Leila Kashanipour Talks Us Through Everything She's Loving
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I don’t follow trends – I just know what I do and don’t like. I’m not classic because I like to mix and match a lot. I always like to bring something unexpected to a look and add that personal element. I also love colour.
I never plan an outfit – I’m very last minute. I like to dress to suit my mood each day, so I tend to imagine what’s going to suit the occasion, event or venue, and I build my look around that. I’m also quite quick. I’ll be dressed in ten minutes on a normal day, maybe 20 minutes for a night out.
My obsession with jewellery came from my grandmother. I would always be hovering around her dressing table playing with her collection. My mum was also incredibly well dressed and always looked so pulled together. I actually collect jewellery now. I’ve been given pieces by my grandparents and my mum. I have a black onyx and diamond pavé ring from my mum and a beautiful Burmese ruby bangle from my grandmother. My other grandmother also gave me a Carnelian stone – my daughter’s name is Carnelian which makes it extra special. There are a handful of pieces I never take off. I have a Tiffany & Co T bangle that’s yellow gold with diamonds, a rainbow pavé bangle which I had made, a Van Cleef & Arpels Carnelian bracelet, a Cartier Love bracelet and a bangle with my son’s name carved into it which I also had made.
When it comes to contemporary jewellery brands, L’Atelier Nawbar is a Lebanese jewellery brand which has some of the best everyday pieces. Also Five2 Jewellery, I collaborated with them two years ago and they’re a really lovely Emirati brand. In London, Anissa Kermiche's pieces are fun and so easy to wear.
My one piece of style advice would be always do your hair. It finishes an outfit. Don’t underestimate it – great hair can be so transformative. It can take a look from girly to sophisticated in a flash.
As for lesser-known brands, I love Lilian Afshar's brand, L’Afshar – she is a good friend of mine and makes the most beautiful acrylic and crystal evening bags. Liberowe which has just launched on NET-A-PORTER. It has beautiful, tailored jackets and dresses, and everything is incredible. The Irish Twin is also great. I love that it’s still quite under the radar. Also, Destree just launched in Harrods.
Paris is the best city in the world for shopping. It has such a mix of brands and stores, and it’s so great for discovering new names. It might sound obvious, but you can’t beat Rue Saint-Honoré – and I love the whole Saint Germain area. When it comes to big-time shopping, I head to Le Bon Marché.
I recently went to Paris for the weekend – with my husband – and I was lucky enough to find an Hermés Birkin. It was very unexpected – they’re so hard to come by – so it felt like a real win. It’s the Etain version with gold hardware and it's the 25in. I don’t collect them, but I am fortunate enough to have a few. I also have a black and navy Kelly, and one Her bag, which is the tan and natural canvas version. They are all classics that will be passed down the generations.
Caravana Concept Store in Dubai is the best for fun and colour. It’s such a happy curation, like Mira Mikati meets Carolina Bucci vibes. The Fashion Clinic in Lisbon is also one of the most incredible concept stores – it sells the big names like Prada and Miu Miu but also brands like La DoubleJ. The Webster in Miami is also great.
Ounass has the best online curation in the region. It also has one of the best edits from Middle Eastern brands as well as big, international brands. Also, it provides a two-hour delivery service in Dubai which is amazing.
There are several brands I’m loving this season. LaDoubleJ and Etro always do such great prints. Saint Laurent does the best suits. MaxMara and Nanushka are my go-tos for coats. If I could buy cashmere anywhere, I’d buy Loro Piana – the pieces are so soft they’re like butter. Courrèges is great for a jacket and Totême is just so good this season – it does such great staples. Finally, Agolde is my go-to for denim. I have a few pairs of the 90s Pinch Waist jeans in different washes, and one in off-white. I have the Criss Cross and my new favourite is the Lana.
When it comes to wow factor, I turn to Jenny Packham. I’ve worn a few of her dresses before and they are just magical. Alessandra Rich also does some of the best dresses, I love her. Also, Magda Butrym for femininity with an edge. Solace London is beautiful for something a bit more dramatic – the Lea strapless dress is on my wish list.
I like to shop quickly and alone. In Dubai, you can’t beat The Dubai Mall. That would be my dream shopping destination. I’d go there and I'd finish off by meeting a friend at either Le Petite Maison, Three Fils or Flamingo Room by Tashas – they do the best tempura.
Follow @LeivanKash on Instagram.
Photography: Georgia Baldwin
Location: The Maine
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