Fashion stylist Rachel Bakewell on good taste, Miu Miu apron dresses and why she doesn’t buy into capsule wardrobes …
The name Rachel Bakewell may not be a household one, but you’ve certainly heard of the stylist’s clients. They range from Alexa Chung to enduring London label Ghost. With her trademark brand of whimsy, everything Bakewell touches has a particular kind of romance, whether it’s a frilled dress worn by the poet and ‘It’ girl Greta Bellamacina or her recent collaboration with Queens of Archive on an edit of faux fur, high-octane hats that speaks to 1960s après-ski style or Dr Zhivago glamour. Bakewell shares what’s on her radar for the season ahead.
The definition of good taste is someone who is put together but in an effortless way. Good style can make something cheap look expensive, it’s all about how it’s executed. My favourite kind of fashion is something that’s unfinished or that has an unexpected quirk: it prevents it from becoming costume-like. For me, bad taste is too many labels, clothes that are too revealing; people that look desperate to impress for all the wrong reasons.
Menswear is inspiring me right now. I have become more and more drawn to it, of late. Travelling is always inspiring, too. And Miuccia Prada, always.
Every summer, I always find myself wearing dresses by Dôen and hats by Ruslan Baginskiy.
Image: Instagram @rachelbakewell.
I don’t have a capsule wardrobe. I have an eclectic mix of pieces that feel special to me. I don’t like to restrict or organise things, I like to feel free in my choices. That being said, I think a capsule is a clever way to buy less pieces and to have good quality clothing.
The item I just bought to wear for summer is: a pair of Alaïa mesh flats from Vestiaire Collective.
Currently in my basket: I have a Miu Miu apron dress I can’t afford, a Lack of Color sun hat and a Loretta Caponi sun dress.
The one thing I always repurchase is: Falke tights.
The beauty buys that have changed my life are: Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream, Alexis Smart’s beauty formula serums, Lumity’s Morning and Night supplements.
If money were no object I’d buy: a Miu Miu sundress and a Miu Miu cowboy sun hat, Jimmy Choo jelly shoes, tickets to Japan and Tahiti and, essentially, everything from Chloé. However, if money really was no object I’d be donating as much as possible to War Child and other incredible charities: all causes greater than my need for clothes.
I always bring a bottle of red wine, flowers and cheese as a hostess gift.
The one item I’d buy now that’ll carry over into autumn is: A good coat. I’d either go for Arket’s double-breasted black styles or something from Simone Rocha.
The one summer trend I can’t get on board with is: silk scarves around the waist.
The least stylish thing I own that I wear all the time is: a cap that says ‘New York, New York’.
When my creative well is running low I do this to fill up my cup: a lake or sea swim, breathing, watching an inspiring movie, cooking (my husband may beg to differ!), anything that stops me being on auto pilot. Sometimes I just burn sage and listen to music. @rachelbakewell
Main image credits (clockwise from top left): Greta Bellamacina wearing Dôen; Rachel Bakwell for Les Néréides; Instagram @rachelbakewell; Lack of Color; clear jelly ballerina flats with crystal embellishment, €350; www.jimmychoo.com; yellow poplin dress; www.miumiu.com; In Love flower remedy, €40.95; www.alexissmart.com.
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