazer, t-shirt, jeans and a fresh from Saint-Tropez tan. It works for a man who is known for his classic, jet-set sophistication and quick whit.
One Mane Look
The fashion flock is well known for some signature hair styles too.
Anna Wintour: Much ado has been made of the American Vogue editor in chief’s long love affair with the pageboy. Sleek and severe, this style says “I mean business” and “I’m not at the whim of trends.”
Chris Benz: This up and coming designer has a lot of youthful energy that pops right from the top with his bright pink spikey do.
Pat Field: Of course this wacky wardrobe designer and stylist (Umm, you might have noticed her outfits for “Sex and the City”) has a shock of wild punch red hair. Every look from Pat field is all about being noticed.
-Mac Smith, It Can’t All Be Dior writer and lover of cats, coats, and cake.
