A self-declared coats obsessive, Nicola Orme of Queens of Archive shares what’s in her basket now …
Nicola Orme is a coats obsessive. Indeed, the co-founder and creative director of Queens of Archive has a specific kind of tunnel vision when it comes to getting dressed: she’ll often base her outfits around her outerwear. “I tend to dress simply … my wardrobe generally consists of vintage Levi’s, plain T-shirts, loafers and lots of coats,” she says. It’s apt that her nostalgic womenswear brand has experienced so much hype around its coats lately. You might recall how last season’s Priscilla coat – a cheetah print faux fur maxi coat – had the internet in a tizzy.
This season, Orme is doubling down on that success with an array of statement coats – each one indulgent and wholly defined, as if it were a movie character. The autumn collection is titled The Moon and The Nightingale and it leans into opera coats with faux fur trims and plenty of swing. Unsurprisingly, the mood is high-octane glamour. Orme counts Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Brigitte Bardot and Chloë Sevigny as her outerwear muses. Plus, Alexa Chung is a fan. Read all about what Orme is coveting for the season ahead below.
Good style is mixing new and old. It’s also about creating your own look, not following trends. Bad taste, I think, often is staying still: we all change, so your style should, too. Also, I’m still not fully on board with Crocs. How have they become so normal to us?
Stately homes are my AW26 inspiration. Although, not overly-manicured ones. We shot our latest campaign at Kelvedon Hall – a Grade I-listed country house in Essex – and I felt so inspired. The house was full of unique history and so much beauty; the bedrooms, the contrasting textiles and art, the symmetry of the gardens and the beautiful statues. I felt like I was on a film set.
I don’t really think about capsule wardrobes, not consciously. I tend to dress simply though. My wardrobe generally consists of vintage Levi’s, plain T-shirts, loafers and lots of coats.
Powder blue Sofia opera coat, €534.95; www.queensofarchive.com.
I do love a good coat. It completes a look so easily and gives a very put together feel with minimal effort.
The item I’ve bought recently to wear for autumn is: a pair of vintage Bally riding boots.
Currently in my basket is: a grey mohair knit jumper. Did I mention I dress simply?
The one thing I always repurchase is: good grey socks, I like ones from COS or Arket. I wear them all winter and having the same colour makes pairing them really easy.
Red Gloria wool-blend opera coat, €533.95; www.queensofarchive.com.
The beauty buy that’s changed my life is: pHformula products. They are life-changing and there’s no going back! I’m fully invested.
If money were no object, for AW26 I’d buy: a Chloé trench or a cashmere Valentino swing coat.
As a hostess gift, I always bring: in summer, ingredients for spicy margs. In winter, the same but for espresso martinis.
The one trend I’m embracing for autumn is: animal print outerwear. Long may it reign!
Zebra print Monroe faux fur jacket, €534.95; www.queensofarchive.com.
The one trend I can’t get on board with is: I’m still torn on see-through pumps – you need to have really good feet.
The one brand I think that’s really shaking things up is: Completedworks. Its imagery is so new and innovative, and the direction blurs the lines between fashion and art. I love it.
The least stylish thing I own that I wear all the time is: a very, very practical rain coat for dog walking.
Black Vivienne fux fur longline coat, €593.95; www.queensofarchive.com.
When my creative well is running low I watch old movies known for their costumes. I’ll have tens of blurry images on my phone of a lovely collar or outfit. My recent obsession is Butterfield 8: Elizabeth Taylor’s costumes are incredible. I could rummage forever in a good place for antiques and textiles. If I ever go on any trip, I seek out the nearest markets and vintage spots before anything else. In London, I go to the Frock Me! vintage fair, it’s the crème de la crème of vintage shopping. I’ll definitely visit the Ossie Clark + Celia Birtwell exhibition at the Fashion + Textile museum this winter.
Chloë Sevigny and Alexa Chung are my outerwear muses. For vintage references, the glamour of Elizabeth Taylor is timeless and, for the ease of how they wore statement coats, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Brigitte Bardot are an inspiration.
The one thing that always makes an outfit look more expensive is a good pair of tights or socks. The finer details always carry more impact. And a good coat, of course!
Collage credits (clockwise from top left): Queens of Archive AW26; Nicola Orme of Queens of Archive; Chloë Sevigny wears a black patent coat; grey mohair-blend jumper, €99, at & Other Stories; pearl and gold long bow comb, €480; www.completedworks.com.
We may earn a commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site.
READ MORE: Isabella Davey, COO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, Shares What’s On Her Radar
