Marie Claire Runway chatted exclusively with accessories designer Charlotte Dellal to talk wardrobe staples, partying with DJ Mark Ronson and dream work experience (who knew she was Giambattista Valli’s intern?!)…
So, talk us through the concept behind your ‘It Happened Out West’ spring/summer 15 collection?
'This season was about having more fun – showing the more tongue-in-cheek side of westerns. I like collecting things and a lot of my inspiration comes from objects – like a packet of cigarettes, which I made into a handbag. I like the obvious, and just making it more beautiful. Like a horseshoe.'
Are animal prints a fixture in your own wardrobe?
'I wear a print pretty much every day! Me and DJ Mark Ronson even turned up wearing matching leopard prints at a Harrods fashion party [during SS15 London Fashion Week]. It was pure coincidence, though, which was even funnier. And when I was at home in London before my Paris presentation, I happened to have a pair of my Charlotte Olympia tiger shoes on, eating Anya Hindmarch Fashion Flakes.'
You even wore a gigantic spider-hat during Paris Fashion Week...
'I was trying on Benoit Missolin’s hat in his showroom in Paris [for spring/summer 15]. I have loads of hats – I’ve got a huge one from Piers Atkinson filled with flowers. I bought it mainly to admire and display in my room!'
What’s your favourite runway show to attend during fashion week?
'I don’t normally go to catwalk shows, but I always love Giambattista Valli. I was his intern when he was a designer for Emanuel Ungaro. And then when he started his own label, I was still at college [at the London College of Fashion], but whenever I had a free moment I’d help him out before the shows. He made my wedding dress. I’m a big fan.'
(Photo: Giambattista Valli S/S15 show) Do you get a chance to attend any cool fashion parties during fashion week?
'I went to a few amazing ones last fashion week [spring/summer 15]. The Harrods party was lovely – Mark [Ronson] on the decks and lots of dancing. And me and Alison Loehnis from Net-A-Porter went to this big, girly dinner with a group of bloggers during London Fashion Week – they had this phone booth where you could write anything you wanted. It was just a really fun night.'
With fashion weeks all full steam ahead – what’s your top fashion week rule?
'Look good – feel good. For me personally, I love to have my hair set in four-piece waves and get a half-moon manicure, and put on a dash of red lipstick – it makes me feel better about what I’m wearing and like I can do anything. And, of course, a pair of good shoes!'
You can read more exclusives (including chit-chats with Isabel Marant, Marchesa, Simone Rocha and more) in the new SS15 issue of Marie Claire Runway – on sale now.