Get dressed with Carlotta Oddi
The Milan-based fashion editor and Alanui creative director is known – and universally admired – for her modern take on bohemia. Her fail-safe styling tips are well worth committing to memory…
Embrace a little chaos
“When it comes to putting a look together, I don’t follow a formula; the way I dress reflects my state of mind in that moment. That’s why my style can change from bohemian to minimal from one day to the next. I love to combine unexpected pieces, like wearing a romantic vintage dress with chunky boots and heavy outerwear. I gravitate towards exaggerated shapes and statement accessories, but it’s all about balance, so I won’t wear it all at once. People always talk about Parisian style, but I feel like the Milanese look has been gaining ground recently. It’s a mix of dolce vita, elegance, chaos, art and old traditions, juxtaposed with innovation and new discoveries. It’s a very modern way to dress.”
Have a muse — female or male — in mind
“I have tons of style icons and they vary wildly. I love Janis Joplin’s look – she had the quirkiest but coolest touch ever – but on the flipside, I think Daria Werbowy’s ability to dress so simply and elegantly is amazing, too. I’m obsessed with Jimi Hendrix’s fringed jackets, and I admire how outrageous and daring David Bowie was with his style. Then there’s Mick Jagger’s sex appeal… The list goes on.”
Packing well is about accessories
“I travel constantly for work and that’s really taught me how to be precise when it comes to packing. I always make sure to include elevated basics like strong denim pieces, white tees and an Alanui cardigan, of course, and I use accessories to build out each look. I feel naked without my jewelry; I wear a mixture of pieces that I’ve collected from my travels over the years, like Native American amulets or beaded Masai bracelets from the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, and mix them with pieces by Aurélie Bidermann, Piaget and Cartier. This summer I’m vacationing in the Maldives; it’s my favorite place on the entire planet, I can’t wait to just disconnect and relax. Wherever I go on vacation, I always pack a straw hat, espadrilles, She Made Me cover-ups, oversized pareos to wear as sarongs, a basket bag and long, floaty dresses – they’re a must for summer nights.”
Find your fashion label soulmates
“There is a lot of Prada on my FW18 wish list. I don’t think I can put into words why, or just how much, I love Miuccia Prada’s work. Right now, I’m coveting a tartan coat with a huge bow on the back, a few tulle dresses and literally all of the footwear. Next season, as far as I’m concerned, its ‘Prada or nada’! Other favorites are Saint Laurent – its pieces make me feel elegant but with a rock’n’roll edge – and Valentino: Pierpaolo Piccioli’s incredible creations are the stuff of dreams. I’m also a huge fan of up-and-coming designer Magda Butrym. I think hers is one of the most interesting labels of the moment.”
Invest in yourself
“I have always taken really good care of my skin and hair, ever since I was a teenager, and now at 34 I’ve figured out which products really work for me. I have a daily routine that includes the usual cleansing and moisturizing, but I also use Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and La Mer Lifting and Firming Mask twice a week. When I am stressed or have a special event coming up, I’ll treat myself to one of Mimi Luzon’s 24K pure gold masks, they’re honestly amazing. I’d rather take the time to look after my skin now than resort to aggressive treatments or extreme surgeries later in life. I’m pretty low-key when it comes to makeup; my look doesn’t change much from day to night, but my essentials are mascara, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant lipstick, Tom Ford Beauty Brow Sculptor and Sisley Paris Instant Eclat. Hair treatments and products are my real obsession. Bumble and Bumble products always give me the perfect beach hair, even in winter. I love Davines Volu Shampoo, David Mallett masks and conditioners and Rahua Elixir. Ultimately, though, I stick to two simple rules: never use the same products for a long time as your hair gets used to them and they become less effective, and avoid heat styling when you can – I always let my hair dry naturally.”
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