Katie Gallagher Loves Bodysuits and Vintage Kimonos

New York fashion designer Katie Gallagher is known for her dark, conceptual designs—think downtown-cool capes, diaphanous layers, and lots of black—and for being her line’s best ambassador. In anticipation of her Spring 2016 show during New York Fashion Week, we asked the designer to give us a break down of her personal style.

Define your style in three words: Monochromatic, polished and refined.

Daily uniform: Currently a black romper with a Katie Gallagher bodysuit underneath and a black vintage kimono on top. When I’m designing or taking work meetings, I like to keep my daytime ensembles simple.

Greatest hits: Vintage Pink House bomber, vintage Tokio Kumagai top with mesh sleeves and a vintage Guy Laroche blazer with golden buttons.

Preferred footwear: Anything that elevates me at least 3 inches.

Finishing touches: Vintage Gucci cross-body bag from the 1970’s, onyx silver rings on every finger.

Nighttime look: A Katie Gallagher black or red slip dress and red lips.

Style pet peeve: Women who can’t walk in their heels, men who leave their button-up shirts untucked or wrinkled.

Style icons: Rose McDowall in the 1980’s.

Last purchase: A few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc at Galli in the Lower East Side.

Lusting after: Luxurious cashmere capes and dresses for Fall. (And an Alaia corset belt.)

Favorite haunts: In New York, IF Boutique in SoHo and Aedes de Venustas in the West Village; in Paris, L’Eclaireur and Le Cafe des Chats.

Fall must-haves: Super wide-brim beaver fur hats, candy corn and cats.

What’s always in your bag: I love to keep my bag contents on the minimal side. The less I have to carry, the better. There are only 4 things in my bag if I can help it: my Comme des Garçons wallet, red lipstick, keys to my apartment and a little antique pill case from my sister.