FASHION

Laura Bailey Loves Bella Freud, Would Never Wear Fur

The model and writer shares a page from her style notes.


Laura Bailey

Laura Bailey is a woman of many talents: she models, writes, and designs jewelry. Most recently, the British It girl designed an accessories collection in collaboration with LK Bennett, inspired by her family’s adventures to the Amalfi Coast. The bright, printed shoes and clutches embody her personal style—which is both classic and eclectic. Here, Bailey deconstructs her look. ____

Define your style in three words: London tomboy/Rapunzel.

Daily uniform: Black Frame denim Le Garcon jeans, plain boyish shirts by Margaret Howell or A.P.C., a Bella Freud slogan knit (my current favorite says “Dance”), Nike high-tops and a ponytail.

Greatest hits: Chanel little black jacket (a gift from Karl Lagerfeld about 15 years ago), Prada checked cropped trouser, a Saint Laurent white shirt, a denim skirt by Preen, faux fur by SHRIMPS, vintage blouses by YSL, denim overalls by Citizens of Humanity, a nondescript nineties “Malibu” grey sweatshirt I’ve been wearing for 20 years, a classic Burberry trench, swimwear by ERES, a grey jumpsuit by MiH, Solange Azagury-Partridge emerald earrings, and my Bella Freud “Laura” dress.

Preferred footwear: A pair of very well-worn Alaïa heels, an old pair of chunky-heeled chestnut brown Miu Miu sandals, and Paul Andrew‘s gold stilettos. I also love my collection of Charlotte Olympia heels and kitten slippers, and the white Virna flats from my LKBxLB summer capsule collection. They are all I need on holiday.

Finishing touches: A braid or ponytail tied with a black ribbon bow, a fistful of Solange Azagury-Partridge rings, seven tiny stud earrings by Loquet London (I wear 5 in one ear, 2 the other), my Chanel camera bag, oversized shades by Chanel and ZanZan Eyewear, a Jennifer Meyer nameplate necklace, and a Bern bicycle helmet.

Night-time look: Feline Flick by Charlotte Tilbury Makeup black eyeliner, Chanel No 19, and some kind of vintage-denim-Chanel combination—like a plain midi-skirt with a vintage Nike tee and a sharp heel, or my favorite boyish Isabel Marant dark navy pant with a print blouse, or a sweatshirt and brogues. It depends on my mood and the night. If I’m dressing up, Chanel and Valentino are favorite designers, but I also love London’s rising star Emilia Wickstead for her dramatic gowns. They scream high-voltage glamour with the ease of a pair of jeans.

Best recent discovery: Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonderglow.

Favorite stores: In London; Local favorite Portobello neighborhood stores include Lutyens & Rubenstein for books, Couverture & The Garbstore for gifts and homewares, RELLIK for vintage, Honeyjam for toys, and Caramel Baby and Child for kidswear. I also love Mouki Mou in Marylebone for its eclectic and inspiring beauty and accessories edit.

Style pet peeve: I would never wear real fur.

Style icons: My friends Bella Freud and Amanda Harlech; and my fantasies Catherine Deneuve and Monica Vitti.

Last purchase: Four pairs of Wolford fishnet ankle socks and a black Alice band (to replace the one my dog chewed) from Fenwicks on my way home from work today.

Lusting after: A tennis dress by Adidas by Stella McCartney, a painting by John Currin, and Costa Rica. One day…

Favorite haunts: In London: The Electric Cinema, The Globe, Spring at Somerset House, The Photographers Gallery, Cecconis, the courtyard at the V & A museum, White Cube, Elliot’s Café in Borough Market, Le Fumoir Bar at Claridges.

What’s always in your bag: iPhone, cash, keys, camera, Smythson diary and notebook, hairbands, Chanel blush compact and lip balm, miscellaneous random bouncy balls, Lego pieces, French skipping elastics, a Louis Vuitton fountain pen, and a paperback.

Photos: Laura Bailey Loves Bella Freud, Would Never Wear Fur

Laura Bailey. Courtesy photo.

A look from Bailey’s collaboration with L.K.Bennett. Courtesy of Instagram.

With makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. Courtesy of Instagram.

Bailey wearing a Bella Freud sweater in L.A. Courtesy of Instagram.

Wearing her son’s sweatshirt in Venice Beach. Courtesy of Instagram.

Bailey’s L.K.Bennett mood board. Courtesy of Instagram.

Bailey wearing a new Chanel nail color and a Solange Azagury-Partridge Ring. Courtesy of Instagram.

At Le Bristol Paris. Courtesy of Instagram.

Wearing Bella Freud at Hauser & Wirth. Courtesy of Instagram.

Wearing Chanel Couture at the 2015 Oscars. Courtesy of Instagram.

Bailey in L.A. Courtesy of Instagram.

With Poppy Delevingne and Melinda Stevens in Paris. Courtesy of Instagram.

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