Catherine Malandrino's New York Dispatch Vol. 03 | "What Are My Wardrobe and Fashion Essentials?"

CATHERINE MALANDRINO

CATHERINE MALANDRINO'S NEW YORK DIARY Vol. 03

My Wardrobe: The Key to My Style?

This is the third installment of NEW YORK DIARY from Catherine Malandrino, who presents her collections based in New York. This time, she shares insights into her personal wardrobe and styling tips.

Text by Catherine Malandrino

Effortlessly Feminine, Elegant, and Unique – Always!

Hello everyone, how are you? This is Catherine Malandrino.

I have a favorite quote that goes like this:—
“There is only one happiness in life, and that is to love and be loved.”
These are the words of George Sand.

For me, February is a month dedicated to celebrating love. While February 14th is Valentine's Day, a day to express affection, the day before, February 13th, marked the presentation of my new collection during NY Fashion Week. I'll share more about that next week!

Today, however, the theme is my approach to fashion. I'd like to introduce my recent favorite looks and the styling principles behind them.

CATHERINE MALANDRINO'S NEW YORK DIARY Vol. 03 01

My styling philosophy is "effortless chic." I favor a natural, unforced style. Revealing a bit of the arm or neckline is also key. However, with dresses, it's important not to be too revealing – perhaps a one-shoulder design. The aim is sensuality, not overt sexiness. Another principle is "Mixing Day & Night Style," literally combining daytime and nighttime elements.

For instance, even in the atelier, I might pair a low-cut chiffon top with a leather skirt, blending femininity with a touch of edge. For everyday life in New York or when traveling and prioritizing ease of movement, I opt for Malandrino coats paired with trousers. My current favorites include my "Presley bag," adorned with studs I designed, oversized glasses from my close friend Selima, and a menswear-inspired hat.

For evening dinners or parties, I embrace a thoroughly chic and elegant aesthetic. I love floor-length dresses that beautifully accentuate the body's silhouette. A one-shoulder dress offers a modern flair, while lustrous fabrics add a touch of glamour.

I always complement my outfits with distinctive, statement jewelry. Even with a seemingly perfect dress ensemble, creating a sense of "ease" is essential for me. This might involve pairing a dress with a hat or layering a striking outerwear piece over festive attire. For winter outerwear, a bold choice like leopard print can make an immediate impact.

On the other hand, in resort destinations like the Bahamas, I indulge in vibrant ensembles that are unique to the location! On the beach, energetic colors truly suit the summer sun. Within the hotel or for evening occasions, I lean towards a chic black ensemble. Even when traveling, I consider the appropriate style for each TPO (Time, Place, Occasion).

More next week... until then!

With love,—
Catherine Malandrino

Catherine Malandrino
Born in Grenoble, France, Catherine Malandrino graduated from ESMOD Paris. After honing her skills at esteemed Maisons such as Emanuel Ungaro, Louis Feraud, and Yves Saint Laurent, she embarked on a dazzling career in America in 1998 as Head Designer for Diane von Furstenberg. Subsequently, she launched two distinct brands: "Malandrino," characterized by exclusive, high-end limited editions, and "Catherine Malandrino," which incorporates a more casual aesthetic. Her feminine, elegant, and unique collections have garnered fervent support from women worldwide.