Get dressed with Veronika Heilbrunner
As a fashion editor turned consultant turned publisher, Veronika Heilbrunner is a true Renaissance woman. Given her credentials, it should come as no surprise that her personal style is utterly singular, making her a cult figure among the street-style set. Here, she shares the styling tricks she swears by
MIX IT UP
I love beautiful, feminine dresses, but I’m also a big fan of classic pieces – the magic is in how you bring the two together. I always like to bring a little bit of German practicality to a pretty outfit. I don’t feel pressure to dial up my style during fashion week, I enjoy having the opportunity to express myself and show people all my favorite pieces and what I’m into at that moment in time. When I’m putting together a look, my diary is at the forefront of my mind. I hate to be dressed inappropriately, especially in terms of the weather. Keith Richards and Charlotte Rampling are my ultimate style icons. The thing I love about them is that even though they have always worn incredible clothes, the first thing you’d notice about them is their character.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
I am very low-key when it comes to beauty, but I do think it’s important to treat yourself to a good facial every once in a while. Personally, I love Biologique Recherche products and I’m also obsessed with Augustinus Bader’s rich cream – it’s amazing. I’m a big fan of products that work in multiple ways – like a blush that you can also use on your lips or eyes – they save space in your handbag and make traveling way simpler. I am so bad at styling my hair; I can’t do anything with it. I wear it natural, meaning I literally just let it air-dry – that’s why it’s so important to have a great cut. Josh Wood has colored my hair for years – and, luckily for me, my stylist has just joined the salon, so now I have both under one roof!
FIND YOUR SIGNATURES
I have always been a big fan of sneakers; I love the air of practicality they can bring to a romantic outfit. Classic styles are my favorites. You can’t beat a pair of box-fresh Nike Airforce 1 high-tops – they’re the best – but I also love Converse high-tops, which work with everything. I used to be really concerned with what I thought I ‘ought’ to wear, but in recent years I’ve stopped caring. Now I would even wear a pair of chunky combat boots or sneakers with a gown on the red carpet. I feel great when I wear sneakers, because I can actually walk in them. It’s when you feel true to yourself that you look most beautiful.
DRESS UP
These days, I so rarely get the opportunity to have a night out that, when I do, I love to make an effort. At the minute, I’m really into wearing men’s suits after dark: I have a black three-piece that is my absolute favorite. I either style it with a midnight-blue silk shirt or with nothing underneath. Otherwise, I love wearing sleek silk dresses. I like to keep my look pretty understated and then really go all-in with accessories – adding statement earrings, a bijou bag and sparkly Miu Miu shoes. I actually wear a lot of jewelry every day – Cartier rings, my engagement ring and a few cross necklaces; I feel naked without them – I even sleep in them! Those pieces are like lucky charms to me.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
This season, I’m on the hunt for a really good coat and a metallic mesh skirt by Christopher Kane. It’s so hard to whittle my favorite designers down to just a few, but I really love JW Anderson – I think he’s incredible. I would love to own his entire FW19 collection – and SS20. His designs are so beautiful – elegant but laid-back. What he’s doing at Loewe is exceptional. I am also a huge fan of Miuccia Prada. She’s such a pioneering designer. She has a real talent for presenting you with pieces that, at first, can seem quite brutal, but the more you look at them, the more you love them. So much fashion nowadays is too familiar and insipid; I think it’s important to challenge yourself and champion new ideas.
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