Get dressed with Barbara Martelo
Thanks to her patented brand of sexy-meets-insouciant style, lawyer-turned-fashion consultant BARBARA MARTELO has developed a devoted fashion following. These are her fail-safe styling tips…
FIND YOUR SIGNATURES
“I like taking boyish pieces and wearing them in a way that feels feminine. I think it’s really cool when it looks like you’ve stolen a piece from your husband or boyfriend. I’m obsessed with jeans, blazers, simple tees and cashmere sweaters. Finding great basics is essential for me because I travel constantly, and having a uniform makes packing easier; I can mix and match all my pieces to create endless looks. Of course, I’ve experimented with other trends in the past – like the whole bohemian thing, which really didn’t work for me – but I think that experimentation is how you discover your own signature style. The past few seasons have been so heavily influenced by streetwear, I’m ready for a change; I’d like to see fashion get sexy again.”
GO ALL OUT
“Without a doubt, my wedding dress is the most special piece in my closet. My husband and I were only together for three months before he proposed – we’ve now been married for over 16 years – but I knew exactly which designer I wanted to wear. I was obsessed with what John Galliano was doing at Dior, and so I asked him to create a bespoke dress for me. The whole process of going for fittings at the atelier and having it crafted especially for me was absolutely magical. It’s a silk bias-cut gown, super-simple but stunning. I didn’t wear a veil, so the final look was really effortless. It actually looks a lot like the wedding dress he made for Kate Moss, which is fitting because she’s my ultimate style icon.”
BE CONSISTENT
“Ibiza is a special place for my family and I. We visit around three times a year, the first of which is always around summer solstice and my twins Alvaro and Constanza’s birthday – they have just turned 13. Honestly, my vacation style doesn’t differ much from my usual look – it’s still very dark, although sometimes I’ll throw in a little bit of red or leopard print. I just bought a great one-piece from Eres and a bikini from Matteau that I’m really excited to wear. I try and keep it simple and just pack relaxed pieces that transition easily from day to night – it has to work with flats and heels. I have my eye on an amazing leopard-print jumpsuit from Saint Laurent that would make a great addition to my vacation closet.”
HEALTH IS WEALTH
“When it comes to beauty, I keep things simple. I barely wear any makeup. My hair, however, is my secret weapon; I’ve been blessed with thick, healthy hair, and it’s kind of like my armor. Nowadays I invest more in regular facials and massages than I do in fashion. As you get older, your priorities shift; I make a lot of effort to eat right, drink a lot of water and get enough sleep. No matter where I am in the world, I make sure to wake up early so I can take a few hours in the morning to practice yoga and meditate, then I’m ready for whatever the day has in store. I think a carefree attitude is super-important for your general wellbeing.”
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
“With designers producing more collections than ever before, and trends constantly changing, it’s really important to invest in great-quality, timeless pieces. Because I have a very distinct sense of style and take good care of everything I own, I’m still wearing designs from Alaïa and Nicolas Ghesquière’s time at Balenciaga that I saved up for and bought way back when I was just starting my career. It’s worth investing wisely.”
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